Council approves transition plan to support heritage preservation in Wood Buffalo

At a Special Council Meeting held on September 18, 2025, RMWB Council approved a series of recommendations to ensure the continued preservation of heritage assets at the Heritage Village and Heritage Shipyard in Fort McMurray.

The Fort McMurray Heritage Society has played a vital role in preserving and sharing the region’s history for many years. The Municipality recognizes and values the Society’s longstanding contributions and the dedication of its staff.

Transition Plan

With the conclusion of the service agreement on September 30, 2025, Council has endorsed a transition plan that will see the Municipality assume care and control of the Heritage Village and Heritage Shipyard. This includes reallocating $175,062 in previously committed Community Investment Program (CIP) funding for Fort McMurray Heritage Society, to the Community Services department to support heritage preservation activities from October through December 2025.

During this transition period, existing wedding bookings will be honoured. Public access to Heritage Village will be temporarily paused to allow for important cataloguing and preservation work. These efforts are essential to ensuring the long-term protection of the site and its artifacts, and we appreciate the community’s understanding and continued support.

The Municipality will also explore a new operating model, including potential partnerships with community organizations and the Government of Alberta, and report back to Council by April 2026.

Fort McMurray Heritage Society’s Contribution to the Region

“We recognize and value Fort McMurray Heritage Society’s longstanding contributions to preserving the region’s history,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “With Heritage Society's decision to transfer these important assets to the Municipality, our focus continues to be on protecting Heritage Village, Heritage Shipyard, and the artifacts that tell our story. At the same time, we are also here to ensure community members can always engage with the region's history and heritage, and any proposed next steps should be guided by that principle.”

“We are proud of the work our staff and volunteers have done over the years to preserve and share the rich history of Wood Buffalo,” said Steve Huffman, Chair, Fort McMurray Heritage Society. “While this marks a transition, we are hopeful that efforts that will continue to ensure these important sites and artifacts remain protected for future generations. We appreciate the collaboration with RMWB and the shared commitment to heritage preservation.”

The Municipality will continue working with community partners to uphold the goals outlined in the Heritage Resource Master Plan and ensure the region’s cultural legacy remains accessible and protected.

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