Ohamil Camp Community

The Ohamil Camp Community, located on Ohamil Reserve No. 1, will house approximately 350 people working on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

Shxw’ōwhámél, working with their local developer, cleared, graded and developed a 20-acre site as part of a long-term plan by Shxw’ōwhámél for the First Nation community, with the initial use being Trans Mountain’s camp community. In July 2020, Trans Mountain entered into a commercial agreement with Shxw’ōwhámél as a tenant or occupant of the site for use as a turn-key facility for temporary worker accommodation, which is currently planned for December 2020 to October 31, 2023.

We understand the importance of ensuring temporary workers and their accommodation needs are well-managed and are aligned with the community’s interests and capacity. In addition to our Worker Code of Conduct for all TMEP workers, camp community policies and management practices are in place to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all. Trans Mountain will work with the site owners to ensure Trans Mountain policies and expectations will be adhered to during Trans Mountain’s occupancy.

Community and Infrastructure

Shxw’ōwhámél has independently developed this 20-acre site as part of a long-term development for the First Nation community. The site, which will be used for the proposed Ohamil Camp Community, is self-sufficient – connected to power with on-site water and sewer infrastructure.

The community includes a variety of amenities, including:

  • Private bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Central dining with full meal service and bagged lunches
  • Recreation areas including pool tables, foosball tables and exercise equipment
  • On-site lounge
  • Health and medical services
  • On-site store providing a limited range of convenience items
  • Quiet spaces for reflection/spiritual meditation

Within the proposed Ohamil Camp Community, alcohol will be prohibited except where served in the controlled licensed lounge, operating in compliance with provincial regulations. The controlled lounge approach strikes a balance between maintaining consumption limitations that support worker wellness and healthy lifestyles while discouraging workers from seeking alcohol in communities.

Transportation

All workers will be bused to and from worksites, minimizing traffic on public roadways. Parking will be available on-site for workers staying in the proposed camp community and for local workers driving to the on-site construction office.

Wellness and Support

Urgent and non-urgent healthcare services are available on-site, including management of long-term health conditions or short-term illnesses as well as preventative health measures such as flu shots.

Confidential mental health and addictions services will be provided on-site in the camp community. On-site liaisons help support positive camp life through a range of programs including cultural and community-based activities.

Site Security

Trans Mountain collaborates with local communities, Indigenous groups and law enforcement on security and policing matters. On-site, a dedicated certified Security Team provides 24/7 security, gate access and control, as well as contraband detection and enforcement. No unauthorized guests may visit the camp community and family, or personal guests are not permitted to stay overnight. Any worker who does not return by the scheduled curfew is subject to a Fit for Duty assessment.