Fort McMurray Construction [Archive]

Xelebes

Apr 29, 2009, 1:19 AM

Again for his last set.

So...just got back from FT. Mac. Folks who get up their often won't see anything new here, so this is for the people who have not made it up yet. I'll apologize in advance for the poor picture quality. They were all shot from a moving vehicle, many through a dirty windshield.

Anyway, as there is only one road, every trip to Ft Mac begins with highway 63 (Yes, I know about 881). Sadly, there were no drilling rigs being hauled up, but I did get some shots of some large objects getting hauled up there (click for bigger...)
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnbigt1.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/bigt1.jpg)http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnbigt2.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/bigt2.jpg)
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnbigt3.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/bigt3.jpg)http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnbigt4.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/bigt4.jpg)

You also have to deal with a non-stop parade of clowns flying by. Notice in the last shot, this guy passed us on a double-solid, even though the passing lane was literally right in front of us.
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnpass1.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/pass1.jpg)http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnpass3.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/pass3.jpg)
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnpass4.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/pass4.jpg)

And the result of aggresive driving:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tncrash1.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/crash1.jpg)http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tncrash2.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/crash2.jpg)

Rush hour, FT Mac style:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnftmacrush.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/ftmacrush.jpg)

FT Mac by Night and day:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnftmacnight.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/ftmacnight.jpg)
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnftmacday.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/ftmacday.jpg)

Hangingstone River crossing:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnhangingstone.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/hangingstone.jpg)

Footing for third Athabasca crossing:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnfooting.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/footing.jpg)

Earthworks for Confederation drive/Hwy 63 interchange:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnconfedearth.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/confedearth.jpg)

New Eagle Ridge Drive overpass:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tneagleridgeop.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/eagleridgeop.jpg)

Need an apartment? Plenty under constuction. Yours to rent for only $2000-2500/month
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tncondo1.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/condo1.jpg)
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tncondo2.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/condo2.jpg)
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tncondo3.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/condo3.jpg)

Growing family? Get a starter home for only $850000:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnsfh.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/sfh.jpg)

New Fire Department and RCMP buildings up in Timberlea:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tnrcmpfd.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/rcmpfd.jpg)

And a bonus shot. These Diversified coaches are ubiquitous up here, they drive employees up to the suncore/syncrude sites which are another 45 minutes north on highway 63. This particular one is not having a good day:
http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/tndeadbus.jpg (http://badcomputer.org/photos/ftmac/deadbus.jpg)

Enjoy.......

hollywoodnorth

Apr 29, 2009, 11:33 PM

thanks! :)

bulliver

Apr 30, 2009, 1:49 AM

Thanks Xelebes,

I'll be heading up again on May 25. I'll see if I can get some better shots.

Great Dane

May 1, 2009, 4:23 AM

While I don't advocate passing on a double solid which is extremely stupid or on a single solid which is just as idiotic.. people who pass are not clowns.

I'm up in Ft. Mac right now on huge Business for the Mac Island Redev. Proj. and coming up I am so sick and tired of people shitting their pants on that highway. Granted, it is dangerous and a pain in the ass to drive but being stuck behind people doing 80 or 90 or barely a hair over 100 is just ridiculous.

Aggressive driving does not always lead to accidents; slow drivers are just as bad if not a lot worse.

Besides. Taking pictures on that highway is a lot more dangerous and if you weren't driving so slow, perhaps so many people wouldn't be passing you.

bulliver

May 4, 2009, 4:34 PM

Great Dane

May 10, 2009, 3:04 AM

^ First, I wasn't driving the vehicle, because (wait for it...) I was taking pictures, and second, we were doing the speed limit. And yes, people who pass you at well over the limit on portions with poor visibility are clowns. The vehicles smashed in the ditch prove my point, not yours.

I like driving fast too, but there is a time and place, and this highway is not it.

That's nice, good for you.

First, when I pass I don't fuck around in the oncoming lane like some of the idiots in this province do. You know how many people I've seen pass a vehicle doing 100 at 105 on that highway? Now that's a clown for you. When I go with good visibility I accelerate to get back over as soon as possible, if that means passing in an area with a burst at 130 or 140 which is a simple tap of the pedal, so be it.

