Fort McMurray Minute: Liquor Store, Unemployment Numbers, and Natural Disaster Preparedness

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

This Week In Fort McMurray:

• On Tuesday, at 4:00 pm, there will be a Council Closed Meeting. There is very little indication as to what the meeting’s agenda will be.
  
  
• The Homelessness Initiatives Strategic Committee will meet on Wednesday at 2:00 pm. The Committee will discuss the Community Plan on Homelessness and receive a presentation from the Emergency Management Department.
  
  
• Both the Vehicle for Hire Committee Meeting and the Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, originally scheduled for Wednesday, are cancelled.

Last Week In Fort McMurray:

• Council has rejected a motion to fast-track the application for a liquor store in Fort Chipewyan, meaning the applicant must wait until mid-May to reapply for a permit. Supporters say that the store would reduce alcohol-related crime and bootlegging, which they claim have risen since the closure of an illegal liquor store in the community. However, opponents, including the Mikisew Cree First Nation, worry the store would exacerbate issues related to addiction, suicides, and mental health. RCMP say they have not found evidence of bootlegging but acknowledged alcohol is involved in most local incidents.
  
  
• Unemployment in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake region remained steady at 5.4% in March, despite slight gains in employment. The labour force grew by 1,200 people, and employment increased by 1,100, with both full-time and part-time positions seeing small boosts. Growth was largely driven by the oil, gas, and forestry sectors, as well as trades, while construction saw the largest job losses. Public and private sector employment rose, although self-employment declined. Alberta overall lost 15,000 jobs in March, mostly in manufacturing and retail, leading to a provincial unemployment rate of 7.1%. Nationally, unemployment increased slightly to 6.7%.
  
  
• Despite the wildfire and flooding risks in Fort McMurray being considered average for spring 2025, local officials have urged residents to be cautious, especially during the volatile months of April and May when conditions are most conducive to wildfires. While the region is not currently experiencing extreme drought, nearby areas have reported abnormally dry conditions. The 2024 season saw significant fire activity, with over 2,800 square kilometres burned and more than 6,600 people temporarily evacuated. Flooding from ice jams on the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers also remains a concern, as historical patterns show river break typically occurs between April 12th and May 9th. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for emergencies.