Plans are in the works to turn the site of the former Shell Burnt Timber gas plant into a world-class training and development facility for search and rescue personnel from across Alberta and beyond, say officials.
Members of Search and Rescue Alberta (SAR), the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Sundre Petroleum Operators Group (SPOG), Shell Canada and others toured the site northwest of Cremona on Aug. 29.
Richard Smith is the training officer for Mountain View County Search and Rescue.
"We have an initiative with SPOG and Shell Canada to do a transit of the lease that Shell holds right now at the old Burnt Timber gas plant and allow Search and Rescue Alberta and its resources throughout the province to use it as a training and development site," said Smith.
"We could use it for training and development all year round. It is going to build up our skills as search and rescue providers for tasking agencies in the province, such as the RCMP, Parks Canada and the military. It's going to greatly assist public safety."
The facility would be the first of its kind not only in Alberta, but also anywhere in Canada, he said.
Training at the site could include developing tracking skills, leadership, forensic work, canine training, over-night shelter survival, and evacuation management, he said.
Shell and Search and Rescue Alberta already have a memorandum of understanding for use of portions of the site.
"Right now we do not have a designated training site outdoors in the province," he said. "It allows us to respond operationally to all incidents on long weekends in the West Country."
Asked about the timeline for the project, he said, "It's going to take five to 10 years for this to happen. We will end up leasing it from the province of Alberta in probably five to eight years once the province gives Shell Canada a reclamation certificate.
"It's just a matter of working with Shell and our other partners like the Alberta Energy Regulator, Alberta Environment and Parks and the counties. We are working on getting the lease and getting the approvals."
There are three existing buildings on site, as well as power connections, that could be used as part of the new facility, he said.
Mike Cook is the Search and Rescue liaison officer with the office of the Fire Commissioner of Alberta.
"Having a dedicated site where they can train and hone their skills is just a win-win for everybody," said Cook.
"I believe it's an excellent project and the cooperation is fantastic.
"There are hundreds of hours every month by SAR volunteers training to help protect the public and to ensure that people who are using our wilderness areas are protected when they have a mishap and they need help."
Asked about the funding of the new project, he said, "There will have to be negotiations on whether there will be taxation of the site or not. It's hoped that between the county and the province there will be some sort of agreement so it's not costing a lot in that type of taxing.
"The SAR teams will continue to fundraise in order to keep the site maintained and operating."
There have already been inquiries from the U.S., Ireland, Iceland, the United Kingdom and elsewhere to make use of the facility, he said.
Gerry Protti, chairman of the Alberta Energy Regulator, says the new training facility would be a great asset for Alberta.
Built in the 1950s, the Burnt Timber plant was closed a number of years ago. Reclamation work is continuing at the site.
"We could use it for training and development all year round. It is going to build up our skills as search and rescue providers for tasking agencies in the province."Richard Smith
