by BRIAN HAYES, Chronicle-Herald, June 26th, 1998

Fall River Village may have to change its name to Mobilville if the number of homes being built for offshore oil workers is any indication.

Since the spring of 1997, between 10 and 15 oil workers and their families have opted to settle down in the 250-hectare subdivision sandwiched between Fall River, Waverley and Windsor Junction.

"Most are Mobil employees from Louisiana and Texas," developer Paul Pettipas said.

But one family formerly lived in Nigeria in company-provided housing, which resembled an armed camp. "Boy, are they glad to be living here."

Mr. Pettipas said a number of Canadians involved in the giant oil project have also built homes in the upscale village.

He said Mobil officials expressed interest in his development after spotting the company's home page on the Internet.

Mr. Pettipas said he met with a Mobil executive in the winter of 1997 and took him on a tour of the subdivision. "He liked what he saw," the developer said. "We built him a home and for four other people he works with."

Since then, oilmen have continued to move into the village, Mr. Pettipas said.

He said the Mobil workers could be considered the advanced guard, who will be getting the project up and running before turning it over to the locals. "Most of them expect to be here for three to five years."

Mr. Pettipas said the oilmen are experienced movers. "They love the area, the open spaces, the hunting and fishing," he said. "They're also impressed with living in a safe community."

Mr. Pettipas said most of the oilmen will eventually live in Fall River Village, which will have 600 homes when complete.

To date, about 400 building lots have been developed in the subdivision created 25 years ago.