New Fort McKay Fire Hall officially opened with community celebration

(Fort McKay, AB – June 11, 2022) – An event featuring a barbecue, equipment demonstrations and tours as well as a ceremonial ribbon cutting—with a fire hose and the Jaws of Life replacing the traditional ribbon and scissors—marked the grand opening of the Fort McKay Fire Hall on Saturday, June 11.

Representatives from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo were joined by representatives of the Fort McKay First Nation and Fort McKay Métis Nation as well as many community members for the celebration.

Construction on the new fire hall began in 2020 and was largely complete by the end of 2021. The prime consultant was S2 Architecture and Clark Builders was the construction company. The facility includes modern offices and training areas, a fitness room, large interior bays for firefighting equipment, and more.

“Our volunteer fire department will now have a first-class fire hall to assist in their vital work of keeping us safe. This is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when Fort McKay First Nation, the McKay Métis Nation, and the RMWB work collaboratively to benefit our community.”

-        Mel Grandjamb – Chief, Fort McKay First Nation

“The opening of the Fort McKay Fire Hall will serve as a signal of community safety across both Nations. The building is staffed with an experienced team of men and women who have faced many forest fires, car accidents, bear attacks and even The Beast. With this new fire hall, our members have an additional layer of safety and that brings peace of mind.”

-          Ronald Quintal, President, Fort McKay Métis Nation

“This new facility represents a shared accomplishment and one that is worth celebrating together. Our investment reflects our ongoing commitment to rural and Indigenous communities, community resilience, and public safety. We are honoured to be a part of the Fort McKay Fire Hall’s official opening and thank everyone that played a part in making it possible.”

-          Sandy Bowman, Mayor, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

“The Fort McKay Fire Hall is not just a building. From this fire hall, the volunteers of the Fort McKay Fire Department will proudly protect their community and the region. This is a community landmark and will be a symbol of strength for many years to come.”

     - Jody Butz, Regional Fire Chief, Regional Emergency Services.

-30-