And for the record, I've seen many accidents on that highway and many of them are a result of an idiot attempting a futile passing at 105 kph and swerving, thus over-correcting back into their lane and veering off the road because they are unable to accelerate.

Xelebes

May 10, 2009, 5:40 AM

Let's keep the talk regarding dangerous driving to another thread. This is about Fort McMurray construction here.

May 10, 2009, 6:47 AM

bulliver

May 10, 2009, 2:47 PM

EE: I couldn't find any info on the newstudio website that says those towers are for Ft Mac, do you have more info on them?

--

"‘Urban freeway’ in the works for Wood Buffalo":
http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/PrintArticle.aspx?e=1509905

Plans for highway 63 upgrade in Ft McMurray:
http://www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/residents/parks+recreation/pdf/CPI_partVI.pdf

Edit: Detailed plans of highway 63 (Warning: 47MB PDF):
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/projects/assets/pdfs/FW_large.pdf

Xelebes

May 10, 2009, 5:18 PM

The Bond Centre was proposed a few years ago, around 2005 or so. I do not know what the status of those building are.

bulliver

Jun 25, 2009, 4:13 AM

Okay, was just up again last night. Got a few pics.

More big stuff getting hauled up. The highway was a lot busier with these huge loads than the last few times I went up. Sign of economic recovery?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3658359139_98fb269ff6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/badcomputer/3658359139/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/3658357159_523336cff1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/badcomputer/3658357159/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3658358075_3fcd05033d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/badcomputer/3658358075/)
Sorry, they were shot through a bug splattered windshield.

And in town.

Hangingstone River crossing appears to be ready to go soon...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3659164528_807c5c08c6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/badcomputer/3659164528/")

This was the only major development downtown that I could find. Couple of 7 story apartment blocks. Not sure of names or details:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3659165312_f95cd47a3b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/badcomputer/3659165312/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3658371971_e1c2d535ec_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/badcomputer/3658371971/)

Third Athabasca crossing. This one is moving slow. It doesn't appear that much has been done since I started coming up here 2 years ago. Still just three footings, though notice they have attached some dohickey's which I assume are for attaching the deck beams. They have certainly started ramping up the earthworks on the downtown side of the bridge though...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3658369953_ff91d74b3a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/badcomputer/3658369953/)

And this is a couple of retaining walls for the ramps of the Thickwood Drive interchange:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3659167128_fd1eae9ee7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/badcomputer/3659167128/)

itom 987

Jun 25, 2009, 4:24 AM

There is a $500 million project planned for Fort McMurray called "Quarry Ridge".

Check it out!
http://www.hsea.ca/projects/8033/

bulliver

Jun 25, 2009, 4:35 AM

Looks good! Wonder why they're putting it at the top of the hill across from the industrial zone though..

Jun 25, 2009, 5:15 AM

yeah i noticed that. it looks a little car centric, but good for fort mcmurray i'd say :).

fortroad

Jun 26, 2009, 5:10 AM

^ More like lifted 1 ton dually diesel centric. ;)

RHINO

Jul 6, 2009, 5:51 AM

has anything in Ft.Mac changed in the last two month's?

fortroad

Jul 7, 2009, 6:10 AM

is that tower - edinburgh - under construction?

You might want to add:

Bond Centre

http://newstudio.ca/work/residential/bond-centre/1.jpg

http://newstudio.ca/work/residential/bond-centre/1.jpg

Thanks Xelebes!

So I was discussing Bond Centre with a very good source and they said the developer has taken it off the table because they don't feel it is viable.

Xelebes

Jul 7, 2009, 10:34 PM

Duly noted. Thank you.

fortroad

Jul 17, 2009, 4:22 AM

Population Growth is impressive!

http://mymcmurray.com/news/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4613&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

The Regional Municipality is out with the numbers from the census conducted in June of 2008. The total population of the region was 103, 334 last summer, up by 17.3 percent from the 2007 census. The 2008 numbers capture population trends in the communities of Fort McMurray, Anzac, Conklin, Draper, Fort Chipewyan, Fort Fitzgerald, Fort McKay, Gregoire Lake Estates, Janvier, Mariana Lake, and Saprae Creek.

