Weekly update: School support staff vote to strike, firefighters remember fallen comrades

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Happy weekend, Fort McMurray!

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• ATC Cultural Festival: Celebrate the Indigenous cultures of the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region at Snye Point Park until Sept. 15. Information.
• Keyano Huskies Soccer: Keyano Huskies face the NWP Wolves at Shell Place. 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday. Free admission for all fans.
• Play in a Day: For Alberta Culture Days 2024, get a group together and write, direct and act in a play created in 24 hours. Participants are given a theme, prop, and costume piece to be included. They will have access to rehearsal space at King Street Theatre, where they give a free performance for judges. Theme reveal at 7 p.m. today, performances Saturday at 6 p.m. Information and free tickets.
• RES Community Pancake Breakfast: The Fort McMurray Fire Department celebrates its 50th anniversary with a morning of rescue demonstrations, tours of emergency services equipment, fire trucks, an interactive fire safety trailer and lots of pancakes. Children can meet Sparky and other local mascots, try a full-size fire hose and even take part in a fire rescue obstacle course. Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon at Fire Hall 1 (2 Tolen Drive). Information.
• Hospital Bed Races: Teams of four people in costumes or corporate gear and one 150-pound sandbag will race each other in 50-metre sprints as they raise money for the Northern Lights Health Foundation. All teams are guaranteed two races with the fastest teams advancing. Prior to race day, teams must fundraise a minimum of $2,000. Sept. 21. Information.
• Fort McMurray Aurora Handbell Ringers: Fort McMurray’s only handbell choir is recruiting adults. The choir meets once a week starting in October. Whether you are a beginner or have played before, there is a spot for everyone in a club promising a great atmosphere to meet people and work together to create beautiful music. Contact the music director at 780-715-8570 for more information.
• Oktoberfest: Celebrate with music, pretzels and beers at the Fort McMurray Heritage Society. Family-friendly event from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Adult event 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Oct. 5. Information.
• Council’s Excellence Awards: Nominations for outstanding people, community champions, young achievers and real-life heroes are open until Oct. 14.
• Kenny vs. Spenny Live: In a rare instance of Fort McMurray importing a crude product, the “best friends” who became famous for torturing each other on national television bring their 20th anniversary tour to Fort McMurray. Oct. 19 at Quality Hotel Ballroom from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets.
• The Trews live at Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre: For anyone “tired of waiting,” The Trews return to Fort McMurray after concerns about lightning cancelled their outdoor show last year at Snye Point Park. Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets.
• Halloween Thriller: Fort McMurray’s biggest Halloween dance party returns to the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets.
• April Wine headlines Back to the 80s: April Wine featuring Queen tribute band Queen Flash and Guns & Roses tribute band Nightrain. Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. at Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre. Tickets.
• Brett Kissel live at Rivers Casino and Entertainment Centre: Alberta country music star Brett Kissel returns to Fort McMurray for two nights. Tickets go online at the casino on Monday at 10 a.m. Shows are Nov. 15 and 16
• Wood Buffalo Regional Library hosts all-ages weekly events.
• MacDonald Island Park updates its website with upcoming events and programs.
• Wood Buffalo Volunteers has volunteer opportunities for different causes and non-profits across Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.
• Obituaries: Obituaries, memorial notices and sympathy announcements can be uploaded and read online.

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Educational assistants, school support workers vote to strike

More than 1,000 educational assistants, librarians, IT workers, custodians, maintenance workers and other support staff at Fort McMurray’s public and Catholic schools have voted to strike on Sept. 17.

The workers argue their wages have failed to keep up with rising costs of food, utilities, fuel and other services in northern Alberta.

Both CUPE union locals say their members are burning out from working in crowded and understaffed schools.  Many members are working two to three jobs to pay their bills.

“Underfunding has created a crisis within our schools with overcrowded classrooms, lack of adequate supports for students and staff,” said Danielle Danis, president of CUPE Local 2559, which represents workers in the Catholic system.

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“Everybody is exhausted and feeling undervalued,” said Lynn Fleet, president of the public school system’s CUPE Local 2545, in an interview.

“The government just isn’t interested in providing adequate funding to run a school.”

Fort McMurray’s public and Catholic systems have said schools will remain open. Superintendents for both divisions said in interviews before the start of the academic year they face larger classes, fewer staff and high enrolment. Both leaders argued the Alberta government’s funding formula for schools has failed them.

Firefighters honour fallen comrades at ceremony

The dangers of firefighting were at the forefront as members of the Fort McMurray Fire Department honoured their fallen comrades on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

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On top of the dangers they already face, cancer has become the leading cause of death and illness impacting firefighters, said Evan Crawford, president of the Fort McMurray Firefighters’ Association, at the ceremony. It is a fact Fort McMurray firefighters know too well.

After years of lobbying, the Alberta government expanded coverage for occupational illnesses to include more than 20 forms of cancer. Any firefighter that fought the 2016 Horse River Wildfire will receive automatic coverage and be recognized for these illnesses.

