Franklin and Main Park gets official name

The Municipality is committed to preserving, revitalizing, and strengthening Indigenous languages as part of its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The RMWB is pleased to announce that Council has approved an official name of the park formerly referred to as the Franklin and Main Park in downtown Fort McMurray. The name Kiyām [key-yam] was supported by the Wood Buffalo Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee and recommended by the Community Identification Committee (CIC). The CIC is a Council-appointed Committee that makes recommendations to Council with respect to the naming of public facilities within the region.

The official name of the park is Kiyām Community Park, a Cree and Michif word meaning “Let it be.” The word is used when you are at peace with yourself and your surroundings, and nothing anyone does or says can or will affect you or no negativity or malice will touch you.

"I am pleased that the organization continues to advance the Calls to Action set out in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report. Naming this park in a local Indigenous language is an important step forward and something that I hope to see more of as we continue to honour Indigenous heritage in Wood Buffalo,” says Dennis Fraser, Director of Indigenous and Rural Relations for the RMWB.

The project is currently under construction with completion expected by fall 2021.

Interested in seeing what the new park will feature?

The final design is available for viewing above. The park design includes accessible features such as community gathering spaces, a medicine wheel rock garden, micro businesses, an interactive water feature, a full-size basketball court, along with winter season activities such as ice skating and year-round lighting to enhance safety.

Delivering on strategic priorities

The Kiyām Community Park is part of downtown revitalization, one of Council’s key priorities in the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan. The park will bring us one step closer to a refreshed and revitalized downtown.