Discovering Life in Fort McMurray promises an exploration of the urban allure and untamed wilderness that define this enticing region. Residing in this region offers new immigrants some amazing opportunities and benefits. With a flourishing economy focusing on the oil sands industry, they can acquire plenty of employment options and competitive salaries. Apart from financial rewards, the city offers a sense of community, welcoming immigrants from all across the globe. Individuals also have the chance to experience recreational activity due to this region’s closeness to natural landscapes.
Additionally, Fort McMurray’s commitment to infrastructure development ensures access to quality amenities and services. Ultimately, newcomers to Fort McMurray can expect a fulfilling blend of career growth, community connection, and outdoor adventure.
Discovering Life in Fort McMurray, Alberta
Fort McMurray, Alberta, has a reputation due to its oil sands industry. The oil industry is the region’s chief employer with a plethora of job opportunities in oil sectors and other similar industries. Even though Mac Fort isn’t a city officially, it is at the center of the major oil production in Canada.
Fort McMurray emerged as an urban service region when it merged with Improvement District No. 143 in April 1995. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo came to the forefront and has transformed completely over the past few years.
Situated in northern Alberta, approximately 435 km northeast of Edmonton and roughly 60 km west of the Saskatchewan border, Fort McMurray finds itself nestled amidst the vast expanse of the Athabasca oil sands. Tucked away amid the boreal forest, it occupies a prime location at the convergence of the Athabasca River and the Clearwater River. As the largest community within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Fort McMurray stands as a hub of activity and opportunity in this scenic and dynamic region.
Interestingly, this area became known internationally in 2016 when a wildfire compelled its residents to vacate the place. As a result, there was severe damage leading to the destruction of at least 20 percent of homes. More than 90,000 individuals were compelled to vacate the place. Most of this region has undergone reconstruction, leading to consistent population growth.
Population in Fort McMurry, Alberta
According to the 2021 Census, Fort McMurray’s population is 68,000, indicating a population growth of 1.3 percent. The region is special due to a large number of people seeking to settle here. There is a lot of traveling taking place in the region as several people keep moving in and out of the area. This area also attracts several people who just come to live seasonally. Typically, Canadians and Alberta residents often come here to work and live here for a couple of years and then they return to their cities.
Accessing new career opportunities in Fort McMurray lies in proximity to the Athabasca Oil Sands and is at the heart of Alberta’s oil production scenario. Canada possesses the second most significant oil reserve in the world. It is anticipated that the oil sands are going to fuel the Canadian economy for the upcoming 25 to 30 years. Oil and the supporting industries will lead the local economy.
Fort McMurray’s chief industries include the following:
- Oil Pipeline
- Tourism
- Forestry
- Natural Gas
McMurray’s chief employers
A majority of the chief employers in this region include the oil and gas industry. They’re as follows:
- Imperial
- Syncrude
- Canadian Natural Resources Limited
- CNOOC Petroleum North America ULC
- Suncor Energy
- Stantec
- Shell
Career prospects in McMurray
Canadian government’s website JobBank and also albertajobcenre.ca. Collaborating with a local hiring agency might also prove beneficial with the chief recruiters in the area including:
- RobertHalf
- Fort McMurray Labor Source
- Roevin
- Randstad
Discovering Life in Fort McMurray through the housing market
Your exact location in the city can have a significant impact on the availability of amenities, daily commute, banks, parks, schools, and grocery stores. Hence, while choosing your neighborhood, you must pay heed to the exact location. However, there won’t be too many options available, unlike the bigger cities.
How is the expenditure in McMurray, Alberta?
Residing in a smaller town typically involves cost-effective housing. However, McMurray’s popularity has led to the rise of housing costs even when compared to the bigger cities in Canada. For instance, it is likely that this region is at least 15 percent costlier than an ever-expensive Calgary. This is due to the restrictive housing market and increased demand for housing. In 2016, the wildfires that broke out caused excessive stress on the housing market and led to high prices.
Getting a rental place in McMurray, Alberta
Rental prices begin at nearly $850 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment and rise from there. The median rental cost in Fort McMurray is $945 for a bachelor apartment. Similarly, the rental cost for a one-bedroom is around $1,030, while for two bedrooms, it is $1,195. In addition, for a three-bedroom, the cost is nearly $1,642.
Since there is limited availability of rental properties, most oil sand workers choose to reside in camps. These camps are partially permanent structures constructed by organizations to reside closer to the job site. The amenities are of a supreme quality and mostly provide a motel’s facilities. It is an option for single workers migrating to this region.
In order to experience a convenient search for rental properties, one can use the Rentals for Newcomers site.
In addition, they must obtain renter’s insurance to protect their belongings, families, and finances. A majority of property owners will demand them to have a tenant’s insurance policy. Being devoid of private insurance will lead the newcomer to pay individually in the case of any theft, water damage, or fire. Therefore, it is better to possess a renter’s insurance as it will cover one’s belongings and liability.
