Big Spirit Magazine, Issue #4 - Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

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May 23, 2011 - issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | BigSpirit 3. Cover Story ... Cali Arnold, Curtis Comeau, Joel Matthews .....
W o o d

b u f f a l o

BigSpirit Changing

Views A photographer’s lens captures the beauty of Wood Buffalo

Future is bright

Community involvement is key to success of region

Home Run!

Everybody plays in this game

principal of

inspiration A new path for students

FORT McMURRAY

MORE THAN YOU KNOW

Did you know that 80% of our residents own their own home and that our schools are among the highest rated in Alberta? Fort McMurray is a community based on families, and we are better for it.

contents

Cover Photo: Chris Salvo Contents Photos: (Clockwise) Chris Salvo, Patrick Kerby & Cali Arnold, Curtis Comeau, Joel Matthews

C o v e r S Itssoure y4

Cover 8 Capturing the Image

A fresh perspective of Wood Buffalo by Jamie Tobin

Features 13 Keyano theatre

Grand theatre in Fort McMurray by Kiran Malik-Khan

16 Wood buffalo’s foundation for the future Community engaged in the planning process by Nolan Haukeness

19 Play Ball

Smiling kids in baseball gear is what it’s all about by Nolan Haukeness

23 Soaring Spirits

Big Spirit alive and well with female air crew by Judy Monchuk

25 Jack of inspiration

Conklin Principal sets new path for students

by Kiran Malik-Khan

27 The Science Behind Studying Air Quality Wood Buffalo Environmental Association has worked to improve its air quality by Jane Percy

29 A commute worth keeping

Work in Fort McMurray lets families stay home in Newfoundland by Andrew Robinson

33 Vision quest

Eye doctor improves lives of his patients one eye at a time by Heather Reid

Columns 4 Message from the Mayor Celebrating our story by Melissa Blake

5 IN THE COMMUNITY

Fort McMurray Public Library hosts Team Trivia; Summer Solstice Records a Win at the First Annual Winter Wheelchair Rally; Events Wood Buffalo presents the Syncrude WinterPLAY Carnival; MacDonald Island Park hosts MI Community Celebrations; Enbridge Inc. sponsors the Safe Community Smoke Alarm Installation Program; Rooftop Campout for Muscular Dystrophy Surpasses Goal; Syncrude WinterPLAY Carnival presents the historical Three Forts Dogsled Race

7 DID YOU KNOW?

Wood Buffalo has more than Big Spirit. Take the quiz and find out what else is Big about Wood Buffalo Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 3

FROM THE M a y o r

Celebrating our Story! At long last, the warmth of spring and summer is upon us! And with that comes the release of the fourth issue of Big Spirit magazine. It’s no secret that Wood Buffalo holds a very significant place at the heart of Canada’s energy future. As such, almost everything in our community is built to support that industry. However, we also know that the real heart of this dynamic northern community lies in the more than 100,000 citizens who live, work and play here! As I read through all the articles for this publication, the thing that stood out most was how multifaceted they are. It’s actually quite symbolic of the region. Our cultural diversity can be witnessed in our neighbourhoods, our workplaces, our schools and our recreation facilities. Our residents come from all over Canada and the world, each with a different purpose, to follow their dreams or to make a better life than the one they left behind. It’s our differences that make this community so special. For example, you’ll read about “Jack of inspiration”, a man who in just two years of living in the rural hamlet of Conklin has effectively changed the very core of their community school. He exemplifies the passion and spirit that exists in Wood Buffalo and the people that call it home. You’ll also meet a few of the faces behind our local arts and recreation scene, a group of men who commute to Wood Buffalo for work, some leaders in developing cutting-edge technology, and two women who spend their days soaring high above the boreal forest. Their stories are unique and engaging, and I hope you enjoy them all! Sincerely,

bi g S p i r i t I ss u e 4

Melissa Blake, Mayor

editor-in - chief ­Nicholas Stuckey

[email protected]

art director ­K athleen Regan-Vandermoer [email protected] copy editor Bert Vandermoer [email protected]

4 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

Bigspirit is published by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca. We acknowledge the financial support of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, toward our mailing and editorial costs. Our environmental policy is available at www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca. Bigspirit is printed in Canada. © 2011 by Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Bigspirit receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. Bigspirit, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials/pitches submitted by freelance writers, photographers or illustrators in accordance with known industry practices. PHOTOCOPYING: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher or, in case of photocopying or other reprographic copying, a licence from Access Copyright.

in the community

> MacDonald

Island Park hosts MI Community Celebrations

F

rom March 30th to April 3rd, MacDonald Island Park was THE place to be for the MI Community

Celebrations, a series of events marking the official grand opening of the Suncor Community Leisure Centre. 54-40 rocked the house on Thursday, March 31st to kick off the weekend of activities. An unveiling ceremony was held for a memorial fountain honouring former Mayor Chuck Knight on Friday, April 1st. Mr. Knight’s family was in attendance to make the presentation. That evening the Nexen Field house was dressed up for the MacDonald Island Gala, a luxurious black tie event. Our Lady Peace continued the celebrations on Saturday, April 2nd by playing a loud two-hour set for fans. A number of events were held on Sunday to put a close to the celebrations. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Open House featured displays from organizations throughout the community. A group from “What’s the

> Summer Solstice Records a Win at the First Annual Winter Wheelchair Rally

D

uring the opening weekend of the first annual WinterPlay festival, many Wood Buffalo residents navigated a wheelchair through Mother Nature’s elements to capture a moment in local history at the Winter Wheelchair Rally. Wendy Koo, William Czaban and Sean MacLean completed the rally in five minutes and 35 seconds under the alias Summer Solstice to win the championship at the event hosted by the Canadian Paraplegic Association. “It was tough to navigate the slippery and snowy sidewalks as an able-bodied person, let alone if you need assistance,” said Wendy Koo. The fundraiser helped kick off the first annual WinterPLAY festival in Wood Buffalo and achieved its main goal of promoting awareness of the difficulties people face when travelling by wheelchair in the winter.

Participants navigated their wheelchair through a three-stage obstacle course set up at the Jubilee Centre. In addition to the challenges of operating a wheelchair, they raced in -19 degree weather through snow and ice and encountered time delays caused by traffic lights. Even the champions barely escaped injury in the adverse conditions. “Sean nearly tipped over onto the sidewalk and we barely missed hitting our heads on a number of side-view mirrors,” said Wendy. Summer Solstice beat out 16 teams to win the first annual title but only sustained a 15-second lead on the second-place finishers, and the competition was already stiff. After the fun and excitement that was shared at this year’s race, it is easy to see there will be a second annual Winter Wheelchair Rally in 2012.

BIG IDEA Wood Buffalo?” built a cardboard replica of Fort McMurray with the help of several local children. The young city planners were awarded with stickers,

>E  nbridge Inc. sponsors the Safe Community

Smoke Alarm Installation Program

orange cotton candy and balloons. Later, a concert with Norman Foote and Fred Penner entertained children and parents alike with their timeless sing-along songs. The Big Spirit Pep Rally concluded the MI Community Celebrations. Mayor Melissa Blake shared some encouraging words, which were followed by a performance from the Edmonton Oilers Octane Girls. Bob Harper from NBC’s The Biggest Loser stole the show by leading a community workout and sharing some words of inspiration for the 1,000-plus participants. Overall, the eventful weekend was a great way to celebrate the Suncor Community Leisure Centre and its countless contributions to the community.

