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FORT MCMURRAY — The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is moving ahead with plans to address housing pressures following the completion of a new housing needs assessment.
Council accepted the assessment as information at its March 24 meeting and directed administration and the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation to work together on a housing strategy, with a report back expected by June.
The plan is expected to outline responsibilities, timelines and future housing needs assessments as the municipality responds to growing demand.
The assessment found the region has experienced population growth for the first time in a decade, including an increase in residents choosing to live in the area permanently. Officials say that trend is contributing to rising demand for housing across multiple segments.
By 2031, the region is expected to require between 4,050 and 6,470 additional housing units to meet demand.
The report also highlights a growing need for accessible housing, with the population aged 65 and older projected to double by 2030 as more seniors choose to remain in the community.
The assessment was based on public engagement, including surveys, meetings with community partners, open houses and consultations with Indigenous rights holders and rural communities.
Municipal officials say the findings will guide future planning on municipally owned land, while housing decisions on reserve lands remain under the authority of First Nations.
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