Purchasing a house in McMurray, Alberta
Purchasing a home or condo in this region is relatively affordable than the other major cities in Canada, such as Vancouver or Toronto. But in Alberta, it appears to be one of the most expensive locations. The Canadian Real Estate Association confirms that the average cost of the family-detached home was around $488,950 in December 2021. There is a 1.4 percent decline compared to 2020.
In addition, in 2021, the median price to purchase a home in Edmonton was around $431,500, while the median cost to buy a condo was $194,700.
Discovering the public transportation in McMurray
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo accesses a public transit service that involves Fort McMurray. It operates seven days a week, and most services are comprised of local scheduled bus routes and special transport systems for individuals with disabilities, as well as school buses. 16 consistent bus routes function daily, with two extra rush hour routes linked to the chief industrial areas and an exceptional Saturday service for Saprae Creek’s individuals. The system has declined the weekend service and doesn’t operate on a majority of holidays.
Newcomers getting community support
The Wood Buffalo community, along with Fort McMurray, goes on to bring more new immigrants to this region. Being a small community, it is mostly dependent on lesser resources. Wood Buffalo Immigrant Settlement Services’ YMCA enables people to settle via employment, translation, counseling, and community services.
McMurray’s Language Support
New immigrants can acquire language assistance through a variety of services. They can take up language courses, attain translation services, and also acquire education through the following:
- Keyano College
- Wood Buffalo Regional Library
- YMCA of Northern Alberta
Banking and Finance in McMurray
Newcomers often require a plan to keep up with their personal finances. New immigrants can get help from Fort McMurray’s local banks. They must access programs that are specifically designed for newcomers to open a bank account, attain a credit card, and apply for different financial products.
Discovering life in Fort McMurray, Alberta – What about the education system?
McMurray provides education across all stages, such as elementary, college, adult learning, and high school. There are plenty of opportunities to acquire training or boost one’s professional skills in the city or surrounding areas.
Understanding the existing elementary and secondary education
- Fort McMurray Public School District – Students must access a public school district in Fort McMurray, including French Immersion and Islamic School.
- Northland School Division – This spans Northern Alberta and consists of the rural area neighboring Wood Buffalo and the Town of Peace River. The Greater North Central Francophone Education Region serves as the designated school district in Northern Alberta for French-first-language education.
- Fort McMurray Catholic School District – This learning environment focuses on faith-based learning and provides Metis, Inuit Language Programs, French Immersion, and First Nations.
Post-Secondary Education
Keyano College, a community college, provides programs in three campuses, such as General Science programs and Fine Arts. It also offers programs for skilled workers to help them understand how to work in the oil sands industry.
Medical care availability in McMurray
Just like different areas in Alberta, newcomers can access comprehensive healthcare facilities, such as:
- Alberta Health Services
- Northern Region provides health care in the Wood Buffalo region.
- Fort McMurray offers varied community health care and services for specialists.
- Northern Lights Regional Health Center
- One can travel to Edmonton if they seek specialty services.
In addition, numerous health services are free of charge for individuals who fall under the coverage of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. Conversely, those who have no AHIP card will need to pay for health services. As a new immigrant in Alberta, one can apply for the AHIP three months prior to leaving their home country. On the other hand, if someone is arriving in Alberta through a different Canadian province or territory can access Alberta health services until they become eligible for provincial health insurance.
If a person’s employer doesn’t provide them with any health care benefits, they can access the coverage through individual health insurance plans.
Discovering life in Fort McMurray on an everyday basis
Fort McMurray is mostly popular for its employment prospects. However, it still continues to be a vibrant and unique destination for aspiring immigrants. Here, people believe in working hard and then rejuvenating themselves through fun activities. The main focus of this place is its natural resources and environment. Although, it doesn’t have entertainment options, unlike the bigger cities.
It is one of the best places to experience the charm of the Northern Lights. You can experience the following in this region:
- Check out the local history, which is part of the Heritage Village, and stay active at MacDonald Island Park and experience the local art at Points North Gallery. This region hosts a plethora of festivals here.
- This region is full of options in terms of restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, casinos, cinemas, and most locations meant for families and adults.
- Try natural attractions like Vista Ridge All Seasons Park, Beacon Hill Lookout, Gateway Hill, and Matcheetawain Discovery Trail.
Overall, McMurray is the epitome of multiculturalism, with residents from more than 70 countries and 80 languages spoken in the region. More than 10,000 people speak another language at home besides English.
Moreover, there are more than 28,000 new immigrants working in the oil and gas sector, out of which numerous people reside in Fort McMurray.
In addition, this region has 20 churches and worship places, and people follow various religions.
If you wish to know about the Canadian immigration process, connect with our immigration experts at MakeHomeCanada. Our considerable experience in the immigration field can help you. You may write to us [email protected].