I

n the summer of 2011, Regional Emergency Services will be launching the Safe Community Smoke Alarm Installation Program, an initiative focused on keeping homes safe in the region. Regional Emergency Services staff will be visiting homes to share their fire prevention knowledge and expertise. “Having a smoke alarm on each floor of a home is important because it more than doubles a family’s chance of survival,” said Megan Steistol, Public Education Officer with Regional Emergency Services. “We want to ensure residents are safe, one home at a time.” Representatives will canvass throughout neighbourhoods offering to test smoke alarms and

replace any broken or deficient ones in the process. If smoke alarms are missing from areas they should be, a new one will be offered at no cost to the resident. The Safe Community Smoke Alarm Installation Program is a sustainable fire prevention initiative that will operate in different areas of the community each year. “By installing smoke alarms in priority neighbourhoods, there will be reduced risk of fire and increased safety in those homes,” says Megan. Enbridge Inc. has provided sustainable sponsorship for the program and will continually support the program in coming years. Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 5

in the community

> R ooftop Campout for Muscular Dystrophy Surpasses Goal

S

ix Fort McMurray firefighters camped out on the roof of Paddy McSwiggins between March 30th and April 3rd for their inaugural Rooftop Campout for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “This is the first time we have ever done the Rooftop Campout and overall it went a lot better than we expected,” said firefighter Scott Germain. Scott and fellow firefighters Randy Hoggarth, Darcy Saby, Andrew MacPherson, Matt Pyne and Jalene Cartwright ascended to the roof hoping to raise $40,000 and they returned to the ground 96 hours later with a total of $44,127. The Rooftop Campout for Muscular Dystrophy Canada is an annual fundraiser involving firefighters from across the country. Edmonton was the first city to host the event in 2005 and since then, 10 fire departments have joined in on the effort. “We definitely want to do it again and next time, we want to beat Edmonton’s fundraising goal,” stated Scott. The Edmonton Fire Department normally collects between $45,000 and $60,000 during their annual Campout and Scott is confident that Fort McMurray will one day surpass those funds. “Fort McMurray is such a generous city that we have a real good chance of beating them.”

> Events Wood Buffalo presents the Syncrude WinterPLAY Carnival

E

vents Wood Buffalo hosted the first annual WinterPLAY Carnival to demonstrate how Wood Buffalo Big Spirit cannot be threatened by the cold winter climate. Opening ceremonies took place at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre at MacDonald Island Park on Friday, February 25th followed by a Winter Blues Bonfire at the Haxton Centre. From then onward, festivities did not stop until March 6th. The WinterPLAY Carnival featured a number of winter competitions, both friendly and professional. During the opening weekend there was the Regional King and Queen of the North Competition in Fort MacKay, which featured a series of five competitions lasting an entire day. There was also the Sno-Drifter Poker Rally, the Winter Wheelchair Rally and the Sno Pitch Tournament. Hockey players from all over the region competed in the Shootout on the Snye during the closing weekend. The outdoor four-on-four hockey tournament held on Fort McMurray’s signature waterway was hosted by several teams that played in 10 divisions based on age and skill level. Other events included the Ice Kingdom Wood Buffalo ice sculpture contest, the Curling Funspiel, the Tastes of Fort McMurray food event and a family tubing and ski day at Vista Ridge. The first annual WinterPLAY Carnival was 10 days of fun and games in the snow. Its success will be remembered throughout the year and it now gives residents of the community a reason to anticipate winter.

Syncrude WinterPLAY Carnival presents the historical Three Forts Dogsled Race

F

rom March 3rd to the 6th, a part of Wood Buffalo’s northern heritage was revisited with the Three Forts Dogsled Race. The four-stage race took place on a northbound course from Fort

McMurray to Fort Chipewyan with a stage completion at Fort MacKay. Ten competitors travelled to Fort McMurray with several of their four-legged companions for a chance to win the $8,000 top prize. Blayne Streeper completed the race in 11 hours 35 minutes and 25 seconds to win the competition over Alberta native Aaron Peck who placed second. Unfortunately, the home course advantage was not in favour for Fort McMurray’s own Christina Traverse who was the only female competitor in the race. While this was the first time this course was used for racing, it was certainly not the first time that it was travelled by dogsled. The course was designed to commemorate the historical dogsled mail route that was used for many years to deliver mail and packages to the communities of Fort MacKay and Fort Chipewyan. The first annual Three Forts Dogsled Race was a great way to bring communities together, embrace the region’s northern heritage and introduce many people to a key part of Wood Buffalo’s history. 6 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

> F ort McMurray Public Library hosts Team Trivia

W

ood Buffalo residents pitted their brains against one another in friendly competition at Team Trivia on February 11th at MacDonald Island Park. Team Trivia is an annual fundraiser in support of the Fort McMurray Public Library. Participants took this annual opportunity to exercise their intellect and showcase their Big Spirit. Rolando Inzunza played a large role in support of the cause as the event’s charming quizmaster. “When I was asked to be the quizmaster I was disappointed that I could not participate myself,” said Rolando. “My feelings quickly changed at the event because I felt like Alex Trebek for the night.” After 10 rounds of mind-testing questions, Andrew Jean, Dane Rodgers, Kyla Tabick and Trevor Donovan of the team Medulla Oblong Knowledge took the top prize of $500. The Tome Raiders took second place and Four Heads are Better than One took third place after a gruelling tiebreaker round against Here 4 Beer. In the spirit of the fundraiser, the three prize-winning teams donated their winnings back to the Fort McMurray Public Library, adding another $800 to the fundraising goal. Overall the event was successful, fun and highly competitive. With only 10 months left, it may be a good idea to prepare now for next year’s competition.

True or False

Wood Buffalo has more than Big Spirit Take the quiz and find out what else is Big about Wood Buffalo

1

Wood Buffalo is the biggest municipality in Canada.

TRUE. The total area of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is 68,454 square kilometres, making it the largest municipality in all of Canada – larger than Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island combined! Wood Buffalo is home to 10 distinct communities that are spread out north to south. The furthest community south is Conklin, approximately 155 kilometres southeast of Fort McMurray and the furthest community north is Fort Fitzgerald on the Northwest Territories border.

2

Wood Buffalo’s Athabasca oil sands industry is Canada’s

biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. FALSE. While the energy sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the oil sands industry is just one part of the energy sector in Canada. Only 23% of the energy produced in Canada comes from petroleum production, 49% of which comes from oil sands

site in 1983, the park is home to the world’s

expensive homes in Canada are found

extraction. In total, the oil sands industry

largest herd of free-roaming Wood Bison, one

in Vancouver at $795,900, where average

accounts for only 5% of Canada’s greenhouse

of the world’s largest freshwater deltas and the

household incomes total only $84,052.

gas emission and 0.1% of global emissions.

world’s largest beaver dam.

3

4

5

Canada’s biggest national park.

TRUE. With a total area of 44,807 square

Wood Buffalo hosted the

Wood Buffalo has the highest cost of living in Canada.

largest outdoor junior hockey

game in North America.

FALSE. The cost of living in the Regional

TRUE. On November 26, 2010, MacDonald

kilometres, Wood Buffalo National Park is

Municipality of Wood Buffalo is reasonable

Island Park hosted the Northern Classic

the largest national park in all of Canada.

when the region’s average income is taken

outdoor hockey game between the Drayton

The park spans across the top of the Regional

into account. The average household income

Valley Thunder and the Fort McMurray Oil

Municipality of Wood Buffalo and southern

of Wood Buffalo is the highest in Canada at

Barons. Approximately 5,000 spectators were

regions of the Northwest Territories.

