Council’s Strategic plan

Council’s Strategic plan

Council’s Strategic Plan (2025–2029) was approved in June 2026 and provides the strategic direction and priorities for the region.  

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Four-Year Strategic Governance Plan establishes a disciplined governance framework that defines Council’s strategic direction, oversight responsibilities, fiscal expectations, and accountability approach for the current Council term. The document reinforces the distinction between governance and administration by positioning Council as the body responsible for setting policy direction, defining strategic priorities, overseeing risk, and ensuring transparency, while Administration is responsible for implementation and operational execution. 

The Plan is grounded in a mission to build a strong and opportunity-rich region through reliable core services, responsible stewardship of public resources, ethical governance, and collaborative regional relationships that support sustainable economic growth and quality of life across all communities. Its vision emphasizes resilient infrastructure, dependable municipal services, financial sustainability, public trust, and a region positioned for long-term prosperity. 

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Council will build a strong region enriched with abundant opportunity — delivering reliable core services, governing with integrity, stewarding public resources with discipline, using unified regional relationships that enable sustainable economic growth and elevated quality of life in every community.  

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo will be a region where municipal services are reliable and responsive, infrastructure is renewed and resilient, and long-term financial stability is firmly in place. Across our diverse region, residents will experience confident emergency readiness, reliable service delivery, inviting public spaces, expanded recreation access, and transparent decision-making. RMWB will be positioned for sustained economic growth and enduring prosperity 

Explore the four pillars of the plan and learn what initiatives and priorities Council will be advancing to support each area.  

Strategic Themes & Priorities

The Strategic Governance Plan is built around four main themes: 

  • Economic Development and Competitiveness
  • Governance Excellence and Organizational Effectiveness
  • Intergovernmental and Nation Relations
  • Community Services and Well-Being 

Key priorities and action items have been identified under each of these themes, which will be measured and reported on annually. These reports will be shared on this page.  

Council Values

Integrity

Acts within legislation and policies; adheres to policy; communicates honestly, accurately and transparently with the public and colleagues, in the best interests of the region.  

Selfless Service

Prioritizes long-term municipal interests; makes decisions based on community impact and sustainability, not popularity.

Humility

Seeks diverse perspectives before forming conclusions; acknowledges mistakes openly; engages respectfully with residents and colleagues.  

Unity

Supports Council decisions once made; works collaboratively with councillors and administration; addresses disagreements constructively, focusing on issues.  

Fairness

Always applies policies without favouritism; ensures all have the opportunity to be heard; bases decisions on evidence and community need. 

Guiding Principles

Follow Through

Ensures decisions and strategic priorities are acted upon, monitored for progress, and adjusted when necessary to maintain alignment with approved plans.  

Trust in Confidentiality

 Protects confidential and in-camera information per legislation; maintains discretion to preserve public trust, legal integrity, and effective governance.  

Fiscal Prudence

Manages public resources responsibly; evaluates expenditures based on strategic value; considers financial risk, asset management, and intergenerational impacts.  

Consistency

Applies bylaws and policies fairly and aligns decisions with approved strategic plans to maintain predictable, principled governance.  

Accessible

Promotes meaningful public access to information, meetings, and decision-making; communicates clearly; seeks to reduce barriers that limit engagement.  

Respectful Discourse

Fosters constructive dialogue grounded in professionalism and mutual respect; debates issues thoughtfully; encourages active listening and exchange of differing perspectives.  

Prepared & Informed

Reviews materials in advance; asks well-considered questions; bases decisions on evidence, legislation, expert advice, and community input; considers risks and long-term implications.  

Respect for Diverse Perspectives

Recognizes a range of community, cultural, and stakeholder perspectives; ensures deliberations reflect awareness of varied impacts across the municipality.  

Professionalism

Upholds the integrity and credibility of public office; respects the distinct roles of governance and administration; demonstrates impartiality and ethical conduct.  

Accountability

Takes responsibility for decisions; communicates outcomes transparently; monitors performance against strategic objectives and reports progress publicly. 

Equitable

Considers fairness and inclusion in policy development and resource allocation; ensures municipal services are accessible to all; evaluates decisions through the lens of community-wide impact. 

Contact Us

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Phone: 780-743-7000
Toll free: 1-800-973-9663

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