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Thank you to those who participated in this engagement. You can learn more about this project below, or subscribe to Participate Wood Buffalo to stay connected (or get involved) with future engagement projects impacting our region.
Planning & Development presented the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw No. 23/016) before RMWB Council on Sept. 12, 2023, followed by a Public Hearing before it was approved by unanimous vote. To read the Plan, click here.
About the Downtown ARP
The downtown ARP provides a roadmap for the revitalization of downtown Fort McMurray. It informs future development for things like parks, housing and retail, active transportation and other measures to build downtown as an attractive destination for all residents of Wood Buffalo.
Planning & Development presented the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw No. 23/016) before RMWB Council on Sept. 12, 2023, followed by a Public Hearing before it was approved by unanimous vote. To read the Plan, click here.
About the Downtown ARP
The downtown ARP provides a roadmap for the revitalization of downtown Fort McMurray. It informs future development for things like parks, housing and retail, active transportation and other measures to build downtown as an attractive destination for all residents of Wood Buffalo.
The ARP is a legal plan that sits within a planning hierarchy of provincial and local documents including the Municipal Development Plan and the Land Use Bylaw. There is a current ARP for the downtown (City Center ARP, 2012), which is no longer reflective of the region’s circumstances or needs.
The new downtown ARP aligns with the 2022 – 2025 Council’s Strategic Plan. Supporting downtown visualization to identify and coordinate municipal investment and improvements. By aligning with Council’s strategic plan, the ARP will provide the framework for a revitalized downtown that meets the needs of residents, attracts visitors and investment, and is a point of regional pride. The Downtown ARP will be accompanied by an Action Plan which includes short-, medium-, and long-term goals that will be monitored for indicators of success throughout its 10-year lifespan.
Consider the area around the college: What amenities, services, and/or businesses in the downtown do you think would enhance a positive student experience? The Municipality is developing a Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) which supports the revitalization of downtown and guides future development. Imagine what could enhance the area surrounding the college and within downtown by completing this short survey. Your feedback will be considered for the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan.
Thank you to those who participated in this engagement. You can learn more about this project below, or subscribe to Participate Wood Buffalo to stay connected (or get involved) with future engagement projects impacting our region.
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Click here to play video
Council Meeting (Sept. 12, 2023)
The Public Hearing and approval of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan can be viewed in this recording.
ARP Next Steps
Phase 1: Initiation and Analysis
Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan has finished this stage
Phase 2: Support and Direction
Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan has finished this stage
Public Engagement
Vision and Guiding Principles
Defined Focus Areas maps
Phase 3: Draft ARP and Action Plan
Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan has finished this stage
Start final round of public engagement
Share updated draft ARP with the public
Finalize plan
Phase 4: Present to Council
Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan has finished this stage
The Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan was included on Council's consent agenda for the July 11, 2023 council meeting. The Plan will have a second and third reading on September 12, 2023, when Council returns to their regularly scheduled meetings.
The public is invited to speak before Council during the Public Hearing (second reading). The speaker will be given 5 minutes to present (excludes questions from members of Council). Register to speak or send written submissions to Legislative.Assistants@rmwb.ca by Sept. 6 at noon.
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Council approves Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw No. 23/016)
Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan is currently at this stage
Council met Sept. 12, 2023 for the Public Hearing, Second and Third Readings of the Downtown ARP. By unanimous vote, this was approved during this meeting. Read the Downtown ARP here, or review public engagement feedback here.