$177,634 annually, with the average home

in attendance to watch the Oil Barons win the

Established as a UNESCO World Heritage

costing $550,131. In comparison, the most

game in a 4-2 victory. Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 7

Photo Credit: Chris Salvo

Wood Buffalo is located next to

c a p t u r i n g t h e i ma g e

Capturing the

image



by Jamie Tobin

A fresh perspective on Wood Buffalo

C

hris Salvo is trying to retrace footsteps. He’s doing his best to line up bushes, buildings and backstops to get an exact location for his tripod and camera at J Howard Pew Park in Fort McMurray. His objective is

It’s January now – and -38C – and Chris is dealing with his own winter version of alligators and emptying the swamp. He’s peering through a tiny crack in a brand-new balaclava, blinking in the brisk cold wind while he struggles to hang on to his camera with brand-new bulky mittens. Three feet of snow hinders the steps taken in his new polar boots. It’s bitterly cold and Chris 8 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

Photo Credits: Chris Salvo

to match an image taken in the same location last summer. Sort of.

Chris and Suzanne Salvo at work capturing Big Spirit images (left). Top centre: Timberlea. Top right: Athabasca Sand Dunes. Bottom right: Suncor Community Leisure Centre. Above: Thickwood Boulevard. Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 9

c a p t u r i n g t h e i ma g e

Top left: Old boat – Fort Chipewyan. Top right: Tire tracks in oil sand mine. Above: Interior, Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, built 1851 – Fort Chipewyan. Bottom left: Athabasca River delta. 10 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

appears all but ready to just drop his

up with it. The young community has

$5,000 camera in the deep snow and head

carved out its own part of the culture and

for the warmth of the rented SUV – where

everyone is in a motivated mode.”

wife Suzanne is already parked. Chris and Suzanne are not from

Before travelling to Wood Buffalo for the first time seven years ago, Chris and

these parts. Over the last year, the

Suzanne expected to fly into a prairie

internationally renowned photographers

setting: flat ground, no trees, a little bit of

have travelled regularly from their home

water. They knew nothing of the region

in Houston, Texas, to Wood Buffalo to

except for what they had seen and heard

photograph the natural beauty of the

in the news. It was not until they arrived

region. To say coming north in late

in Fort McMurray that they realized how

January was a bit of a shock would be an

diverse Wood Buffalo really is.

understatement. When they left Houston,

Now, they proudly admit they have

it was 23C in the south Texas city, warm

seen Wood Buffalo in all four seasons and

enough for T-shirts and blue jeans. Today,

have travelled to most of its communities.

their first day of a weeklong stay in Wood Buffalo, it is a crisp 61 degrees cooler. Chris, dragging his camera out of the snow, is asking no one in particular what he is doing here. Later he answers his own question. “The people of Wood Buffalo have

By visiting Wood Buffalo on a semiannual basis, they have witnessed firsthand the rapid growth and development that the region has endured. “The region has grown up so fast with the huge changes that have occurred over the years,” said Suzanne, “very few people

such a vibrant energy,” he says. “When

are native to the area. That provides

you arrive in Fort McMurray, your pulse

everyone with a unique perspective,

and temperature rise in order to keep

which is refreshing.

Top: Athabasca River delta. Above: Five-lane highway bridge under construction – Fort McMurray. Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 11

c a p t u r i n g t h e i ma g e

Above: Sled dogs – Fort Chipewyan. Top right: Birchwood Trails recreation area. Right: Fort MacKay.

“Big Spirit perfectly encapsulates what is happening in Wood Buffalo.”

of Wood Buffalo that few have seen before:

region, Lake Athabasca, Wood Buffalo

the winter highway to Fort Chipewyan.

National Park, Fort McMurray and the

As professional photographers, Chris

“The winter road was a lot of fun,”

and Suzanne view the world in a different

says Chris, “We initially thought that

way. They have the ability to recognize

it would be dangerous, but quickly

thousand words but to the Salvos a good

the beauty in their surroundings as well

discovered we felt safe the entire time.

photo is worth an entire book. If this

as the simplicities and complexities in

Our friends are really intrigued by our

is true, they have successfully captured

everything. Taking photographs in Wood

stories of the Winter Road.”

volumes upon volumes of material on

Buffalo has been truly inspiring for them. “There is a lot of stuff there! There

Once safely over the many ice bridges the winter road includes, the Salvos

world-famous oil sands. Many say a picture is worth a

Wood Buffalo. And yet while they have captured

are rivers, mountains, sand dunes, fields,

participated in several days of ice fishing,

hundreds of images of Wood Buffalo, there is

trails and, of course, the oil sands,” says

sled dog travel and even a cool late night

still one jewel missing from their collection.

Chris. “The colours are like nothing we

searching for the Aurora Borealis.

have ever seen before.”

“We have to come back and shoot the

They flew back to Fort McMurray

Northern Lights,” says Chris. And then

by chartered airplane, enabling them to

he grimaces, already thinking about the

photography shoot is to take viewers on a

shoot Wood Buffalo from yet another

prospect of another winter shoot.

visual trip they otherwise couldn’t take. This

perspective. In only a few short hours,

winter project was no exception. During

they were able to take aerial winter

Jamie Tobin is a staff writer for the

their visit, the Salvos wanted to portray a side

photographs of Fort Chipewyan, the delta

Municipality.

The objective of any professional

12 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

k e ya n ot h e at r e

The city’s

bright lights Grand theatre in Fort McMurray

Alan Roberts, director of Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre

F

amous Irish author Oscar Wilde said, “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

It is this sense of sharing that is alive and well in Wood Buffalo. From interPLAY to

Katie’s Playhouse Theatre to the dynamic Keyano Theatre, drama exists in all its forms and boasts a very high calibre. Just ask Alan Roberts. Roberts is the Director of Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre. He moved to Wood Buffalo from Edmonton in 1988 on a two-year plan and hasn’t looked back since. “I have no plans to move,” he smiles. began volunteering as well. He still remembers helping the Hudson Play Company (HPC), which was part of the Municipality’s summer programming. Local high schools like Father Patrick Mercredi and Westwood Community High School asked for his assistance and in 1989 Karen Towsley asked Roberts to join the interPLAY board.

by Kiran Malik-Khan

When All Shook Up opened at Keyano Theatre in April, it was Roberts’ 104th

Photo Credit: Patrick Kerby

Roberts began his local career as a Theatre technician for Keyano and quickly

production. Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 13

Increased interest in the theatre has seen a rebirth of local performers, says Alan Roberts, director of Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre.

and local interest increase. People want to perform,” says Roberts, 47. Keyano Theatre is a local gem

ground for multicultural productions. She directed Dracula last October,

Breakers, the group essentially started in 1994 with Ruth and Norm Francoeur

one of Keyano’s all-time hits and the

as the driving force. However, it was

production that relaunched the Keyano

incorporated in 2009 as Katie’s Playhouse

inaugurated more than 30 years ago. It

Theatre Company. Leavitt actually

Theatre (KPT), a non-profit entity.

was once referenced by classical guitarist

travelled to Romania to secure footage for

Liona Boyd as her favourite, on the

the play, which was incorporated into the

has one full-length production to its

Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The

production.

credit: A Moving Song (2009) by Doug

theatre is state-of-the-art and offers seating for 600 people.