The data collected in June of last year also shows that the urban service area of Fort McMurray reaced 72, 363, which is a 10.6 percent growth of the 2007 number of 65,400.

Data for Wood Buffalo's 2008 census was collected and analyzed through a partnership between the municipality's Planning and Development Department, and the Population Research Lab at the University of Alberta.

Municipal Affairs does not require local governments to conduct an annual census, but because of the rapid growth in Wood Buffalo, the municipality has chosen to do a census every year since 2004.

Chasman

Aug 14, 2009, 4:43 PM

So I was discussing Bond Centre with a very good source and they said the developer has taken it off the table because they don't feel it is viable.

Saw a news release last week saying Bond is proceeding this fall, that they are close to having financing in place. They had an extension of their permit requiring them to begin in 2009 I believe.

240glt

Aug 14, 2009, 7:47 PM

Edinburgh tower is out for bids right now

Xelebes

Aug 14, 2009, 9:11 PM

Saw a news release last week saying Bond is proceeding this fall, that they are close to having financing in place. They had an extension of their permit requiring them to begin in 2009 I believe.

Do you have the source handy with you?

ST1

Aug 15, 2009, 11:45 PM

I never even noticed this thread before. It's to see all the stuff happening up in the Mac. I had a good 5 years there, although, I can't say I'm missing it that badly.

fortroad

Aug 17, 2009, 12:01 PM

Do you have the source handy with you?

My source was from the City. I was told they did not renew their permit and would not be proceeding, however that was a few months ago. Things may have changed since.

fortroad

Aug 17, 2009, 12:04 PM

Well, Its still no better looking:

http://www.edinburghtower.com/

StillWill

Sep 22, 2009, 1:50 AM

Do you have the source handy with you?

http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1647530

I don't foresee the Bond Towers happening at all. Such a shame. plus new restrictions imposing any new high rise skyscraper.

Another obstacle in the way of construction is the new lower townsite redevelopment plan, which has a new height limit for buildings. The new limit has a restriction of close to 14 stories.

One more construction not mentioned so far here:

By fall 2011, an eight-floor, nearly 7,000-square metre office building could set up shop on the corner of Hardin Street and Franklin Avenue, next to the Shell gas station.

http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1482646

amor de cosmos

Sep 26, 2009, 11:55 PM

September 26, 2009
Government invests in infrastructure for oil sands expansion
$241 million will help create two new communities in Fort McMurray

http://alberta.ca/acn/200909/26984map.gif

Fort McMurray... Preparing for continued growth in the oil sands, the Government of Alberta is moving forward to turn raw Crown land into new residential, industrial and commercial developments in Fort McMurray.

“Now is the right time to prepare Alberta for its next phase of growth,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “With this investment, we are working with Fort McMurray to create new jobs for today and new homes for tomorrow. We will be ready to support future expansion in the oil sands.”

Over the next five years, the province will invest more than $241 million to develop land located in the Parsons Creek and Saline Creek Plateau areas adjacent to Fort McMurray. Of the total $241 million, $166 million will be used to complete an innovative new residential development at Parsons Creek. The remaining $75 million will bring utilities and roads to the Saline Creek Plateau area making future residential, commercial and industrial developments possible.

Parsons Creek - Phase One will cover 450 acres and will include more than 2,000 new homes accommodating an estimated 6,500 residents. A full 20 per cent of the homes will be designated as affordable housing, with rents at least 10 per cent below market rate.

“This funding will make a real difference in the lives of many families living in Fort McMurray,” said Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Yvonne Fritz. “The Parsons Creek development will provide low to moderate-income families with a safe and secure place to live and contribute to building a strong community.”

In addition to building more affordable housing at Parsons Creek, the province is committed to making the community both environmentally sustainable and healthy. Green technologies, like alternative energy sources, are being explored and features like extensive parks and walkable neighbourhoods will be included in the plans. The goal is to put Fort McMurray at the forefront of innovative urban design. Public consultations on the preliminary plans for Parsons Creek are expected to begin in October.

