Fort McMurray Minute: Issue 57

Fort McMurray Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Fort McMurray politics

📅 This Week In Fort McMurray: 📅

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week. Originally, a meeting of the Community Investment Program Approval Committee was scheduled for today, but it has since been cancelled. Committee meetings resume next week, and the next Council meeting is scheduled for May 13th.
  
  
• The Municipality is working on plans to develop an Aging in Place facility in downtown Fort McMurray, aiming to support seniors who live independently. Mayor Sandy Bowman emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of the growing senior population, noting that the Municipality already has funding secured for such a facility, which was initially approved in 2015. The facility, located next to the existing continuing care center at Willow Square, would provide a supportive environment for seniors without complex medical needs. The Municipality will work with the Advisory Committee on Aging - as well as the public - to outline the next steps, with suggestions to be presented to council by September 9th, 2025. The project is expected to benefit seniors from rural and Indigenous communities, reducing the need for relocation to larger cities.
  
  
• The Municipality has decided not to raise municipal property taxes in 2025, keeping its rates among the lowest in Alberta. However, some residents may see an increase on their property taxes due to the Alberta government increasing education taxes, which the Municipality is obligated to collect on behalf of the Province. Councillor Stella Lavallee proposed to reduce rural residential and non-residential property taxes by 2.65% in the region's rural hamlets. Lavallee argued that this tax cut would help balance the costs for residents joining the rural water and sewage system. Councillor Ken Ball disagreed, stating that the system is a service charge, not a tax. Despite his opposition, the amendment passed with all Councillors, except Ball, voting in favour.
  
  
• The Municipality launched its annual Community Cleanup and Adopt-A-Trail programs. Residents, families, and organizations are encouraged to volunteer by cleaning parks, trails, and public spaces, with supplies provided while available. The Community Cleanup program offers flexible participation, while Adopt-A-Trail asks for four cleanups between May and September, with returning volunteers receiving recognition. Registration is open until September 15th. A kickoff event will be held on May 1st at kiyām Community Park.
  
  
• Firefighters are battling a wildfire in Fort McMurray that briefly closed a section of Highway 63 on Friday. The fire grew to 10 hectares and is being fought by both Municipality firefighters and Alberta Wildfire crews, with helicopters and airtankers assisting. Highway 63 at Quarry Ridge was closed for safety but has since reopened. Alberta Wildfire warns that the fire risk remains high in the area, with hot temperatures and strong winds expected. The fire was not caused by a controlled burn, and its cause is still under investigation.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

It’s Election Day! Voters from coast to coast are casting their ballots to decide who will form the next government. Make sure you take the opportunity to have your voice heard.

Need details on where to vote, what ID to bring, or who’s running in your riding? Visit the Elections Canada website for everything you need to know:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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