“Keyano Theatre is the soul of this community. When people need

Comprised of 24 core members, KPT

Abel. Since then the group has performed in a plethora of one-act plays and has

“The future is extremely bright in terms of the level of theatre we are being exposed to in Fort McMurray, both through the offerings of Keyano Theatre Company and our communitybased company, Katie’s Playhouse,” says Russell Thomas.

secured awards for direction, technical and acting. With plans to produce a full-length play in 2012, possibly a comedy (they won’t divulge more), the group like most local non-profits is struggling with

Keyano Theatre’s first production

something for solace, they go to the arts,

of A Midsummer Night’s Dream opened

it inspires you again,” notes Leavitt, who

on July 23, 1980. Today the theatre

has been with Keyano for over three

to have the capacity. We rehearse in

has witnessed more than 140 drama

years.

basements, living rooms and store things

productions. In addition, Keyano’s Recital Theatre,

“I like to take risks with my work and have a real desire to see more diversity

finances but is persevering. “We want to expand and would love

in my house,” Ruth Francoeur shares. Winner of the Municipality’s 2011

which seats 194, has hosted more than

than middle-ground, mainstream

Distinguished Citizen Award, Francoeur,

46 student-specific theatre productions.

productions,” she says. Leavitt has spent

51, is the Communications Manager for

These productions have fallen under the

a vast amount of time in Dubai and has a

The Hub Family Resource Centre and

titles of Studio99, 99 Cent Theatre and

PhD in Arab theatre.

has been involved with theatre since

Second Stage. Janet Leavitt, drama instructor at Keyano College, says the local arts and cultural scene is impressive and a fertile 14 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

And if you still have your doubts, Katie’s Playhouse Theatre Company should alleviate them. Known as the Borealis Boredom

childhood. She says the wealth of talent in Wood Buffalo rivals the best. “The talent just blows my mind. We

Photo Credit: Patrick Kerby

“It’s great to see a rebirth of theatre

k e ya n ot h e at r e

need a community performing arts space to give this talent a home.” Kendra McNutt is one of those talented members of the group. She won the Best Actress Award at this year’s winterPLAY festival for her performance in No Dogs Allowed. McNutt, 31, moved from New Brunswick to Fort McMurray in 2008 and works as a Forest Officer for Alberta Sustainable Development. “I had my Oscar-winning speech at

A full cultural portfolio Where truly nothing is impossible by Kiran Malik-Khan

K

aren Towsley’s name will always come up during discussions about Wood Buffalo’s arts and culture

scene. She arrived in Fort McMurray from Ontario in 1981 and made strides in the region before moving to Calgary in August 2005. A drama teacher at Westwood Community High School from 1986 to 2005, Towsley founded the region’s first

12,” she recalls with a smile. But then she

independent group, the Wayawitmayihk Theatre Company

changed her mind when the outdoors

in 2002 along with her husband, with very specific goals

called.

in mind.

Joining KPT was kismet. She saw

“We produced two shows a year. The company had a

the group’s advertisement, with only

dual focus: Canadian plays with strong roles for women

an hour left for auditions to begin

and shows for families,” recalls Towsley in an interview from Calgary, where she heads

and dove out of her pyjamas to run to Westwood Community High School from downtown. “I remember her flying in the door,” says Francoeur. And fly she did; she got a part in The Ladykillers, a small role, but one she said challenged her to return to the limelight. “I died in five minutes but I proved to myself I could do this. An arts scene

Karen Towsley

various fine arts and performing arts departments at Lord Beaverbrook High School. During its five-year run, Wayawitmayihk Theatre Company staged diverse plays like Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet, How To Eat Like a Child, A Moving Song (written by Keyano Theatre drama instructor Douglas Abel), For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, and A Perfect Pie, to name a few. Along the journey she had help and is quick to name Alan Roberts, whom she refers to as the “Most Valuable Player in the theatre community – hands down. “I will always be grateful and beholden to him for his talent, his commitment, his excellence, his support. The hours he donated to my students and my company probably add up to a lifetime,” enthuses Towsley. Towsley, who has an MFA (Directing) from the University of Alberta (2000), went on

is very important for every community,”

to become the Director of Culture of the Alberta Winter Games in 1992 and is the proud

says McNutt.

founder and coach of the provincial and national award-winning Westwood Improv Team.

This is also a belief interPLAY and the recently founded winterPLAY take

A full cultural portfolio indeed, and all attained in Wood Buffalo – where truly nothing is impossible.

to heart: interPLAY is in its 21st year now. It is a local celebration of visual and performing arts, which attracts more

Festival in Medicine Hat in May of 2009

based company, Katie’s Playhouse,” says

than 20,000 visitors each summer.

for The Zoo Story by Edward Albee.

Thomas, 43.

Russell Thomas, interPLAY’s former

He believes “Fort McMurray has

“Also, the annual interPLAY and

president and volunteer for Events Wood

always been a solid proving ground for

winterPLAY festivals continue to be a

Buffalo, which produces the festival now,

theatrical performers.

hotbed for one-act offerings that are

is another big name in the local arts and cultural scene. A 15-year local resident, Thomas is

“The future is extremely bright in terms of the level of theatre we are

challenging, entertaining and, in some cases, highly original.”

being exposed to in Fort McMurray,

a seasoned actor. He won the Best Actor

both through the offerings of Keyano

Kiran Malik-Khan is a freelance writer

Award at the Provincial One Act Play

Theatre Company and our community-

based in Fort McMurray. Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 15

Wood buffalo’s foundation for the

future Community engaged in the planning process

W

ood Buffalo is an area that is best known for an abundance of resources and for being one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. It is also known as having a hard-working population who may not have

roots within the community. However, over the past few years the dynamic of Wood Buffalo has changed. People still come up here to work, but they are now bringing their families with them and they plan to be here long enough to call this their home. Those are the people the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is

by Nolan Haukeness

thinking about as it puts together a municipal development plan (MDP). “A plan like this would usually be revisited every five years, but given the rapid growth of the community, we may want to revisit it every three years,” said Project Co-ordinator Rick Schippling.

16 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

U r ba n V i s i o n

The plan will be an outlook for what

from all walks of life and that is exactly

from the public on what would make the

Wood Buffalo will look like for the next

what the team wants, according to Project

RMWB a better place to live.

20 years. Its foundation is the Future

Manager Amanda Owens.

The website, www.

Forward guiding document, approved

“People typically talk about their

by municipal council in 2007, and the

five-year plan for living here, but that is

of traffic since its inception and residents

Envision Wood Buffalo sustainability

something we want to overcome. We want

have been flooding it with their own

plan. Both will be used in writing the new

people to feel engaged, get them thinking

vision for what they would like to see.

development plan.

long-term, and see that they have a future

The previous MDP was completed in 2000 and it predicted Wood Buffalo’s population would be 50,000 by 2011.

here with their children,” said Owens. Open houses are also just one of the ways the team will be getting suggestions

bigideawoodbuffalo.ca, has seen plenty

Waterfront development and an outdoor amphitheatre are among some of the “big ideas” Wood Buffalo residents have shared.

Photo Credits: Curtis Comeau

The current population is an estimated 104,000, with a predicted doubling of the population by 2030. That type of unprecedented growth shows the need for the development plan to be a “plan of action,” says Schippling. The team will include social, environmental, cultural and economic components. While the MDP is the long-term

“Given the rapid growth of the community, we may want to revisit it every three years,” says MDP key player Rick Schippling

vision for where the RMWB is going, it will also set short-term goals and a layout of the objectives of municipal council, year by year, based on feedback from the public. That feedback is perhaps the biggest part of the municipal development plan. The Municipality launched the creation of the MDP with “What’s the Big Idea Wood Buffalo?” It was a vision fair held at MacDonald Island which allowed the community to engage in the process and tell the team putting together the plan what they want to see in Wood Buffalo, as well as how they would like to see the community grow. No idea is too big for the team responsible for the MDP to hear, and that is evident by some of the ideas that were given at the vision fair, including high-speed rail both between Fort McMurray and Edmonton and within the Municipality. The ideas are coming from people Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 17

U r ba n V i s i o n

“We want people to feel engaged, get them thinking long-term, and see that they have a future here with their children,” says MDP key player Amanda Owens

Those ideas will also be put into the plan a lot sooner than one might think.

had a couple of years already to revise

The MDP will have eleven weeks of

and revisit a lot of our current plans, like

public consultation in which they hope

our parks, transportation, or our public

to get contributions from at least 10,000

would take one-and-a-half to three years

transit plans, and essentially what we

people. The team will then have the first

to complete in most municipalities.

are doing is taking that information and

draft of the plan completed by the start of

We’ve been really lucky in that we have

building on it,” said Owens.

summer, with the final version done by

“Typically, a project of this magnitude

the end of summer. It will then be presented to municipal council, hopefully early in the fall. If those of us who live in the RMWB have a collective goal to make this a better place to live, then the Municipal Development Plan will be the road map for that. Mayor Melissa Blake, whose “big idea” happens to be downtown redevelopment, says the MDP is a tremendous opportunity. “With this plan we can create the kind Photo Credits: Curtis Comeau

of community that others will in fact envy.” Nolan Haukeness is a freelance writer based in Fort McMurray. Public consultation is key: we hope to get contributions from at least 10,00 people.