Development at the Saline Creek Plateau will focus on bringing water and sewer systems to the site, the construction of Saline Creek Drive and improvements to the intersection of highways 63 and 69. These steps will prepare the area for future residential housing for up to 3,000 people as well as new commercial and industrial developments.

“Alberta’s investment in these new communities will provide the critical infrastructure of roadways, water and sewer systems that will help support the future growth of Fort McMurray,” said Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation.

Development of both Parsons Creek and the Saline Creek Plateau will be led by the provincial government. The province will develop plans for the communities and prepare serviced land for sale to developers and builders. Revenue generated from the sale of the parcels will be reinvested in the public infrastructure like schools and affordable housing in the new communities, making this a cost-effective approach to development.

This hands-on approach to developing Crown land in the Fort McMurray area also allows the municipality to respond more strategically to growth pressures in the region. For example, the current inventory of lots and new construction in Fort McMurray is expected to be sold out in the next three to four years. Serviced land at Parsons Creek will be available for sale to developers in 2011-12. It will then take about two years for developers to build new homes.

“The Municipality is very pleased to see Parsons Creek and Saline Creek Plateau move forward with a strong commitment from the Government of Alberta,” said Melissa Blake, Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “Fort McMurray is facing extreme growth pressures, so partnerships such as this are crucial to increasing the quality of life for residents now, and in generations to come.”

The need to develop Crown land in the Parsons Creek and Saline Creek Plateau areas was identified as part of the Alberta government’s overall community development plan for Fort McMurray. It is an important action in implementing the recommendations made in the Radke Report and Responsible Actions, the 20-year strategic plan for Alberta’s oil sands.
http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/200909/26984F24918CD-ECEC-F906-3B8521D7162A3164.html

Xelebes

Sep 27, 2009, 9:04 PM

Article from the Edmonton Journal: Link (http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Province+unveils+Fort+expansion/2038209/story.html)

Province unveils Fort Mac expansion

Alta. to spend $241 million over five years to develop neighbourhoods for 44,000

By Dave Cooper, edmontonjournal.comSeptember 27, 2009

EDMONTON - Alberta is pumping $241 million into two large parcels of Crown land in Fort McMurray to prepare lots that could eventually be home to 44,000 residents.

Since 2006 the province has spent more than $2 billion on new roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure in the area in the wake of the Radke report, which pointed out glaring infrastructure deficiencies in the oilsands boom city.

"Now is the right time to prepare Alberta for its next phase of growth. We will be ready to support future expansion in the oilsands," said Premier Ed Stelmach, who made the funding announcement at a Saturday morning event in Fort McMurray.

Melissa Blake, mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, called the announcement "fantastic news for our region."

The new lots will be available in about two years, just as the lots now being sold in the Eagle Ridge and Stone Creek neighbourhoods are expected to be sold out.

Between 1,350 and 2,000 homes are built each year in Fort McMurray.

By paying for lot servicing up front, the province will allow the money earned from the sale of lots to developers to flow back into the neighbourhoods themselves--for schools, health clinics and other services--instead of into general revenues.

"This idea is creative, clever and absolutely appropriate," Blake said.

This approach will speed up the process, and allow developers to begin work earlier, she said.

The need to develop the Crown land in the Parsons Creek and Saline Creek Plateau areas was identified as part of the provincial government's overall community development plan for Fort McMurray.

It is part of a 20-year strategic plan recommended in the Radke report, delivered in 2007 by former deputy environment minister Doug Radke. The report criticized the government for its ad hoc approach to planning in the province's biggest resource town.

The province first announced in June 2008 that it would make land available for the Parsons Creek and Saline Creek Plateau projects.

"This could be the opportunity to allow us to move ahead, where we're managing growth from the leading edge as opposed to reacting to the tremendous pressures that come with the huge success of Fort McMurray," Treasury Board president Lloyd Snelgrove said at the time.

The 800-hectare Parsons Creek parcel at the north edge of Fort Mc-Murray will be developed in phases, with the first 180 hectares to include lots for 2,000 homes and 6,500 residents. Eventually the neighbourhood could house 24,000 residents.

A full 20 per cent of the homes in phase one will be designated as affordable housing, with rents at least 10 per cent below market rate.

