Tag: Fort MacMurray

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Fort MacMurray Experiences ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Craze

Fort MacMurray, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Fort MacMurray, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been all over the web and news outlets, and this craze has finally reached Fort MacMurray. This challenge started to get attention at the end of June and no one can argue that it is not for a good cause. Thanks to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge the ALS Canada organization has gained more than $8 million, and United States ALS Association has gained over $88 million. When someone has been nominated for this challenge they only have 24 hours to take video of themselves completing the challenge, having ice cubes and freezing cold water poured over their heads. When someone completes this challenge then they nominate others, and if the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is not completed then the participant must contribute at least $100 to the ALS Association.

During Leonardo DiCaprio’s recent Fort MacMurray visit the actor took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and so did a number of Fort MacMurray residents and notable officials. Allen Adams accepted the challenge and so did the entire Parks Department, Don Scott, Mike Allen, McMurray Ringette coach Megan Jensen, and Steve Courtoreille to name just a few. Fort MacMurray has always been a giving community and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge craze to hit the area just proves this fact once again. Many participants not only accepted the challenge and performed it they also donate $100 or more to the ALS Association as well. Some celebrities have donated thousands of dollars after participating in this challenge.

 

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Fort MacMurray Receives Visit from Alberta Party Leader

Alberta party leader, Fort MacMurray
Alberta party leader, Fort MacMurray

Greg Clark, the Alberta party leader, recently stopped in Fort MacMurray and met with residents in the area. According to Clark the local real estate guide is a monument to a lack of government foresight and poor planning by officials. The Alberta party leader went even further, stating that the land release problem in Wood Buffalo is unparalleled. Clark affirmed that advance planning should have happened a decade ago. “It’s an understatement to say growth hasn’t been managed well by the province. There’s a real gap between social housing and what people can afford on a reasonable wage. That’s having a big impact on employers and people who provide those critical services, like your nurses and police officers.” Greg Clark left Fort MacMurray last Friday afternoon, and he was in town to meet with leaders in the community and local industries, as well as residents in the area.

Many people do not realize that Greg Clark, the Alberta party leader, has close ties to Fort MacMurray. Clark worked as a Suncor Energy consultant for many years, and he spent a considerable amount of time in Fort MacMurray during his consulting stint. From the very first day on his recent visit to Fort MacMurray the Alberta party leader heard numerous complaints about land prices in the area from residents and businesses both. According to Clark “It’s a huge paradox that never should have happened. I don’t think there is an easy answer, because if there was this problem would have been solved. The free market works so well, but they have artificially constrained the release of land. One group or another will get hurt by this, and right now it’s the buyer. I can’t give you a stock answer that will keep everybody happy, but I would rather see a strong and thriving community where people can afford a reasonable home and pay a reasonable rate of rent.”

 

 

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Fort MacMurray is Excited to be Headed Back to School

back to school, Fort MacMurray
back to school, Fort MacMurray

It is back to school time again and teens and kids in Fort MacMurray are excited to get back to their usual schedule and see old classmates and school friends again. With summer coming to an end parents and kids have been busy with school clothes shopping, getting the necessary supplies in order, and getting back on track for the right sleep and waking schedule for the school year. Parents are trying to shorten bedtimes after a summer of extended days and staying up late. Many parents are happy to see their little ones head off for the day but they may also be stressed because this time of year can be hectic and trying while also being exciting. The first week of school is one that is usually filled with excitement and apprehension for kids, while parents struggle to get their children back into the swing of things now that school is starting back up again.

Going back to school in Fort MacMurray is a time when the entire community gets involved. Parents pay special attention to students who are waiting to be transported, and extra caution is needed during this time. Children tend to get excited and they may not pay attention to traffic and other hazards as a result. It is important to remember that going back to school means that Fort MacMurray roads and neighborhoods will be full of kids who are up early and outside while it may still be dark out. Drivers need to pay attention and drive carefully to prevent any accidents. This is also the time to think about those less fortunate, and many parents are donating money or items to help provide school supplies for children who do not have these necessities.