18 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

sportsstory

Play Ball Photo Credits: Curtis Comeau

Smiling kids in baseball gear is what it’s all about

W

alking into Paul McWilliams office at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre is like entering a baseball cathedral. It is filled with autographed bats and balls, jerseys signed by major

leaguers, and easily the most prized possession: a picture of his sons in their baseball attire.

by Nolan Haukeness

For McWilliams, that is what minor baseball is all about – smiling kids in baseball gear. This will be his fifth year as president of the Fort McMurray Minor Baseball Association (FMMBA). In that time, the organization has Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 19

sportsstory

“At the centre of all of this are the kids”

undergone unprecedented growth both

organization itself to former pro baseball

ago. He brings with him professional

in the number of players and their skill

player Reggie Rivard.

experience, reaching the AAA level in

level, but the mantra remains the same: “Everybody plays.”

“We could have been willing to be like

both the Texas Rangers and Milwaukee

every other association out there, but we

Brewers organizations. He has played

“At the centre of all of this are

wanted to think big. I brought my vision

in 13 different professional leagues as

the kids,” says McWilliams. “There is

to Reg and he ran with it and brought his

well as college ball in California and at

something about going to the ballpark

own to the table.”

Washington State University.

every day and getting to play and have fun with your friends. There is something

Rivard is a native of Bonnyville

In that time he has made plenty of

who came to the FMMBA three years

contacts in the baseball world, including

about the smell of the grass.” The organization must be doing something right. This year more than 500 kids are registered to play ball. The FMMBA also conducts winter clinics, which ran for three years at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre and now Centre. Sixty kids took part in those clinics the first year, now more than 200 young ballplayers take part. McWilliams attributes a great deal of the success in the winter clinics and the 20 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

Photo Credits: Curtis Comeau

reside at the Suncor Community Leisure

sportsstory

Toronto Blue Jay Scott

The future of baseball

Richmond, who has come up

in Fort McMurray looks

to Fort McMurray twice now

very encouraging.

to run clinics and has also

The previous FMMBA

brought other big leaguers

boards had the foresight

like Jesse Litsch and Stubby

to purchase the tract of

Clapp with him.

land in which the current

Rivard’s job isn’t just to

Quarry Ridge Golf Course

make kids the best baseball

resides. The land will be

players they can be but to

sold in the near future

instill a passion in kids for

and that means economic

the game he has played his

stability for years to come.

whole life. He goes to schools

The organization also

and shows younger kids skills

plans to help non-profit

and teaches them about the

organizations with some of

game.

those funds.

“Basically we’re trying to

Downtown, plans

show kids that the number

are in place for a 5,000-

one reason to play baseball is

seat synthetic stadium at

to have fun, meet new friends

MacDonald Island Park.

and try something new,” he

“That stadium will

says.

take baseball in Fort

“I always pull kids out of

McMurray to the next

those schools and bring them

level,” says McWilliams.

to the winter ball clinics, and

“Once the doors open

some of the kids have never

you immediately have the

played; maybe they aren’t

potential to host national

very athletic, but it doesn’t matter. They are a part of

The future of baseball in Fort McMurray looks very encouraging.

something. They feel good. And

supportive board, baseball moms and

that is equally as important as anything

dads and volunteers. None of this

we do.”

organization’s success is possible without

Rivard also says parents play a huge role in the development of the young players. “They definitely have to buy in. It’s

them.” Now with all of the organization’s

“We have had an amazingly

players come out of Fort McMurray, it still the mantra.

is not the case.

echoes.

But while the organization grows and hosts more tournaments and more elite

for McWilliams, Rivard and everyone

Baseball is no longer something that is

That is a sentiment McWilliams

Championships or Canada Cup come here.”

remains clear that “everybody plays” is

involved to rest on their laurels, but that

area.”

the National Midget AAA

growth and success it would be easy

a big commitment, like any other sport. only played two or three months in this

tournaments. We could see

“I want to leave this organization better than I found it,” says McWilliams.

“These kids who never thought they would play a team sport are having fun and they feel good about themselves and the game,” explains Rivard.

“Every year when I think about letting my name stand for president, I think I am not

Nolan Haukeness is a freelance writer

done yet. We can get bigger and get better.”

based in Fort McMurray. Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 21

aviationS t ory

Fort McMurray’s strong female presence in traditionally male jobs has passengers doing a double take when they see Leanne Burton, Adrienne Bennett and Courtney Adams (l-r).

22 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

Soaring

aviationS t ory

Spirits



Big Spirit alive and well with female air crew

by Judy Monchuk

memory of fixing an aircraft is literally frozen in her mind: three days on the

challenge. And she finds it here. The rough and tumble Fort McMurray environment may be perceived as largely

the aircraft, she has been referred to as a flight attendant. But she prefers to take the comments in stride rather than get upset.

tarmac in Fort Chipewyan at -47C, winds

a man’s world, but at Nor-Alta’s local

ripping across the landscape and a heater

office, there is a strong female presence in

boarding the plane to do a double take. Both

operating at half-power as she tried to locate

traditionally male jobs. Adrienne Bennett,

petite and outgoing, Bennett and Adams

the problem, a slipped pulley on a cable.

32, oversees charter services while Courtney

have become accustomed to people asking if

Their youth has also caused passengers

“At the end, I enjoyed it because it was a

Adams, 25, is the co-pilot on air ambulance

they are old enough to fly the plane. During

real person-building moment,” says Burton,

and medical flights that make up to 60 to 80

a medical flight, one older man was visibly

27, one of the few female aircraft mechanics

trips a month. All joined Nor-Alta last year

scared at the prospect of two female pilots.

in the industry and the one-woman

after Air Mikisew ceased operations.

When the plane landed in Edmonton, he

maintenance crew who keeps planes in the

Bennett has been flying in northern

air for charter service Nor-Alta Aviation’s

Alberta for eight years and says there have

crash.” Adams laughs when recounting the

Fort McMurray operation. “It was fun.”

been times when passengers were skeptical of

incident, shrugging off the experience as part

her abilities. It took time for some, including

of the job.

Fun is obviously a matter of

commented with relief that “at least we didn’t

interpretation. Burton, who describes

native elders, to accept having a woman

Adams moved to Fort McMurray on

herself as stubborn and tenacious, thrives on

at the flight controls. Even after landing

a whim from her Toronto home in April Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 23

Photo Credit: Patrick Kerby & Cali Arnold

L

eanne Burton’s most challenging

aviationS t ory

2006 with no job prospects

slimy and not the sweetest of

or connections, looking for a

passengers. But it never put her

chance to make a career with

off flying. “You stay because of

her pilot’s licence that wasn’t

the love of aviation,” she says.

happening in Ontario. She got

These days, most of

that chance. While there was a

Bennett’s work is corporate,

bit of culture shock in leaving

flying charters into Edmonton

the big city and her family,

or Fort Chipewyan for business

she says the opportunities

meetings, native councils or

for personal and professional

the monthly shuttle of lawyers

growth have made the transition

and a judge into communities

well worth the struggle. “You do have to have a

for court proceedings. Bennett Leanne Burton thrives on challenge. And she finds it here.

strong sense of optimism,

and husband Shawn have set down roots here with two-year-

to dispatch until she got a chance to fly.