The 900-hectare Saline Creek Plateau, which is in the southern part of Fort McMurray, will also include commercial development and could eventually have 20,000 residents.

"Our need for commercial land is as pressing as the need for housing lots has been," Blake said. "In Saline Creek there might be some higher density along your main boulevard, with ground floors as commercial.

"It's a more urban design concept."

Independent MLA Guy Boutilier, a former cabinet minister booted from the Conservative caucus earlier this year, welcomed Saturday's announcement.

Liberal Leader David Swann questioned the announcement's timing.

"The timing is suspect, having just lost the (byelection) in Calgary-Glenmore and having a renegade MLA there that's been booted from caucus," Swann said.

Stelmach will be back in Fort Mc-Murray on Thursday to host a fund-raising dinner for his party. "That also raises questions about the timing," Swann added.

Meanwhile, Blake said that while the economy has cooled a bit in Fort McMurray, the municipality is catching up with its infrastructure shortfall, and intends to be in a position to meet future demands as the oilsands resume their growth.

This summer Imperial's Kearl Lake bitumen mine was given the go-ahead, and expansions at Suncor, Shell and CNRL that have been shelved could quickly resume. There is also a growing number of oilsands projects in the region.

Fort McMurray housing is among the most expensive in Canada, with average home prices around $630,000.

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

fortroad

Apr 11, 2010, 6:29 PM

So they are moving forward with Edinburgh Tower. The tower crane has been up for a few months.
Project:
http://www.edinburghtower.com/parts/home_pic.jpg

Tower Crane is up:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4511216241_ec85ace843_o.jpg

RHINO

Apr 21, 2010, 8:32 AM

cool, what else is going on up there?

halifaxboyns

Jul 15, 2010, 3:05 AM

rapid_business

Jul 16, 2010, 9:45 PM

Yorkshire Hillbilly

Jul 21, 2010, 9:52 AM

Hi folks
Ive been looking for work in and around fort Mac, I'm currently living in the UK and trying to move to Canada,I'm running out of ideas to look for places of employment, I have been a tower crane operator 5 yrs, would be grateful for any advise, and don't tell me to stay home coz they ain't no work here.lol
Got another question too, I drove class 1 trucks in USA for a few years but have been back in England for 6 plus yrs and if i went back to driving would i have to do all the course training over again or just a refresher course,that's all for now.

Phil McAvity

Jul 28, 2010, 6:43 AM

Got another question too, I drove class 1 trucks in USA for a few years but have been back in England for 6 plus yrs and if i went back to driving would i have to do all the course training over again or just a refresher course,that's all for now.

It's no wonder this thread stopped dead in it's tracks.

There's an old saying that there are no stupid questions but there sure are stupid places to ask questions. Yorkshire, don't you think you should get in touch with motor vehicle branches in the states to ask such a question rather than in the Fort MacMurray construction thread of skyscraperpage.com?

bulliver

Jul 28, 2010, 6:52 AM

^ Well, if he intends to drive trucks in Canada he should likely look at the website of Motor Vehicles in Alberta.

I think this may help:
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1671.cfm

bnk

Aug 3, 2010, 6:56 PM

Here is an interesting article from Discover magazine.

http://discover.coverleaf.com/discovermagazine/201009?pg=18#pg18

The End of Easy Oil

Canada's tar sands will soon be our top source of imported oil. But will that energy be worth the costs.

...

Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada, a city of 70,000 lies in the heart of Canada’s oil sands, geologic formations that collectively contain 13 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves.
…

The United states has become deeply reliant on extreme extraction from Canada’s tar sands which this year are expected to become this country’s top source of imported crude, surpassing our purchases from the vast oil fields of Saudi Arabia.
…

Worldwide, mostly in Canada and Venezuela, oil sand reserves total a stunning 2 trillion barrels of oil.

That is equivalent to 280 years of America’s current consumption, …

kiwi4life

Nov 14, 2010, 11:17 PM

holy shit! sorry for my language, but thats crazy

itom 987

Dec 11, 2010, 7:08 AM

New air terminal for Fort McMurray

$198-million building scheduled to open in April 2014

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/3960451.bin

BY DAVE COOPER, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM DECEMBER 10, 2010

EDMONTON — Fort McMurray’s small and crowded airport is being replaced by a $198-million air terminal building with eight gates and three passenger bridges, the authority announced late Friday.

