After all the confusion occasioned in the public mind by the contradictory reports which have been disseminated from time to time regarding the future of both the Canol project and the Alaska Highway, it is indeed refreshing to learn that the Imperial Oil Co., opened last week service stations at Fort St. John, Trutch, Muncho Lake and Fort Nelson, and that others are to be opened at strategic points between Fort Nelson and the Alaska section of the highway. Harry Noakes, well-known Ontario man, has charge at Trutch, Ed. Campbell at Fort Nelson, and Paul Greenning at Muncho Lake. Mr. J. Holland, district manager of the Imperial Oil Co. Ltd., accompanied by Sgt. Smith of the U. S. Army, assumed charge on behalf of his company. Gasoline and lubricants, along with other commodities, are now on sale. The price of gas to Canadians is 54.1 cents per gallon and to U S. army personnel 46.1 cents.
Whilst no bid as yet is being made for tourists, stopping and eating places and full accommodation is already provided for truckers, army and air force personnel and such civilians as are now passing over the highway. It is reported that the Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey will open similar service stations at strategic points on the Alaskan section of the highway.
Electric light, hot and cold water, and the most modern equipment and furniture are features of the various camps which the Imperial Oil Co. are now operating. Sound pictures are being shown at intervals and the camps are in radio and telephonic communication with the outside world at all times. What more could one wish for?
Between Whitehorse and Canol camps have been left intact ready for immediate occupancy, each equipped with artesian wells for their water supply. Inventories of these and their contents have now been completed and forwarded to Washington, D. C., presumably with the object of their being acquired later by the Imperial Oil Co. Ltd., or some other commercial concern.
