Fort McMurray, Alberta, is located about 435 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, nestled in the boreal forest at the confluence of the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers. What attracts people to the community are the rewarding jobs created by the oil sands industry. What convinces people to stay is the sense of close-knit community, abundance of natural beauty and excellent quality of life.
People
Although the average age of Fort McMurray's 65,000 residents is fairly young—about 30 years of age—most are not new to the community. Most residents have been living in the community for more than 10 years; almost 25% of residents have lived in the community for 25 years or more.
Fort McMurray is a multicultural community, represented by groups that include:
- McMurray Newfoundlanders Club
- L’Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta
- Chinese Canadian Culture Association
- Filipino Canadian Association
- Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre
- Métis Nation, with six local councils
Schools
The public and Catholic school systems offer a wide range of education choices for students: elementary, junior high, high school, French immersion, English as a second language, special needs and Aboriginal programs.
Keyano College is a post-secondary institution that offers courses and programs for university accreditation, careers related to the oil sands industry, business, computers, technology, health services, and visual and performing arts.
Having fun
Fort McMurray offers unbeatable canoeing, fly-in fishing, wildlife viewing and nature trails. There is an extensive pathway system for runners and walkers.
Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and tubing while, in the summer, there are three 18-hole golf courses, sports fields and a skateboarding park. There are fitness and training facilities, a public library, community music and arts festivals, nightclubs with live entertainment, performances at the local Keyano Theatre, bowling, bingo and casino.