Invest

Market Opportunity

Driving Canada’s economy from the heart of North America.

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE.

From having the lowest corporate tax rate in Canada—at 8%—to municipal incentives like a five-year tax exemption and over $200,000 available for businesses in downtown Fort McMurray, we believe our region is a prime example of what that advantage truly is.

INDUSTRY GROWTH YOU CAN DEPEND ON.

Because of the growth that we continue to experience in the oil sands, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo has opportunities you can count on.

15% of Canada’s Oil & Gas Extraction industry workforce is employed in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo
There are 100 Billion Barrels of oil remaining in the Athabasca Oil Sands, which is about 100 years of activity. Over the next 11 years, the Athabasca Oil Sands is projected to contribute $1 Trillion to the Canadian GDP.
For 2021, capital investment in the oil sands is forecast at $7.3 billion, up approximately 8% from an estimated $6.7 billion in 2020. Increased capital spending for 2021 is a positive sign.
Through direct and indirect employment, taxes and royalties that support education, health care, infrastructure construction and more, the oil sands are a source of prosperity across the nation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

MARKET PROFILE

Significant Unmet Opportunity

38.2%

Outflow Available for Recapture

Robust Commercial/Retail Demand

$1,85B -$3.01B

2022-2030

High Household Income

$212,433

2022 Average

Young Affluent Consumer Base

35.3

Median Age

Employed in Wood Buffalo

15%

of Canada’s Oil & Gas Extraction industry workforce

Oil remaining in the Athabasca Oil Sands

100 Billion Barrels

This means about 100 years of activity.

graphic representing key industries and the room to grow

URBAN MARKET OPPORTUNITIES.

Our population is growing. Saline Creek and Parsons creek can accommodate a combined 40,000 new residents. We have no shortage of space for families and innovators to come and find their success.

Our downtown is experiencing a renaissance with our Mayor and Council prioritizing its revitalization. Did you know that Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo still doesn’t have a Costco? There’s room for our first Winners and Lululemon too.

The following is a list of opportunities in leading industries in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

National/Regional Retail Anchors
High Density Mixed Use Projects
Community Commercial/Services
Branded Outlet Mall
Urban Entertainment Centre
Technology Based Commercial
Health Services/Commercial
National/Specialty Restaurants
Hospitality/Conference Centre
Leisure/Resort Destinations
Highway Services/Travel Centre
Auto Mall

TOURISM

OPPORTUNITY IN ADVENTURE

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is becoming a destination for tourism as well. With Canada’s largest national park in our backyard and epic adventures to be had, it’s easy to see why. There’s plenty of room for adventure, and just as much room for tourism companies to provide it.

VISIT TOURISM