 

 

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Winters in Fort MacMurray can be Fantastic

Fort MacMurray, winter activities in Alberta
Fort MacMurray, winter activities in Alberta

 

Winter activities in Alberta in the Fort MacMurray area are numerous. Visitors and residents both will find plenty of things to see and do for all ages. When the winter months start the weather can turn cold, snow is plentiful, and ice forms in many areas. These conditions are perfect for winter sports and outdoor activities. Ice skating, cross country skiing, dog sledding, and even hiking in the scenic wonderland that Fort MacMurray represents during the winter months are just a few of the possibilities. There are plenty of trails and open areas to explore, with snow and ice to enjoy and use for winter sports. The weather may be somewhat cold but with the proper dress and preparations winter activities in Alberta offer many possibilities.

In addition to the winter activities in Alberta and the colder weather opportunities in Fort MacMurray there are many types of wildlife and incredible scenic vistas to wonder over. The remote location of the area and the fact that residents are few and far between outside of established neighborhoods mean that many species of wildlife can be found in abundance. The gorgeous landscapes are just part of the appeal though. Visitors and residents in Fort MacMurray and the surrounding areas also have a number of restaurants and entertainment options to choose from as well. Anyone who is willing to brave the cold and the winter weather conditions may be surprised at what the Alberta and Fort MacMurray regions have to offer in the colder months.

 

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The Annual Oil Sands Strongman Classic in Fort MacMurray

Oil sands, Fort MacMurray, Strongman Classic
Oil sands, Fort MacMurray, Strongman Classic

 

It is that time of year again, and the annual Oil Sands Strongman Classic in Fort MacMurray was held recently. This event included competitions for men and women both, and all ages of participants were encouraged to attend and compete. Advance registration was required and the annual Oil Sands Strongman Classic is held each year in Fort MacMurray around the end of August. This is a great way for visitors and residents in the community to get out, have some fun, socialize with other community members, and see some incredible feats of strength as well. This event is a competition but it is also used as a fund raiser, and strongman competitions are also considered a sport by many because of the training and effort needed to be successful in any of the contests that are held.

The annual Oil Sands Strongman Classic in Fort MacMurray is sponsored by the Fort MacMurray Strongman Association. This association was established in July of 2014 by Lennea and Leif Palsen. The goal of the association is to encourage growth in the Strongman sport. The competition events for men and for women are held simultaneously, and these include a bus pull, a shoulder pressing medley, SUV deadlifts, Yoke/Farmer medley, an Atlas stone run for the men. Women can compete in a bus pull, a log press, tire deadlifts, 100′ Farmers walk, and an Atlas stone run. Each of the competitions may be changed, depending on the availability and the number of participants who are registered.

 

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New Dance Instructor Starts at Uptown Dance in Fort MacMurray

Fort MacMurray, Uptown Dance
Fort MacMurray, Uptown Dance

 

Rhea Bowman is the newest addition to the Fort MacMurray Uptown Dance studio, and she recently started at the school as a dance instructor. Bowman comes to Fort MacMurray from Toronto and she brings plenty of dance experience with her, as well as the joy and love for this activity that she has always had. When interviewed Rhea Bowman explained “I love the relationships you build with your students and the chance you get to see them grow. You see your work in them. You see how much you’re putting into them and you see the growth from the beginning of the year to the end of it.” As soon as the new instructor came to Fort MacMurray she was already extremely involved, acting as an instructor for the Summer Dance Intensive Camp.

Many people would be surprised to find out that Rhea Bowman, the new Uptown Dance instructor in Fort MacMurray, has trained professional football players to dance in the past. When asked about this she replied “I taught ballet to a couple of CFL players through a company called DBA Elite. I helped them with their flexibility, so the program was made for them. I took ballet and flexibility training and combined them together to work on their hips and their co-ordination. The football players are so shy, believe it or not, and even though they’re so big, they lack confidence, so I think getting them to break out of their shell and get them to do certain things helps me to come back to little kids. If you can encourage a full-sized man, talking to a child is really easy. Just seeing the development and difference in training a child and training an adult, it’s a really interesting process.”