Fort McMurray Christopher Relph, who died in 2018 at 29, is now covered and recognized as a firefighter who died in the line of duty thanks to this legislative change.

The Wednesday morning ceremony outside Fire Hall #5 in Gregoire also honoured the lives of five fallen Fort McMurray firefighters: James Banting, Conrad Dion, Rick Hawkins, David Richard and Larry Walker.

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Crawford also paid tribute to Morgan Kitchen, a wildland firefighter from Calgary who died fighting forest fires in Jasper National Park this past summer.

Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz pointed out the department turns 50 years old this year as he reflected on the dangers of the job.

“You are called upon when others seek refuge and you respond with fearless resolve. Your willingness to confront danger when others retreat is what sets you apart. You are the foundation of this region’s long-standing legacy and the heart of our community,” said Butz.

A full photo gallery of the ceremony is in the article.

Fort McMurray bear encounters up, RMWB rolls out bear-resistant bins in some areas

Bear encounters within Fort McMurray this year have been higher than what’s been seen in previous years, according to Alberta Fish and Wildlife.

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Enforcement officers with the department also say they have seen more bears in the city who are comfortable around human food sources, such as garbage.

As of Monday, enforcement officers in 2024 have responded to nearly 300 black bear encounters in Fort McMurray. Officers have captured 63 black bears, 55 of which were euthanized and eight were relocated.

“In the Fort McMurray area, the primary human food source accessed by black bears is improperly managed garbage,” said Laura Vilchis Sanchez, a spokesperson with Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, in a Monday email.

“This practice has led many bears to associate human activity with easy access to food, creating ongoing challenges in managing bear behaviour.”

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The RMWB is distributing more than 1,400 bear-resistant garbage bins to Fort McMurray streets with the highest reported number of bear encounters this year, as well as Anzac, Draper and Gregoire Lake Estates.

A distribution schedule and full list of impacted Fort McMurray streets is in the article.

Council approves outdoor rink plan for backyards, municipal land

People across Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo can build hockey rinks on their property and adjacent municipal land.

Homeowners face restrictions on size and location of the rinks to ensure they do not block utilities or emergency routes. Lights and sound is regulated by existing bylaws to avoid disturbing neighbours.

The RMWB can assess each rink on a case-by-case basis and decide if insurance is necessary. The rinks are intended primarily for children and not competitions.

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“We live in a northern community and we have two seasons: summer and winter,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman, who proposed the motion last January.

There was debate about liability in case of accidents. The original plan required people to get $2 million in liability insurance and name the RMWB as an additional insured party.

Resident Bryce Kumka, who works for an insurance company, told council it could be difficult for an insurance company to provide coverage for an ice surface that’s not fully on their property. After speaking with other insurers, Kumka said there’s not much interest to offer this coverage.

He recommended making the insurance requirements at the discretion of the RMWB. The amendment was proposed by Councillor Stu Wigle and was passed unanimously.

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Bowman said minor hockey is the largest winter sport in Fort McMurray when he pitched the motion last January, but added the RMWB’s public ice rinks are limited.

There are 10 outdoor rinks maintained by the RMWB, but these public rinks are on a first-come, first serve basis. It’s also harder to organize hockey and skating events for children when adults or teenagers get to the rinks first.

Ice time at indoor arenas at Frank Lacroix Arena, Centerfire Place and MacDonald Island Park is in high demand. This prompted the RMWB to resurrect the Northside Twin Arena project last year. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 20.

Council approves new Municipal Development Plan

The RMWB has a new plan to manage the growth and needs of the region after council and administration both agreed the former plan is outdated.

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The new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) focuses on a slower, measured population and economic growth compared to the last oilsands boom. Priorities include a heavy emphasis on promoting economic innovation in all fields and not just the oilsands.

Other points include encouraging truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, celebrating the community and culture of the region, flood and wildfire protection, rural development and nature preservation. It was approved unanimously by council at their Tuesday meeting. Councillor Ken Ball was absent.

“The proposed MDP is aligned with our current reality and response to the challenges we face today. In order for us to progress, it is imperative that the future growth be intentional and responsible, and a new vision be adopted to enhance the sense of belonging in our region,” said Amanda Owens, the RMWB’s senior manager of planning and development.

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The former MDP was adopted by the mayor and council of the day in 2011. The Alberta government requires all municipalities to adopt a 20-year strategy managing short-term and long-term growth, decision making and priorities.

Owens said this plan is obsolete because the former plan was developed during the height of the last oilsands boom. Based on population trends and production data from oilsands companies, the RMWB expected a population of 231,000 people by 2030.

The RMWB now expects population growth of one per cent to 99,000 people by 2044, excluding the commuter workforce. The 2021 municipal census recorded Fort McMurray’s population at 76,006 and the rural hamlets count 2,740 residents.

The plan was endorsed by Dianna de Sousa, executive director of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce; and Bryce Kumka, chair of the Wood Buffalo Development Advisory Committee.

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Two residents argued the MDP shared similar languages and goals of federal or United Nations’ policies. Owens said any similarities were coincidental and denied the RMWB based the MDP on those policies.

Empty Bowls raises about $12,000 for food bank at Blueberry Festival’s return

About $12,000 was raised for the Wood Buffalo Food Bank during the Labour Day long weekend as their annual Empty Bowls fundraiser partnered with the return of the Blueberry Festival to Fort McMurray.

The money comes as the food bank braces for a sudden demand for their services, which executive director Dan Edwards said usually arrives in the fall.

During the last fiscal year, the food bank served 7,929 hampers to 18,461 people. Children represented 34.35 per cent of individuals helped by the food bank.

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Edwards said the number of people looking towards the food bank for help slows in the summer, although the last few months have been consistently busy. This also means fewer people are able to donate money or food to the food bank.

“There are still people in the community needing support. The cost of everything has increased,” he said.

“We have seen a bit of a decline in terms of what has been donated, but we are still doing our best to mitigate that and find additional resources.”

Edwards said partnering with the Blueberry Festival will continue again next year. Since 2016, Empty Bowls serves people chili and food from other vendors while selling bowls made by the Fort McMurray Pottery Guild. This year’s event included a chili cookoff from 10 local businesses and non-profits.

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RMWB schedules Ward 4 byelection for Nov. 4

Ward 4 will hold a byelection to replace Councillor Jane Stroud on Nov. 4. The ward includes Anzac, Conklin, Gregoire Lake Estates and Janvier. Stroud passed away in August.

A byelection was not needed. Because there are fewer than 18 months remaining before the next municipal election, the Alberta government allows a municipality to wait. The next municipal election is scheduled for October 2025 and nominations open on Jan. 1.

But councillors and representatives from Ward 4 agreed Stroud would not want the seat to sit vacant.

Rolando Inzunza, consultation director for the Chard Metis Nation, pointed out that Mayor Sandy Bowman praised Stroud’s work during her funeral and later said her work needs to continue. There are still issues facing Ward 4, said Inzunza, and local representation is needed to continue this work.

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A byelection would not just bring representation to council, he said, but would also be a tribute to Stroud’s political career.

Matthew Michetti, senior manager of government relations for the Willow Lake Metis Nation, argued Ward 4 is too important to remain empty until October 2025.

“It requires a dedicated and engaged representative in council to promote and steward these myriad interests and this priority growth area,” he said.

Bowman agreed Stroud would want a byelection as soon as possible.

August unemployment in Fort McMurray census area highest since January 2022

Unemployment in the census area covering Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and Cold Lake was reported at seven per cent last month in the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake Census region, the highest it’s been locally since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Outside of the pandemic, this is the highest local unemployment has been since November 2017 when it was 6.8 per cent.

The data also shows the education sector had the most job losses with 1,100 positions lost in August. About 900 jobs in the field were reported lost in July. Construction followed with 400 job losses in August.

August unemployment for the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake census region was seven per cent, up from 6.1 per cent in July. Employment dropped to 69.3 per cent from July’s 69.5 per cent. Employment in August 2023 was 69.9 per cent and unemployment was six per cent.

The participation rate—which measures how much of the population is working or actively looking for work—rose to 74.5 per cent in July. The rate was 73.9 per cent in July and 74.3 per cent in August 2023.

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The labour force added 900 positions in July from July, and grew by 2,500 positions from August 2023. The region lost 100 full-time jobs and saw no change in part-time jobs in August, and lost 200 full-time jobs and gained 1,600 part-time from August 2023.

Job losses and gains by industry, as well as national and provincial numbers, is in the article.

Man charged with threatening schools on social media:

Staff Sgt. Sabrina Clayton, an Alberta RCMP spokesperson, said the alleged threats were directed towards schools in general and did not name any specific location.

Because the statements were allegedly posted on social media, calls were made to Wood Buffalo RCMP by different people across Canada. The first report to police came on Sept. 6 at 3 p.m.

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Zander Jacobs, 19, of Fort McMurray was charged with uttering threats. He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Oct. 2.

Man wanted for skipping arson trial:

Police are looking for a Fort McMurray man accused of burning the former Supplement King store in Eagle Ridge after he failed to appear at his trial last week.

Michael Hammond, 46, was expected to begin a two-day arson trial in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Sept. 5. Hammond was charged with arson in August 2023 in connection with a fire at the store’s Eagle Ridge location.

Staff Sgt. Sabrina Clayton of Alberta RCMP said Hammond is wanted by police for failing to attend court and breaching probation.

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Fort McMurray’s two Supplement King stores in Eagle Ridge and Thickwood have since closed. The stores were the location of at least six fires. Police have not commented publicly on a motive.

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