The Fort Mac is Back event was created to welcome the community back after the wildfire evacuation but the name of the event has led to some hurt feelings, criticism, and controversy. In a statement shortly after the event was initially announced Regional Recreation Corporation CEO Annette Antoniak explained “We have the opportunity to welcome the residents of our region home as we reflect on the events since May 3 and look towards the future. We hope the residents of our region will join us on June 29 in Fort McMurray to enjoy this experience as we strengthen our community bonds and begin the journey of recovery and rebuilding together.”

Soon the comments on Facebook started appearing. Aaron Fuson commented “Not all of us are back or able to return. Seems that the residents of Abasand, Beacon Hill, and Waterways are being forgotten about.” An announcement for the on the Facebook page for MacDonald Island a few days after the initial announcement of the event apologized, saying “We missed the mark, Fort McMurray – and we are sorry. Yesterday we shared news of an event coming to Shell Place on June 29. Unfortunately, we chose a name for the event that left some members of our community feeling forgotten, and that was not our intent.” Regional Recreation Corporation CEO Antoniak stated “It was never our intention to offend anyone, and we apologize for that. We just wanted to provide a venue […] for people to be able to experience what was happening down at Commonplace Stadium without having to drive the four to four and a half hours to get there.”