FMWBEDT Newsletter - April 2025

Here's how we're progressing economic development and tourism for FMWB this month

Our April newsletter includes insights from provincial sporting events welcoming thousands of visitors, several tourism operators you can contact for some unforgettable Summer experiences, continuing contractor localization plans with industry and key stakeholders, and more. One major highlight is our SiteLink Forum event happening June 4-6, 2025. SiteLink Forum is a premier event hosted by regions to provide their local businesses and land owners the opportunity to showcase and pitch to international site selectors seeking new industrial and commercial sites. After our event, both Red Deer, Alberta and Atlanta, Georgia will be hosting. This is a major opportunity for FMWB, and we strongly encourage those businesses with large scaling potential and land owners to visit our webpage listed below to learn more and register or email jessica.pilgrim@fmwb.ca with any questions.

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Amplifying FMWB's contributions to Alberta’s economic growth opportunities on panel at EDA 2025 

FMWBEDT Interim CEO, Lisa Sweet spoke on behalf of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism at Economic Developers Alberta Leaders' Summit & Conference during the panel discussion highlighting some of Alberta's primary economic engines, their status, potential emerging opportunities, and strategic approaches to accelerate growth. Lisa shared the stage and discussion with Keith Bradley, COO of Invest Alberta; Greg Caldwell, Director of Policy and Advocacy at ATCO Gas & Pipelines; and Craig Werner, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Emissions Reduction Alberta.

An unforgettable summer awaits! Plan your trip in FMWB.

From breathtaking wilderness to profound Indigenous culture, FMWB offers unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike. Share with your network or book your experience today!

From left to right in above graphic: Beyond Adventures, Gypsy Lake Lodge, Andrew Lake Lodge & Camps, Rivers Edge Anglers, Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village, Pearson Lake Lodge.

[Event] SiteLink Forum Planning (FMWBEDT event connecting local opportunities with international site selectors) 

We are excited to be inviting local businesses, land owners, and others to register for the Fort McMurray SiteLink Forum, taking place from June 4-6, 2025. SiteLink Forum is a valuable opportunity for FMWB businesses to showcase and pitch to international site selectors seeking new industrial and commercial sites. This is a boutique event, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking sessions and recreational activities.  We are excited to bring together experienced international site selectors and industry leaders in economic development, construction, architecture & engineering, and real estate to connect, gather professional insights, and share expertise. Learn More and Register Your Business

[Workshop] Helping local businesses compete in larger markets with social media advertising workshop

Advertising on Facebook and Instagram can help you reach your target audience and grow your customer base. This workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make the most of your advertising budget on these popular social media platforms. Whether you have $5, $50, or $100 a month to spend on Facebook and Instagram advertising, you can still reach your target customers and clients. Discover some creative ways to do so in this fast-paced, intermediate-level workshop. Register

Working with industry to increase localization of workers

Our goal is to increase the number of local workers in FMWB's industry. Our team alongside the RMWB presented to a group of 20 supply chain, procurement and other leaders from Suncor, Imperial Oil, CNRL, ConocoPhillips, Pathways Alliance, Meg Energy and Invest in Canada. The meeting was hosted by Pathways to discuss our Industrial Investment Attraction Strategy and for Suncor to share about their success with Contractor Localization. We expect to see more companies starting to look to Suncor's example and implement their own changes to encourage a local workforce. For FMWBEDT, Pathways will create a working group of subject matter experts to help us build out opportunities for investment attraction.

FMWBEDT's Jennifer Warren recognized provincially for impactful contributions to the region's entrepreneurship and innovation development

FMWBEDT's Manager of Entrepreneurship and Innovation receives Economic Developer of the Year for Alberta. Jennifer Warren facilitated firsthand training from Avatar Innovations to advance leadership and technology skills for local businesses. She took a lead in shaping the future of healthcare in FMWB by by collaborating with Health Cities, a leading Alberta-based non-profit organization, who works closely with communities and healthcare practitioners to identify pressing health issues and develop solutions. She also led the funding and development of the Fort Chipewyan Makerspace that provides residents with access to computers and 3D printers, along with regular programs to learn how to use the equipment. This is a very prestigious award and well deserved. Congratulations, Jennifer!

