A post from QQ_Girl on another forum. Some big name attention in the area.

CALGARY - Two of the world's richest people, Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates and his friend, American investment magnate Warren Buffett, quietly flew into northeastern Alberta on Monday, where they took in the oilsands, apparently with awe.

Buffett and Gates - who were Nos. one and three, respectively, on the world's richest people list in the March edition of Forbes Magazine - were hosted by a group that included Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) at Canadian Natural's $9.3 billion Horizon oilsands development.

"We were asked to come up and give a general overview on the oilsands and Canada's role in the world of energy in general, which we did," said Greg Stringham, CAPP's vice-president. "They were exercising curiosity, basically saying, 'wow, this is neat.' "

The Herald has learned that billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffett paid a quiet visit to the Alberta oilsands, Monday.

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Canadian Natural spokesman Rob Larson confirmed the tour involving Gates and Buffett happened but he said Canadian Natural management would not comment beyond that.

A source said Gates and Buffett, who in recent months said he favours investing in the Canadian oilsands because it offers a secure supply of oil for the United States, visited the booming hub to satisfy "their own curiosity" but also "with investment in mind."

There is presently $125 billion worth of new construction being planned for the oilsands, which when combined with operating expenses add up to a whopping $215 billion over the next five years.

The industry has also been under seige from environmental groups and foreign governments, including U.S. mayors, who voiced concerns about the industry's impact on air quality due to its level of emissions, on water quality in the Athabasca River and about the slow rate of land reclamation by industry players.

Fort McMurray mayor Melissa Blake was not aware of the visit by Gates and Buffett but the politician was been in Victoria since the start of the week.

She said the profile of one of the world's largest emerging energy plays continues to grow and visits to the area by high-profile investors, politicians and even royalty are now common.

"It's astounding to me, frankly, the calibre of these individuals to just seem to arrive quietly in our community," said Blake.

jharding@theherald.canwest.com

For late details on this developing story, pick up Wednesday's Calgary Herald.