especially during these long winters,” says

The romance of flying planes, soaring

Adams. “I’ve always been really gutsy and

high above the clouds with an office view

a home life that revolves around the

ambitious.”

of the northern lights or spectacular

outdoors and the natural beauty of the

sunrises, has given way to reality that can

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo,

include some pretty basic grunt work.

whether that is snowmobiling or skating

Bennett, a former air cadet, was truly bitten by the flying bug during a trip to Australia after high school. She

Bennett recalls being seven months

old daughter Karley. They have created

with neighbours on Gregoire Lake near

saw doctors travelling in small aircraft

pregnant with her daughter and

to help people around the outback and

transporting 40-kilogram boxes of fresh

their home.

was hooked. She returned to Canada and

fish packed in ice from Fort Chipewyan

that we have to pull together,” she says.

got her pilot’s licence in Red Deer, AB,

during summer months. “We would

“That creates this wonderful spirit.”

and followed that up with a commercial

put plastic tarps on the boxes, bundle

licence through Mount Royal College in

and tape them in the aircraft and fly

of a far more exclusive community: the

Calgary. She got a job at Air Mikisew,

to Fort McMurray.” By the time the

women of aviation. Burton, who has been

soon doing everything from reservations

cargo arrived, it was considerably more

referred to as a modern-day Rosie the

“The extreme winter conditions mean

That bond is also felt as a member

Riveter, says that can-do spirit from the Second World War is alive and well in her female colleagues. She likes the badge of honour that comes with doing a nontraditional job and doing it well. Burton notes that “aviation breeds a special kind of person,” someone who thrives on facing challenges every day. Photo Credits: Patrick Kerby & Cali Arnold

There is also a slight nod to a rebel nature that fits well. “There’s some notoriety involved with being women in aviation. I like it.” Judy Monchuk is a freelance writer based in Fort McMurray “You stay because of the love of aviation,” says Adrienne Bennett.

24 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

schoolStory

Jack of

inspiration Conklin Principal sets new path for students by Kiran Malik-Khan leaving?’ They assumed I would leave

The two seniors who were known

Mr. Howell when he grows up

and were shocked when they realized I

troublemakers were expelled during

– a helper.

wasn’t,” recalls Mr. Howell.

Mr. Howell’s first two days on the job.

And a helper would be a good way to

He adds, the school should be called

“They just didn’t want to come into

describe Jack Howell, principal, Conklin

the Phoenix Academy, because of the

the building, and resented not being in

Community School, but guardian angel

remarkable changes. Some of these

charge anymore. I brought them back and

would be even better.

include the total population going up

began teaching them myself. Today, they

The school’s very core changed in

from 27 students to 35, who walked in

are great,” he adds.

September of 2009 with his advent. There

whenever they wished. Everyone is on

was no janitor, no bus driver, no cook, and

time now and the school is expanding

Newfoundland, Mr. Howell has been

no supplies. The school had gone through

as of April 20, 2011 to include the 10th

a high school teacher for 32 years. He

many teachers in the last five years, with

through to the 12th Grades.

completed his Master’s in teaching

the exception of one dedicated teacher who has been there for the last 10 years. “When I joined, the senior students had a favourite question, ‘when are you

“I learned these are fantastic kids

Originally from Eastport,

from Memorial University, chaired four

who only needed direction and love,”

churches for 27 years, and was a volunteer

continued Mr. Howell.

firefighter for 35 years. Truly Jack of all

But some tough love was involved.

trades.

Photo Credit: Patrick Kerby and Cali Arnold

D

illon Bone wants to be just like

Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 25

schoolStory

Wendy Tremblay, Chair, Métis School Board has known Mr. Howell for two years and calls him a “welcoming spirit for the school. “He is a dedicated principal and strives to ensure our kids make it to school every day. His recycling program, and junior high class trips to Fort McMurray for shopping, have helped our students,” says Tremblay. In addition, every year he takes his students and their kukums – extended family — on field trips to Edmonton to see museums and much more. He not only works with the oil sands to improve Conklin, but also with speech pathologists to help students via video conferencing to Edmonton and Fort McMurray. The Conklin Community “Recycling bottles pays for new uniforms, sound systems, field trips, to ensuring the library is renovated and updated. All this is possible mostly from recycling bottles,” say Jack Howell.

“I miss being a firefighter. But these

companies, gave Mr. Howell $10,000 for the school and he continues working on securing more grants.

kids are more important. They need me,”

the school – from the jigging team’s new

he says.

uniforms and sound system to field trips,

working around us and they all want for

to ensuring the library is now renovated

our kids to do well. From hockey games

an hour-and-a-half away from Fort

and updated, there is so much he has

to ski school, there is a lot they have

McMurray with a population of only

done and mostly from recycling bottles.

done and we have more offers from the

Why Conklin, a community about

250 people? The hunt for a new challenge

You see, he made a deal with the Métis

“We have so many major companies

oil companies. We have the Canadian

“on my way to retirement in Alaska,” is

School Board to “find” resources and does

Association of Petroleum Producers

the response.

so by collecting bottles from the oil sands

(CAPP) coming in to beautify our school,

and recycling them for 10 cents apiece. He

as well as The HUB visiting for different

was interested in what was going on at the

purchased a trailer with his own money

events,” he says.

school,” explains Mr. Howell, who moved

to haul the bottles and is already on his

to Conklin from Fox Creek, Alberta.

400,000th one.

“The community was the right size. I

And Daphne, his wife of 37 years Photo Credit: Patrick Kerby and Cali Arnold

above and beyond to find resources for

Enhancement Society, funded by the oil

“I recycle about 250,000 bottles a year;

Can one person make a difference? The next time you ponder this conundrum, remember Mr. Howell, who

and his junior high sweetheart, doesn’t

it pays for winter coats for all students.

mind it at all. The biggest advantage is

The first sports day after many years

being closer to their daughter, Claire, who

was funded with this money. We award

community that is going to keep its

teaches at Keyano College.

books as prizes for things like math

heritage and prosper,” he shares.

“My wife said, ‘Conklin? Sure! We

says he has learned much from Conklin. “Conklin is a vibrant Métis

competitions and attendance, as well as

are only an hour-and-a-half away from

give out Tim Hortons gift cards to parents

Kiran Malik-Khan is a freelance writer

Claire,’ ” laughs Howell.

to keep encouraging good attendance,”

based in Fort McMurray.

Since his arrival, Mr. Howell has gone

26 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

explains Mr. Howell.

e n v i r o n m e n t al m a t t e r s

The Science Behind Studying

Air Quality Wood Buffalo Environmental Association has worked to improve its air quality. by Jane Percy

E

ver wondered what might be in that gas cloud coming

scientific meeting,” said Carna MacEachern, WBEA’s Executive

how the air around you smells and what might be in each

Director. “Many of the scientists attending have been working with

breath you take of that air? You’re not alone: members of the scientific community will

WBEA and will be presenting results of our innovative science.” WBEA, an independent not-for-profit organization – with 23

be gathering in Fort McMurray this May to discuss those very

members from First Nations, environmental non-governmental,

questions.

three levels of government and industrial sectors – has

Since 2007, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) has worked to improve its air quality, terrestrial and human exposure-monitoring programs. Highlights include

monitored air quality in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) since 1997. “WBEA operates the largest airshed in the largest

a partnership with Environment Canada to study air toxics

municipality in the country,” explains Carna. “Our network of

deposition, the deployment of “on board” emission-monitoring

15 continuous air-quality monitoring stations and 20 boreal

systems for mine heavy haulers, and installation of a unique

forest passive monitoring sites serves stakeholders in Fort

odour-detecting gas chromatograph.

