Q: I live 2 hours NorthWest of Detroit,MI,and I've done some research on the oil sands operations up by Fort Mackay and Fort Murray, and I've read that the winters are horrendously cold(70 or 80 degrees Fahrenheit) BELOW zero. Has anyone worked up there or is currently? What is it like? And is the money as good as the media says it is?
A: The lowest temperatures I've seen around that area would be around -48 (celsius). That's a normal low temprature during the months of Jan/Feb. Here's the good news: There's hardly any wind in that area, so wind chill isn't much of a factor, and a lot of the outdoor work areas are surrounded by trees. As far as jobs go, that depends a lot on what skills/trades you are experienced in. This link lists most of the major companies working up there.. http://www.theworkplace.ca/page.asp?sect=20