Canada is a huge and diverse country, and thousands of immigrants decide to go there every year. Choosing a place to call home is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Your job prospects, financial status, and general quality of life can all be significantly impacted by where you live. Fort McMurray is a great choice, especially for people who have worked in the oil industry. For those hoping to succeed in Alberta, Fort McMurray offers an alluring option with its distinct job market and community amenities. Here are essential insights for living in fort McMurray, Alberta.

Even if a lot of immigrants choose bigger cities, many smaller communities have a lot to offer. People who want to work in the oil sands industry frequently move to the Fort McMurray area. However, newcomers can enjoy a number of amenities that are generally found in larger urban centers in the adjacent Wood Buffalo area.

Overview of Fort McMurray, Alberta

Today, Fort McMurray, Alberta, is widely known for its association with the oil sands industry, which serves as the primary source of employment in the area, offering many jobs in oil extraction and related sectors. Although it no longer holds the status of a city, “Fort Mac” remains a crucial hub for oil production in Canada. In April 1995, it was amalgamated with Improvement District No. 143 to form the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which has experienced numerous changes over the years.

From 1947 to 1962, the region was referred to as “McMurray.” It was officially designated as a town in 1964, became a city in 1980, and transitioned to a service area in 1995. Located in northern Alberta, Fort McMurray is 435 km northeast of Edmonton and roughly 60 km west of the Saskatchewan border, situated in the midst of the Athabasca oil sands. Nestled within the boreal forest at the confluence of the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers, it stands as the largest community in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The area gained significant international recognition in 2016 when a wildfire necessitated evacuations, resulting in the destruction of about 20% of homes and forcing nearly 90,000 residents to flee. Since then, much of the area has been rebuilt, and the population is on the rise.

Securing Employment and Advancing Your Career in Fort McMurray

  • Fort McMurray is situated near the Athabasca Oil Sands, making it a central hub for oil production in Alberta and Canada.
  • Canada holds the second-largest oil reserves globally.
  • The oil sands are projected to drive Canada’s economy for the next 25 to 30 years.
  • The local economy is primarily dominated by oil and supporting industries.

Key Industries in Fort McMurray:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil pipeline
  • Forestry
  • Tourism

Major Employers in Fort McMurray:

The majority of top employers operate within the oil and gas sector, including:

  • Stantec
  • Syncrude
  • Suncor Energy
  • Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL)
  • Shell
  • CNOOC Petroleum North America ULC (formerly Nexen)
  • Imperial

Other significant employers include:

  • Ledcor Group
  • Husky Energy
  • Flowserve
  • YMCA Wood Buffalo

Overview of the Fort McMurray Housing Market

The choice of where to reside in a city can greatly influence various factors, such as your daily commute and your distance from essential services like grocery stores, banks, schools, and parks. When selecting a neighborhood in Fort McMurray, it’s essential to think about your location. While there are fewer housing options compared to larger cities, the specific area you choose is still important.

Regarding housing affordability, Fort McMurray’s costs can be higher than expected for a smaller town. In fact, housing prices can rival or even exceed those in some larger urban areas, with estimates indicating that Fort McMurray is approximately 15% more expensive than Calgary. This situation is driven by a limited housing supply and high demand, which intensified following the 2016 wildfires. Rental prices start at about $850 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, with averages of $945 for bachelor units, $1,030 for one-bedrooms, $1,195 for two-bedrooms, and $1,642 for three-bedrooms. Due to a scarcity of rental options, many oil sand workers choose to stay in company-built semi-permanent camps, which offer high-quality accommodations with amenities similar to those found in motels—this is often the preferred choice for single workers moving to the region.

Transportation – Driving and Public Transit in Fort McMurray

Driving in Fort McMurray, Alberta

In Fort McMurray, most residents rely on cars for transportation, with several highways supporting the area. Highway 63 serves as the primary route between Fort McMurray and Edmonton. Due to the demands of the oil sands industry, it carries some of the highest tonnage per kilometre in Canada, including some of the largest and heaviest truckloads ever transported. However, it is also known as one of Canada’s most hazardous highways. Additionally, Fort McMurray is accessible from Lac La Biche via Highway 881. Highway 69, a short spur off Highway 63, connects the city with the airport and a few rural residential areas to the southeast.

Public Transit in Fort McMurray

Public transit in Fort McMurray is managed by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, offering services seven days a week. The system includes local bus routes, specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities, and school bus services. There are 16 regular bus routes that operate daily, along with two additional weekday rush hour routes to major industrial zones. On Saturdays, a special route serves residents in Saprae Creek. Weekend transit services are limited, and buses do not run on most holidays.

Medical Care Options in Fort McMurray, Alberta 

As in other parts of Alberta, Fort McMurray offers a comprehensive range of health care services. Alberta Health Services, Northern Region is responsible for coordinating and delivering health care in the Wood Buffalo area as part of the provincial system. The city provides a variety of community health and specialist services, along with the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre hospital and two medical clinics. For certain specialized care, residents may need to travel to Edmonton. Many health services are free for individuals covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), while those without coverage must pay out-of-pocket. Newcomers to Alberta can apply for AHCIP up to three months before leaving their home country. Those moving from another Canadian province or territory can access Alberta’s health services. This is available until they qualify for provincial health insurance.

Finding a family doctor is a key step when settling in Fort McMurray. Primary care is easily accessible, as some local family doctors are currently accepting new patients. Residents can use the online search tool from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. This makes it easier to find a local physician.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fort McMurray offers unique opportunities for permanent residents living in Canada. Its thriving oil industry drives the local economy. Quality health care and essential services are readily available. Housing can be pricey, but the community is well-connected. For newcomers, Fort McMurray provides a balanced lifestyle with career potential and small-town charm, making it a notable choice in Alberta.