McMurray, Fort MacKay, Fort Chipewyan, and Anzac, and the

Results of these and other WBEA studies will be the focus of Photo Credit: iStock Photo

“WBEA is very pleased to have been awarded this prestigious

out of a 797 heavy hauler? Or if there’s a link between

an International Symposium entitled Alberta Oil Sands: Energy, Industry, and the Environment hosted by WBEA on May 23. The 43rd Air Pollution Workshop, an annual gathering of scientists

industrial oil sands. “WBEA streams near real-time air-quality data from our monitoring stations at www.wbea.org.” WBEA’s recent shift toward more scientifically integrated

studying the effects of air pollution on plants, will be hosted by

monitoring is overseen by MacEachern and Lead Scientist

WBEA, May 24-26.

Dr. Kevin Percy. Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 27

e n v i r o n m e n t al m a t t e r s

“These scientific meetings are a major milestone in WBEA’s strategic move towards an organization focused on a more complete vision of the regional air and terrestrial environment,” says Percy. “Scientific reviews of WBEA’s programs recommended a more sciencebased approach to our monitoring in the region. WBEA’s membership supported this ‘new way forward.’ In 2008, the new projects and redesigned programs rolled out. WBEA’s team of more than 20 international scientists will be among the 100-plus participants at the May meetings.” Air quality in the RMWB is normally classified as good per the Alberta Air Quality Index. WBEA’s

particular concern for human health and

coarse and fine particulate matter.

visibility.

Contributions to the environment from

Pioneering work on heavy-hauler

sources such as forest fires and oil sands

ambient air-monitoring program is a

emissions by Dr. John Watson and

processing are being identified through

result of industrial activities and the

Dr. Judy Chow will be a Symposium

this work.

compliance monitoring required in their

feature. Specially designed

respective Environmental Protection

instrumentation placed on board oil

important air-quality issue for residents

Enhancement Act approvals. WBEA

sands mine heavy haulers has produced

living in some of our communities,”

has now started to transition to a

the first “real-world” data on emissions

MacEachern notes. “Residents recognize

regional monitoring program by use

during their operation, greatly increasing

odour events as a deterioration in air

of instruments, methods and research

accuracy in emissions databases.

quality. WBEA installed new odour-

technologies designed to monitor ambient

“Mercury has been raised as an

“Odour has recently become an

related measurement technology at

air quality at background and trace-

important environmental issue, but

our Fort MacKay station, in 2009, to

level concentrations. These alternative

continuous measurements in air have

address this.”

methods, in conjunction with existing

not been available in the RMWB, to

Dr. Bob O’Brien, inventor of this new

air-quality analyzers, provide data for

date,” says Dr. Percy. “Environment

technology, will discuss data generated to

informed decision-making and set a path

Canada will report on our partnership to

date, during the workshop.

for future monitoring programs in the

measure total gaseous mercury at WBEA’s

region.

Timberlea station.”

During the workshop, WBEA’s

WBEA has also shifted its terrestrial

Dr. Yu Mei Hsu will present results from

monitoring to a more scientifically

the Ambient Ion Monitor operating at

robust, ecosystem-based approach.

Fort MacKay since 2009. This instrument, Photo Credit: Curtis Comeau

WBEA’s recent shift toward more scientifically integrated monitoring is overseen by Carna MacEachern (right) and Lead Scientist Dr. Kevin Percy.

“Our source-to-sink monitoring

The Air Pollution Workshop will also give scientists an informal forum in which to discuss their work. “The International Symposium will provide an overview of air and terrestrial monitoring science here in the RMWB,”

the first in Alberta and only the second

traces air pollutants from emission

explains Percy. “And the proceedings will

in Canada, monitors acid and base

through transformation and transfer onto

be published as a peer-reviewed scientific

gases and particulate ions. The data

the landscape,” explains Percy.

book.”

improves understanding of industrial

Dr. Eric Edgerton and colleagues

contributions to photochemical reactions

use an instrument called a dichotomous

Jane Percy is a freelance writer based in

and secondary aerosols, which are of

sampler to simultaneously sample

Fort McMurray.

28 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

c o mm u n i t y l i v i n g

Photo Credit: Joel Matthews

Perry Budden with his wife Becky and their two children, Courtney and Calen

A commute

worth keeping Work in Fort McMurray lets families stay home in Newfoundland

W

hen Perry Budden was growing up, his family made a living off the fishery, like many others based in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Born and raised in Salmon Cove, a community of 700 on the

northeastern portion of the Avalon Peninsula and a little over an hour’s drive from the capital city of St. John’s, Budden was unsure where his future lay. But if his father Orville was going to have his way, Perry wouldn’t follow in the elder Budden’s footsteps. “He didn’t want me at it,” says Perry, 39, of the fishery lifestyle. Budden returned home in 2008 to live in the neighbouring community of Victoria

by Andrew Robinson

with his wife Becky and their two children, Courtney and Calen, after 14 years living in Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 29

c o mm u n i t y l i v i n g

Edmonton. He now takes advantage of a work arrangement that’s commonplace for many people in Newfoundland and Labrador and helps rural communities stay alive. The collapse of the Northern Cod fishery that led to the 1992 moratorium was devastating for Canada’s most eastern province. A commodity that was the prime attraction for settlers who came to the island in the early 1600s, by the early ’90s the spawning biomass of Northern Cod had decreased by at least 75 per cent

Glen Adams finds working a shift-based schedule in Fort McMurray allows him more time with his wife Christine and their two children, Kristen and Ryan, who remain home in Newfoundland.

in all stocks. An estimated 35,000 fishers

camping trips, and they see relatives from

Having a weeklong break between his

and plant workers in 400 communities

both sides of the family on a regular basis.

14-day shifts gives Glen plenty of time to

became unemployed as a result of the

Perry says the children are particularly

handle household renovations, and he’s

moratorium.

fond of living in Newfoundland for the

flexible when it comes to family vacations.

latter reason.

This March, Glen and Christine went on a

The opportunities for employment in the skilled trades was enticing, and with

The gaps between seeing dad is a

weeklong trip to Mexico.

business booming on Alberta’s oil sands,

reality the children are accustomed to

employment in Fort McMurray became

now, though Becky says Calen sometimes

a year, just to spend some time together

the best option for thousands of young

finds it hard, as he loves accompanying

alone,” he says.

Newfoundlanders.

his father on skidoo rides.

“Me and my wife usually do it once

Like Perry, Glen, 42, is married to a nurse, and their combined salary allows

With business booming on Alberta’s oil sands, employment in Fort McMurray became the best option for thousands of young Newfoundlanders.

them to live comfortably in their home community. While working in Fort McMurray, Glen has also made plenty of friends. “They’re not from Fort McMurray,

After coming home in 2008, Budden

A half-hour drive from the Buddens

but they’re from all-over the island. A lot

learned of an opportunity to work as a

lives Upper Island Cove’s Glen Adams.

of guys I work with are from Marystown,

welder for SMS Equipment. Instead of

Born and raised in the town of 1,700,

St. Lawrence, Clarenville, and from my

relocating the family back to Alberta,

Adams is a construction worker employed

own home area of Upper Island Cove and

Perry entered into an arrangement where

by Canonbie Construction in Fort

Bryant’s Cove.”

he would work 12 days straight and then

McMurray.

take a 12-day break. “He spends more time with the

He started working insulation jobs for the company in 2005, and he found his

He also keeps in touch with his family back home every day he’s away, whether by phone or through online video chat.

children now than he did when he was

situation hard at first due to spending six

Located between Upper Island Cove

working full-time,” says Becky Budden,

months straight in Fort McMurray while

and Victoria is Carbonear, a community

a licensed practical nurse. When he lived

his wife Christine and their two children,

of 5,000 residents that’s commonly

in Edmonton, Perry was working six days

Kristen and Ryan, remained home.

considered the hub of the Conception

a week, severely limiting his time with

However, he made the switch to a shift-

Bay North region. It’s a service centre

the kids.

based schedule in 2006, and has stuck

for dozens of communities, almost all

with it ever since.

of whom have multiple families with a

In the summer, the Buddens go on 30 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

c o mm u n i t y l i v i n g

partner commuting to Fort McMurray. “They spend their money in the area, so it’s great for the economy, and even though you’re working in Fort McMurray, you’re still adding to it Photo Credit: Andrew Robinson

here,” says Carbonear mayor Sam Slade. “All this money is going into the local economy, and it’s very important that happens.” The community has experienced an upswing in business activity, and further investment in schools and healthcare facilities is leading to the construction of new buildings. Overall tax revenue for the municipality in 2010 grew by $325,000 over 2009 figures for a total of $4 million. Residential construction was also up, with 32 new homes built compared to 18 in 2009. Carbonear is only an hour’s drive

The Chipp family, Roma; husband Terry; billet Josh Lee; son Riley; daughter Robin makes Fort McMurray feel like home by being involved in the community.

