Council approves Strategic Governance Plan

(Fort McMurray — June 10, 2026) RMWB Council has approved the Strategic Governance Plan for the 2025-2029 term, at the June 9 Council meeting. It sets the strategic direction, oversight responsibilities, fiscal expectations, and accountability approach for the current Council term.

“The new Strategic Plan is guided by what we’ve heard from community members and charts the course for the Municipality for the next four years,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “With the region’s permanent population growing again, this Strategic Plan represents a balance between ensuring we make progress on ongoing efforts while recognizing there are new opportunities in front of us. Thank you to my Council colleagues and all those that played a role in the Strategic Plan’s development.”

The Strategic Governance Plan is built around four main themes:

Economic Development and Competitiveness

Council will focus on strengthening investment, improving competitiveness and encouraging economic growth across the region.

Governance Excellence and Organizational Effectiveness

The plan supports ethical leadership, financial sustainability, asset management, improved accountability and maintaining a respectful and high-performing organizational culture.

Intergovernmental and Nation Relations

Council is committed to building respectful relationships with Indigenous Nations and working closely with the provincial and federal governments.

Community Services and Well-Being

Priorities include community safety, emergency preparedness, recreation and culture, accessibility and reliable municipal services.

The Plan also identifies several values, such as integrity, unity, and fairness, that Council commits to uphold. Accompanying the Council values is a set of guiding principles, including fiscal prudence, respectful discourse, and accountability, which inform how Council conducts its business.

Measuring progress

The Strategic Governance Plan includes a commitment to accountability and reporting to track progress and keep residents informed. Annual reports will measure areas such as economic growth, financial sustainability, infrastructure, reconciliation efforts, and organizational health. There is also a commitment to undertake a mid-term strategic review of the Plan.

With Council having now set the direction, Administration will now work to develop departmental business plans and operational strategies that implement Council’s direction and priorities.

The Strategic Governance Plan is available online at rmwb.ca/strategicplan

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