Over $2.1 million for Fort McMurray and area organizations announced at the newest PrairiesCan service location
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is known for being at the heart of Canada's energy sector and is a major contributor to Alberta's economy. Fort McMurray and area are home to innovative entrepreneurs, growing businesses, hardworking Canadians, and rich Indigenous history and culture.
Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, officially unveiled a new PrairiesCan service location in Fort McMurray. This will bring PrairiesCan directly to the community to address the unique opportunities and priorities of the Fort McMurray - Wood Buffalo region and northern Alberta. The new office is currently located at Start-up YMM in downtown Fort McMurray.
Communities across the Prairies know how to best address their unique needs and priorities. That is why the Government of Canada is enhancing community economic development by opening seven new PrairiesCan regional service locations, including the new Fort McMurray location. It is now easier for local entrepreneurs, municipalities, Indigenous partners, community organizations, and others to tap into PrairiesCan services in their community.
As part of the launch, Minister Vandal announced $2,175,997 for six projects that focus on community revitalization, tourism and economic growth - and support for more than 50 jobs workers can depend on.
The six projects receiving funding today are:
Canada Community Revitalization Fund
- The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is receiving $750,000 to upgrade the waterfront in downtown Fort McMurray into a community park and a venue capable of hosting a variety of public events.
- Fort McMurray 468 First Nation is receiving $503,198 to build a cultural gathering space and community park.
- The Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo is receiving $223,000 to enhance recreational opportunities in MacDonald Island Park by installing three outdoor basketball courts and automated batting cages.
Tourism Relief Fund
- Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism is receiving $499,800 to create a large mobile exhibit that uses virtual reality to promote unique northern Alberta experiences for residents and tourists to explore in the Wood Buffalo region.
- The Fort McMurray Heritage Society is receiving $99,999 to create a year-round outdoor market inside the Fort McMurray Heritage Village.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
- Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism is receiving $100,000 to establish a training program and affordable commercial space in downtown Fort McMurray for home-based microbusinesses to better-reach potential customers.
These projects have a wide range of benefits, from attracting visitors to the region and enhancing the visitor economy, to providing targeted supports to help grow small- and medium-sized businesses, and creating accessible and modern public gathering spaces. Today's investments continue to build the region's vibrant economy, creating jobs and opportunities for Alberta workers.
