Fort McMurray Minute: Pipeline Prioritization, Firehall Demolition, and Keyano College Staffing

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

This Week In Fort McMurray:

• On Tuesday, at 3:00 pm, there will be a meeting of Council. The meeting begins with a closed session, wherein Council will discuss Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism, the 2024 External Audit Management Letter, and a Personnel Matter. The meeting will open up to the public at 6:00 pm. During the public agenda, Council will proclaim a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ People.
  
  
• During the Council Meeting, several Councillor’s Motions will be brought forward. Mayor Sandy Bowman will propose that Administration engage with Council’s Advisory Committee on Aging to collaborate on the next steps for the development of an Aging in Place Facility at Willow Square. Councillor Kardinal will propose the demolition of the old firehall located in Gregoire so that the property can be utilized for future development. Councillor Dogar will bring forward a motion that the position of Councillor become full-time for the incoming 2025-2029 Council, and Councillor Banjoko will request that Administration conduct a feasibility study to understand the community need for a facility that provides recreational opportunities for special needs children.
  
  
• The Communities in Bloom Committee will meet on Thursday at 6:00 pm to discuss this year’s Seed of the Year program and planning for Community Gardening Day on May 24th. The meeting will also cover logistics for the upcoming Nominate Your Neighbour campaign.

Last Week In Fort McMurray:

• Fort McMurray reported 16 drug poisoning deaths in 2024, marking the lowest total in three years. This number dropped from 24 deaths in 2023 and 20 in 2022. Opioids were present in 10 of the fatalities, with cocaine, methamphetamine, and alcohol also contributing in several cases. Emergency crews responded to 40 opioid-related incidents, a notable decrease from 73 the previous year. Provincially, Alberta recorded 1,414 fatal drug poisonings, with Edmonton and Calgary reporting the highest numbers. The majority of opioid deaths involved men, particularly those aged 30 to 34.
  
  
• Mayor Sandy Bowman and Chamber of Commerce Director Dianna DeSousa urged the next federal government to prioritize the oilsands and pipeline development. While remaining non-partisan, both leaders stressed that current federal policies have limited the region’s potential and must be re-evaluated. De Sousa criticized regulations like the Impact Assessment Act, arguing they hinder economic growth and infrastructure projects. She also emphasized the importance of balancing environmental responsibility with energy development and called for investments in technology and immigration reform. Mayor Bowman highlighted the region’s national economic contributions and called for stronger federal recognition and support. Both leaders underscored that oil and gas must remain central to Canada’s future prosperity.
  
  
• There were significant staffing changes, including layoffs, job mergers, and restructuring across all departments at Keyano College, ahead of the institution’s upcoming budget. Although official numbers haven’t been released, former staff say up to 90 positions may be affected, while CUPE confirms at least 12 unionized jobs are being cut. The College cites rising operating costs and declining international student enrollment due to new federal policies as contributing factors. While no programs have been cancelled, Keyano is reviewing current offerings and adjusting intake schedules to increase efficiency. New programs in supply chain management and power technologies are launching this fall, and facility expansions are underway with provincial support. This marks the first major staff reduction since widespread layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic.