Wildfire Commemoration Vote, RMWB Council May 24, 2026
FORT McMURRAY — Municipal council has approved $100,000 in funding to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Horse River wildfire, with a special meeting planned to determine how the commemoration will take shape.
Councillors voted unanimously Tuesday to allocate the funding from the municipality’s emerging issues reserve and to hold a special council meeting on April 7 to further develop plans for the event.
Administration had initially requested up to $225,000 to host a community gathering on May 3, the anniversary of the wildfire that forced the evacuation of roughly 88,000 residents and became the costliest disaster in Canadian history.
Chief of staff Matthew Harrison told council the anniversary represents a significant milestone and an opportunity to reflect on residents’ experiences, acknowledge recovery and recognize lessons learned.
He said the proposed event would not be a celebration, but a respectful and optional opportunity for reflection, noting people were affected in different ways.
Harrison said best practices from other communities support flexible, community-focused events rather than formal ceremonies, and recommended a drop-in style gathering at SMS Equipment Stadium with indoor space available if needed.
The proposal included quiet spaces, optional family activities, food and refreshments, along with a brief speaking program featuring dignitaries.
However, some councillors raised concerns about the tone and structure of the event.
Coun. Luanna Bussieres questioned whether the proposal placed enough emphasis on healing, calling it “tone deaf” and arguing a commemoration of this nature should be rooted in a psychosocial approach.
“We have an opportunity to lead with empathy and to lead with healing in mind,” she said, adding that activities such as barbecues could shift the tone away from reflection.
Coun. Nicole Vardy asked about the inclusion of mental health supports and whether rural communities would be part of the commemoration, while Coun. Kyle Vandecasteyen suggested sending the proposal back to administration for further development.
Harrison acknowledged the plan could evolve, but said time constraints made it important to secure funding in order to proceed with planning.
Mayor Sandy Bowman suggested approving a budget first, then holding a separate meeting to determine the final format of the event.
Council ultimately approved a reduced budget of $100,000 following a motion by Vardy, seconded by Coun. Mike Allen, to support planning and delivery of community gatherings in both Fort McMurray and surrounding rural communities.
The motion also directs administration to return any unused funds to the reserve.
The vote passed unanimously.
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