FMWBEDT April 2025 Economic Dashboard Update

"FMWB consistently records a lower unemployment rate than the national average and higher participation and employment rates than the national average. Our team is rolling out the region's first ever workforce strategy in 2025, where we aim to leverage these favorable stats while focusing on ensuring that residents of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo are first in line for local jobs." - Lisa Sweet, Interim CEO View Dashboard

[Event] Red Dress Day

An event by Athabasca Tribal Council, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and Wood Buffalo Pride. We encourage the community to gather to show support for the families and survivors of missing, murdered, and exploited Indigenous peoples. Follow Athabasca Tribal Council on Facebook to stay up to date with event details for the Red Dress Day Solidarity Walk & Memorial Round Dance happening on May 5. View the Facebook Event Page

Discover the Bird-Watching Paradise of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alberta

If you're a bird-watching enthusiast or simply love nature, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alberta, is a must-visit destination. This region, particularly within Wood Buffalo National Park, is home to an incredible diversity of bird species. Here are some of the most notable birds you can spot, making your bird-watching adventure truly unforgettable. Read More

[Event] Bringing together business leaders, community stakeholders, and creatives across all sectors

Featuring a keynote presentation by Alex Sarian, President & CEO of Arts Commons and author of The Audacity of Relevance: Critical Conversations on the Future of Arts and Culture, this luncheon will delve into the relevence of the arts in our region and beyond. Discover how arts and culture drive the economy, revitalize communities, and attract residents. Learn More and Get Your Tickets

We're seeking mentors for the Startup YMM Venture Mentorship Program

Share your expertise and make a meaningful impact in our entrepreneurial community, contribute to the growth of the local businesses, expand your professional network by connecting with other experienced mentors, and stay updated on trends and challenges. Learn More and Become a Mentor

Best of YMM 2025 - Your McMurray Magazine spotlights community leaders

We’re proud to support Your McMurray Magazine's Best of YMM/60+ Impact Awards edition, celebrating the people and businesses that make a difference in our community. Congratulations to the nominees and award recipients. Please join us in recognizing local excellence!

Best People of YMM 2025: Best chef, photographer, massage therapist, social media personality, mechanic, and more.

Best Place of YMM 2025: Hair salon, fitness centre, kids birthday, school, dental office, and more.

Best of Anything Else of YMM 2025: Date nights, home businesses, theatre shows, festivals, and more:

Marketing support and visitor engagement at 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Provincials

Our team has been working closely with Wood Buffalo Sport Connection to promote major sporting events in the region, most recently the 2025 WAG & MAG Artistic Gymnastic Provincials. 575 athletes, their families, and coaching staff entered the region April 10 – 13. Our aim is to engage with the large influx of visitors during these events through showcasing the region's tourism experiences, local businesses, and quality of life. We also want to ensure FMWB locals are aware of and attend with friends and family! Congratulations to Infinite Gymnastics, Wood Buffalo Sport Connection, and MacDonald Island Park on this successful event.

[Virtual Info Session] WISP Employer Information Session

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo employers are invited to come and learn about the Workforce Immigration and Support Program (WISP).The program’s goal is to attract and retain newcomers to become long-term residents of FMWB. This next virtual session is on May 22 at 11:00am. Learn More and Register

[Event] Heart of Wood Buffalo Excellence Awards

The annual Heart of Wood Buffalo Excellence Awards are taking place on May 29 at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts! Here are the categories linked to each nomination form:

Advocate for Action NEW
Board Leadership
Community Impact Award
Collaboration of the Year
Philanthropy Award
Social Profit Leadership Award
Newcomer Engagement Award
Volunteer Recognition Award

Keyano College creating real-world impact through research and innovation

"53 students from our two-year Environmental Technology program showcased their final capstone projects—eighteen in total—exploring critical topics in land reclamation.
These poster presentations reflected months of hands-on research and collaboration. One standout team, selected as the top project, investigated reclamation within the oil sands."

“We were able to get tailings from oil sands and actually grow plants on that. It was a chance to learn by doing, and to see the real outcomes of our research.” - Keyano student, Maryn MacLellan

Did you know you Keyano offers free first-year tuition for FMWB graduates who have achieved an 80% or higher average during high school? Find Out More

Hello Summer Festival 2025 at MacDonald Island Park! Get Tickets Today

Get ready for Fort McMurray’s two-day music festival at MIP! Set against the backdrop of long, sunlit evenings, Hello Summer will take over SMS Equipment Stadium at MIP on July 5 and 6, 2025 offering an unforgettable experience of music, food, and fun. Come for the music, stay for the vibes - and make memories that’ll last all summer long. Full Event Details and Tickets