Making the move together

consider his town to be their own

A Newfoundland family makes Fort McMurray their home

St. John’s when it comes to fulfilling

by Monica Leslie

away from the capital city of St. John’s, but Mayor Slade says many communities

shopping needs. The community is home to a Walmart, multiple chain restaurants, three grocery stores, a mall, and two technical colleges. It’s also the site of

I

f you ask Roma Chipp where she calls her home, she will answer with “home is where you make it.” It is this motto that has carried her across Canada with her husband Terry, from a small town

in Newfoundland to Manitoba and finally to Fort McMurray. As newlyweds living in La Scie, Newfoundland, the Chipps knew that their small hometown

Carbonear General Hospital, which has

offered little in the way of entertainment, shopping and jobs. In 1998, they left Newfoundland for

80 acute care beds.

Manitoba, where Terry could practise his trade as an electrician. A few years ago, they moved again

“Carbonear is a wonderful community, and we not only depend on the people in our town, but also the

to Fort McMurray. Terry took a job at Syncrude and Roma at Servus Credit Union, and they have never looked back. Although many families choose to stay in Newfoundland while their husbands and fathers work in

people outside of our town to come and

Fort McMurray, Roma never saw that as an option for her and Terry. She believed moving with Terry

spend their money here,” says Mayor

would provide better opportunities for her and her children but most of all, she wanted to keep her

Slade. So long as work opportunities in Fort McMurray remain for folks like Perry Budden and Glen Adams, the odds are strong that Carbonear will remain “wonderful” for many years to come. Andrew Robinson is a freelance writer based in Fort McMurray.

family together. Leaving your hometown, friends and family behind is not without its challenges. “You don’t have your family support around you, that’s the hardest part,” says Roma. Despite this, the Chipp family makes Fort McMurray feel like home by being heavily involved in the community through organizations such as the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association, Fort McMurray Minor Baseball, and the Oil Barons. The Chipp family has grown to include two children, one granddaughter, and the occasional Oil Baron billet. Roma looks forward to having her family grow up around her in Fort McMurray, and will proudly say to those who are seeking to better their situations by leaping into the unknown together, “just go for it, that’s my advice. Best move I ever made.” Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 31

h e al t h m a t t e r s

32 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

h e al t h m a t t e r s

Vision

quest

by Heather Reid

Eye doctor improves lives of his patients one eye at a time

D

r. Hugo Sutton is a man perennially ahead of his time. He founded the first laser refractive eye surgery

clinic in Canada in 1990 and has since performed 40,000 of the operations. He is a world-class health professional and he has set up shop in Fort McMurray. When Sutton opened his clinic, AltaVision Plus, he substantially expanded the eye care services available locally. He says it’s typical to find one ophthalmologist for every 20,000 people – Fort McMurray had none. As an accredited surgical facility, AltaVision offers LASIK surgery, general eye care, cosmetic surgery and optical retail services. Ken MacDonald appreciates having a specialist in town. “You get it done, you go home,” says the retired Armed Services captain. His wife was originally Sutton’s patient, but when he heard about Ken’s detached retina, he offered his services. Soon a friendly rivalry on the squash court. Dr. Hugo Sutton is making eye care services available locally.

The MacDonalds saved multiple trips to Edmonton, and several nights in hotel by getting their treatment in Fort McMurray. Sutton aims to make travelling for eye care a

Photo Credit: Curtis Comeau

the doctor-patient relationship morphed into

Issue 4 | www.bigspirit.ca | Bigspirit 33

h e al t h m a t t e r s

thing of the past, and he’s succeeding. Unexpected challenges have presented themselves as a result of choosing to do business in Wood Buffalo. Sutton had problems purchasing equipment. It took a full year to get a lease on an appropriate facility. Undeterred, Sutton and his team push forward. Linda MacLellan recently had LASIK Photo Credit: Curtis Comeau

surgery under the skilled hands of Dr. Sutton. The day before her procedure, she knocked her glasses off the bedside table first thing in the morning. She started her day crawling on the floor, feeling around for them. “I basically need glasses to find my glasses,” she says.

Dr. Hugo Sutton aims to make travelling for eye care a thing of the past, and he’s succeeding.

More importantly, her vision

Northern Alberta on a lark with his new

the positives of working in Wood Buffalo.

problems became a safety hazard at

bride. Within two years there were two

He gets MRIs and CT scans done faster at

work. As a fourth-class power engineer

babies and the trip became a working

Northern Lights Regional Health Centre

at Syncrude, she regularly dons self-

vacation. Then Canada became home. He

than in Vancouver.

contained breathing apparatus to avoid

graduated from the University of British

inhaling chlorine gas. When lenses were

Columbia in 1977, adding a specialty in

built the Suncor Community Leisure

inserted into her mask, it wouldn’t seal

ophthalmology to his medical degree.

Centre at MacDonald Island Park, where

around her nose and mouth. Knowing how much getting rid of

He hasn’t been tempted to return to England. “I like the dramatic geography

Then there’s the oil sands money that

he plays squash. “It must be the best recreation centre in Canada,” he says. Sutton never stops exploring new

her glasses would improve her life didn’t

and the dramatic climate,” he says,

decrease her apprehension about the

explaining his connection to this part of

techniques. He’s working to bring

surgery, but she says Sutton put her at

the world.

digitally enhanced VHF ultrasound to his

ease right away. Sutton was first drawn to

“I have the same rural Devonshire roots in Fort Mac,” he says with a

field to make it easier to take pictures of the eye. Yet, he still promotes the basics. He’s

ophthalmology during an exchange

laugh, explaining that he hears his own

to Uganda as a University of London

intonation and phrases in the voices of

adamant that every baby, every diabetic

medical student in the 1970s. The

the many Newfoundlanders he meets in

and every person over 40 must have an

challenges he sees in Fort McMurray pale

Wood Buffalo.

eye examination. Ophthalmologists

in comparison to conditions in Uganda.

These days, Sutton splits his time

sometimes uncover conditions that

50-50 between his clinic in Vancouver

standard medical exams miss. “Most

he said, of the reality he witnessed. As a

and AltaVision in Fort McMurray. That

people think if they’re seeing OK, they’re

young doctor-in-training, he experienced

means a lot of flights, but the doctor is a

probably doing OK. And maybe they are

the profound effect that even basic

man who knows how to relax. He uses

– but maybe they’re not.”

treatment had on people’s lives. “That’s

the time to sit back and read a book, or to

how I became hooked on eye care,” he says.

chat with his fellow travellers.

“If you don’t see, you fall into the fire,”

Shortly after that, he came to 34 Bigspirit | www.bigspirit.ca | Issue 4

By persevering, Sutton has discovered

Heather Reid is a freelance writer based in Fort McMurray.

CELEBRATE CANADA DAY AT MACDONALD ISLAND PARK

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