Elk Point rallies behind fluid hauling companies

The Town of Elk Point is reaching out to Canadian Natural Resources (CNRL) over recent news that the oil company has pulled contracts with many trucking outlets in Elk Point.

Council learned that CNRL recently entered into a contract with a fluid hauling company out of Lloydminster, Stanchuk Trucking (1997) Ltd., rather than a company from Elk Point.

As of April 15th, CNRL will no longer have fluid hauling contracts with Shamrock Valley Enterprises, E-Can Oilfield Services, Hollow River Transportation, Fusion Oilfield Solutions and Thrive. All five companies are based out of Elk Point.

Deputy Mayor Debra McQuinn was “extremely disappointed” saying that the choice has “severely crippled the community,” as local businesses were hit hard. She pointed out that the Town supported CNRL this January when the provincial government was planning to increase the curtailment of heavy oil production, and feels betrayed.

However, Councilor Dwayne Yaremkevich acknowledged, “We can’t tell a company how to run its business,” and Councilor Tim Smereka emphasized that, for the most part, Elk Point and CNRL are mutually supportive.

Council has directed administration to write a letter to CNRL inviting the company to “join the community in building a strong working relationship.”

Council has also determined that it would be in the Town’s best interest to extend an invitation to Stanchuk Trucking  suggesting that Elk Point would be an ideal site for a regional office.