Help align downtown’s vision with the rules that shape development

It’s time to match the vision of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) with the rules that shape development. The Downtown ARP is a long-term plan that guides downtown development and revitalization.

To begin actioning parts of the plan, updates to the Land Use Bylaw are first needed. Before making any zoning changes, we want to hear from the people who live, work, visit, and invest in downtown Fort McMurray.

How can you participate?

• Take the quick poll and survey.
• Chat in person at the Fort McMurray Spring Tradeshow or our upcoming pop-up booths:
  
  • May 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jubilee Centre
  • May 8, 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at Peter Pond Mall
  • May 9, 1 to 3 p.m. at MacDonald Island Park
• Connect with us at your local municipal office or by calling Pulse. 

The deadline for feedback is May 15. 

Learn more about this engagement at rmwb.ca/downtown.

Setting the vision for downtown Fort McMurray 

In 2023, Council approved the Downtown ARP, setting the vision and policy direction for revitalizing downtown Fort McMurray.

It identifies different downtown areas, each based on existing land uses, its role within the downtown, and opportunities for redevelopment and revitalization. The policies for each area help guide how different parts of downtown may evolve in the future.
 
The document was built on public engagement held in 2019, 2020, and again in 2023, which confirmed the top priorities of residents and businesses are: 

• safety
• year-round accessibility
• urban design
• beautification

What are the next steps?

The vision of the Downtown ARP now needs to align with Land Use Bylaw No. 26/001. We plan to present Land Use Bylaw recommendations that reflect this vision, meet community expectations, and support downtown revitalization to Council in early 2027.

Subscribe for updates at rmwb.ca/downtown.