Mayor Sandy Bowman, State of the Region Address
FORT McMURRAY — The mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says the region is in a stronger position than it was several years ago, pointing to population growth, economic investment and major infrastructure projects nearing completion.
Mayor Sandy Bowman delivered his annual State of the Region address to a packed audience at Shell Place on Wednesday during the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon.
“We are in a better place than we were four years ago,” Bowman said. “That’s what matters. That’s what matters the most.”
Bowman highlighted results from the municipality’s latest census, which shows more people are living in the region permanently than ever before, with the population approaching 84,000.
He said the numbers suggest a shift away from temporary work camps and toward more workers choosing to live in the community long term.
“More people that are working here are living here,” Bowman said. “And more people that are living here, are living here for longer.”
The mayor said the number of workers living in project accommodation camps has dropped significantly, falling 22 per cent, a trend he linked to efforts with industry partners to encourage workers to settle in the community.
“Our localization efforts with industry partners are working, and it’s great to see that we are making progress together,” Bowman said.
Bowman also pointed to economic development initiatives, including the municipality’s Natural Resource Tax Incentive Program, which he said helped support Wolf Midstream in building a new facility in the region.
He said additional companies are now considering the program.
“When we do well, industry and business does well,” Bowman said. “When industry and business does well, we do well.”
Bowman also emphasized the broader role the region plays in the province and country’s economy.
“When Fort McMurray and this region does well, Alberta wins,” he said. “When Alberta wins, Canada wins.”
The mayor said housing demand may be shifting as well, noting reports from the real estate sector that homes are selling faster and inventory is declining.
“My hope is that construction goes beyond the major investments from Walmart and Home Depot to new homes and new places to live,” Bowman said.
The speech also highlighted demographic changes, including a growing population of seniors and elders who are moving to the region to live near family or access housing and services.
Bowman said the municipality has also strengthened relationships with Indigenous communities, noting that formal protocol agreements are now in place with all Indigenous governments in the region.
“We have work to do,” he said. “But we’re walking together now.”
Bowman acknowledged the region continues to face challenges, including economic uncertainty and global pressures affecting resource markets, but said the community has repeatedly shown resilience.
“This hasn’t been an easy road,” he said. “We’ve lived and come through our share of challenges.”
Still, he said the region’s strengths outweigh its obstacles.
“We have way more advantages, way more opportunities than the challenges that face us,” Bowman said.
The mayor also highlighted several major municipal projects nearing completion, including flood mitigation infrastructure and rural water and sewer expansion, describing them as the largest projects in the municipality’s history.
Bowman said council recently approved a $661-million municipal budget and noted the municipality continues to operate without debt or deficit while maintaining some of the lowest municipal tax rates in Alberta.
He also pointed to investments in public safety and social programs, including the Community Plan on Homelessness, saying those efforts have contributed to lower crime and a safer downtown.
“We have seen a reduction in overall crime, increase in public safety, and a downtown area that, step by step, is a better place to be,” Bowman said.
Bowman closed his speech by urging residents to remain focused on long-term progress despite criticism or setbacks.
“Let the crows talk,” he said. “Don’t engage. Elevate.”
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