This release was issued under a previous government.
The Alberta government is working to address growth pressures in the Fort McMurray region through the transfer of more than 600 acres of land in the Saline Creek area from Keyano College to a land trust for the college. The land will be used for much-needed new residential and commercial development.
“This land trust is an example of a creative approach that will be a tremendous benefit to the college and all of Fort McMurray,” said Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure, responsible for the Oil Sands Secretariat. “It represents the first step we plan to take in the coming weeks and months to get additional land available in Fort McMurray for housing and commercial space.”
The approval by the province transfers college lands into the Keyano College Land Trust Corporation, a legal entity of the college. Residential housing and commercial property will be developed on the land, and the development will provide long-term benefits for Keyano College.
“Keyano College plays an important role in the community, training Alberta students for tomorrow’s workplace,” said Greg Weadick, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. “I commend the Board of Governors at Keyano College for having a clear vision for the future that will benefit Keyano College, and their community, in reaching their goals.”
“The positive impact of the land trust will include significant economic and employment benefits for our college and community” said Dr. Kevin Nagel, President of Keyano College. “Additionally, the land trust will help diversify our construction and related industries and will provide an investment stimulus for many of the planned capital projects associated with RMWB’s Municipal Development Plan. Clearly, it’s a win-win for Keyano and the community and demonstrates what can be accomplished when government and communities work together.”
In the past few years, the Alberta government has made it a priority to make more land available in Fort McMurray for residential and commercial development. The primary parcel of land currently being developed is in the Parsons Creek area, with as many as 2,500 residential units currently being constructed. As well, nearly 1,000 acres were sold in 2011 in the Southlands area for commercial and industrial development. The province continues to review different options for more land to be used for residential, commercial and industrial use. As well, the province has committed to work with the municipality to create an Urban Development Sub-region, which will assist both the municipality and province in preparing for Fort McMurray's anticipated growth and development.
"The Municipality is thrilled with the announcement of this land transfer to Keyano's land trust," said Melissa Blake, Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. "The resulting new residential and commercial development in the Saline Creek Plateau, of which this parcel will comprise the first phase, will complement development in Parsons Creek, and provide greater stability in our housing market.”
"In addition to being an important step towards the realization of the Urban Development Sub-Region, this announcement also showcases a unique collaboration between the Municipality, the Province and stakeholders that shows what can be achieved when we work together toward a shared vision for Wood Buffalo,” said Mayor Blake.
Supporting development in Fort McMurray is a key part of Responsible Actions: A plan for Alberta’s Oil Sands, Alberta's 20-year strategic plan for the oil sands. As part of the implementation of Responsible Actions, the Alberta government has committed more than $2.5 billion in Fort McMurray infrastructure and taken significant action to support the region’s planning and development. For more information about Responsible Actions, visit www.oilsands.alberta.ca.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Cam Traynor,
Director of Communications
Alberta Infrastructure
780-644-8596
[email protected]
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.