Carrie Dow

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of traditional lands and a tribute to the late GE Buller, noting his extensive public service as a former Mayor of Fort McMurray and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. The Council adopted the agenda and approved the consent agenda items. The primary focus was a quarterly update from Wood Buffalo Economic Development Tourism (WBEDT). Key topics included the launch of the Startup YMM business incubator program, which reached 100% enrollment capacity, and the development of an Industrial Attraction Program, which involves exploring opportunities like the Bitchin Beyond Combustion project. The presentation also highlighted successes in attracting local franchise investment, successful Indigenous tourism events, and significant growth in the Workforce Immigration Support Program, which helped fill 122 vacancies in Q1 2024. Furthermore, the significant increase in international student enrollment at Keyano College was noted. Council discussions focused on the Industrial Attraction Program's targets and alignment with the five-year Economic Development strategy, specifically regarding consultation with local Matee Nations.

The meeting commenced with council members adopting the agenda unanimously. The consent agenda items 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 were approved unanimously. Key segments included proclamations for Mandela's Day (March 22, 2022) and Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31, 2022), as well as proclaiming April 2022 as Poetry Month. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by the Ukrainian Cultural Society regarding the war in Ukraine, where representatives shared personal accounts, cultural significance, and requested the council to spread truth, support reputable charities, and formally stand with Ukraine. This was followed by expressions of sympathy and support from several council members. The Waterfront Advisory Committee then presented its annual update, noting support for the final priority area one waterfront park project concept, which includes a year-round designated outdoor event space, with construction anticipated to start in 2022.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of traditional lands and instructions for public registration to speak regarding the operating budget, including the community investment program items. Discussions centered on the proposed 2024 budget and the 2025 to 2026 financial plan, with the Chief Financial Officer emphasizing fiscal responsibility and long-term stability. Organizational restructuring and changes in department titles were noted as not impacting the proposed budget figures. The presentation detailed revenue projections, operating expenses, and the need for non-property tax revenues to cover expenses, resulting in a projected transfer to reserves for capital purposes. A significant portion of the meeting involved the presentation on Municipal Subsidiary Corporation Grant recommendations, covering the Library Board, Regional Recreation Corporation, and Wood Buffalo Economic Development. The Library Board specifically requested an exception to the 75% funding limitation policy, citing statutory requirements, and presented arguments for their modest funding increase request, highlighting increased service utilization and rising costs, while noting they eliminated late fees to reduce barriers for lower-income residents.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgement of the traditional lands. The agenda adoption process included a motion to reorder the agenda, moving item 5.4 after the McCoy presentation. Council then addressed items on the consent agenda, approving recommendations from items 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6, while item 3.3 was removed for separate consideration. Key discussion points involved two notices of motion brought forward for the September 10th council meeting: one regarding First Nation voting rights and another concerning disparities in electricity distribution and transmission rates across Alberta. Additionally, a notice of motion was presented concerning an update to the municipal procurement policy, including social and Indigenous procurement, and reporting on local business investment percentages. Following the consent agenda, the Mayor's Advisory Council on Youth (McCoy) presented their year-end report, detailing their activities, volunteer efforts (including Star Night, parades, trail cleanups, and soup kitchen assistance), and event attendance to gain youth perspective on regional opportunities. Their main project focused on anti-racism engagement, including school sessions and planning for a public art mural in the Parsons Creek tunnel. Council members engaged with the McCoy representatives, discussing the breadth of school representation, methods for disseminating findings in schools, and sought suggestions on how Council can better support the program and increase youth involvement in politics and government, particularly for those in rural areas.

The Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) for the Royal Municipal of Wood Buffalo aims to revitalize Fort McMurray's downtown by fostering activity and investment. It focuses on creating an all-season, accessible destination that showcases local businesses, services, and amenities. The plan is guided by principles of people-centric design, fostering a sense of place, supporting diverse uses, improving economic realities, building on existing assets, and incremental, accountable implementation. Key priorities include waterfront enhancement, improving downtown perception, activating empty lots, and integrating flood mitigation. Four focus areas (Civic Arts and Entertainment, Commercial, Waterfront Retail, and Production and Innovation) are identified as catalysts for redevelopment.