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Temporary housing camp hearing June 4 in Sparwood
The District of Sparwood is holding a public hearing concerning a proposed temporary housing camp at 8000 Highway 43 on Tuesday, June 4.
Edmonton’s G.N.S. Industrial Services Ltd. (GNS), a full service, professional turnkey remote workforce accommodation and facilities company, wants to construct a temporary 114-person housing camp, for up to three years, called the Michel-Natal Open Lodge.
“Over the last few months GNS has completed a feasibility study in and around Sparwood to understand if there would be a need for short term temporary housing to accommodate contract workers in the area. After conversations with various clients, and reviewing the competitive landscape, we have determined that there is a need,” a GNS report to the district outlines.
“With expansion plans at the mines, and other municipal and provincial construction projects planned, we believe that there is a specific temporary housing need for approximately 150-200 people over the next 24-36 months,” GNS said.
“While the need for this project is temporary, we also understand Sparwood has a need for a more permanent housing solution. By working with the current landowner on this opportunity we believe we can help achieve the goal of leaving a ‘legacy’ behind by helping develop the site that he already has plans drawn up for 30 permanent modular homes.”
GNS says it has budgeted $600,000 to $800,000 dollars for service upgrades to the site, which include tying in sewage, upgrading the access road as well as land development on a portion of the site.
“All this work will bring the permanent modular development much closer to getting started once GNS leaves the site in 24-36 months.
GNS’s goal is to have the lodge operating in four to five months.
There will be a need to hire approximately 15 people to work at the lodge during peak operations.
The district hearing is for Temporary Use Permit 2018-001 to allow for a temporary housing camp at 8000 Highway 43. Following the hearing, council will consider a resolution to issue the permit at the June 18 meeting.
Copies of the draft Temporary Use Permit and related materials can be reviewed at the Municipal Office, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, during regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday from Wednesday, May 22 to Tuesday, June 4.
The hearing starts at 6 p.m. in the Community Hall (upstairs in the Leisure Centre) at 367 Pine Avenue.
Contact the district or go here for more information.
Image from District of Sparwood and GNS
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