The new complex, designed to handle 1.5 million passengers a year, will be on the south side of the main runway and could eventually include a customs area to handle

international flights. It should be open by April 2014.

Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/terminal+Fort+McMurray/3960449/story.html#ixzz17mhgQJaY

itom 987

Jan 15, 2011, 4:42 AM

Crown land for sale in Fort McMurray

135 acres expected to transform into new community with 8,000 homes, 24,000 residents

BY KEITH GEREIN, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM JANUARY 14, 2011

EDMONTON — The provincial government has put a For Sale sign on several parcels of Crown land that will serve as the beginnings of a giant new housing development in Fort McMurray.

The highly anticipated Parsons Creek community is little more than a patch of trees and brush overlooking the Athabasca River. But within two years, the province expects it to be a hub of construction activity that will see 8,000 new homes built to accommodate 24,000 residents.

Land sales for the community were not expected to begin until around 2012, but the province decided to accelerate the schedule by a year in part due to high housing demand, said Dan Laville, spokesman for Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs. Improvements in the Alberta economy are expected to lead to further oilsands expansion, which will bring more workers to town.

Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Crown+land+sale+Fort+McMurray/4110699/story.html#ixzz1B4lZqzaA

snowboarder1019

Mar 13, 2011, 8:26 PM

The Great Scaper

Apr 8, 2011, 4:20 AM

Did that Edinburgh Tower get built or completed? Any pics of the final building now standing?

YYCguys

Apr 30, 2011, 4:56 PM

I really wish they would get a better exterior it just looks like a cardboard box and if your expecting 1,5 m people to pass thru the airport in a decade or 2 i would put more gates like 10 -15 and atleast 4-5 catwalks

Phased approach. Patience my friend. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will YMM.

And I think you mean bridges, not catwalks.

fortroad

May 30, 2011, 5:36 PM

Looks like Fort McMurray is left out once again!

http://business.financialpost.com/2011/05/26/target-unveils-canadian-stores/

Chadillaccc

Sep 29, 2011, 9:18 AM

No new projects or progress in 4 months? Really?

lubicon

Sep 29, 2011, 6:03 PM

Has any work started yet on the airport terminal expansion?

peterprinciple

Oct 15, 2011, 2:47 AM

Alberta please stay out of our province with Big Oil. British Columbia does not want your money that bad. I cant believe that one first nations band has already sold their souls for this. After preaching for decades about what the "Whiteman" was doing to the land...we finally get it and they throw us under the bus and for what...money. "NO PIPELINE THROUGH OUR PROVINCE FOR OIL. NO PORT IN THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST. NO TANKERS ON THE INSIDE PASSAGE."

Xelebes

Oct 15, 2011, 3:54 AM

osirisboy

Oct 15, 2011, 3:57 AM

You sure this is the right thread for this?

haha yea I just thought the same thing

Chadillaccc

Oct 21, 2011, 8:25 AM

Has any work started yet on the airport terminal expansion?

The city is nearing 100 000 people, so I'm sure the expansion will be started soon. They built the air traffic control tower a couple years back.

whiteford

Nov 11, 2011, 4:02 PM

i would think the pipeline issue would be a fully Canadian issue. not a Fort Mcmurray issue.

fortroad

Nov 13, 2011, 10:36 PM

Some things going on in Fort Mac,

I had to take a picture of this new Building in the Taiga Nova Industrial park.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wmCEEuHIGKc/TsBEhVYj6dI/AAAAAAAAABk/VCCVVEx8AMA/s800/IMG_0511.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aK8NOb9kGVM/TsBEgvsDL7I/AAAAAAAAABY/GSaLCITs8wE/s800/IMG_0512.JPG
The New Airport Terminal Is underway:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NX2VY16A5cw/TsBEnf5T2_I/AAAAAAAAACI/0NsOjcYzbeY/s800/IMG_0517.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MXhcQ8-u5i0/TsBEmkWRrdI/AAAAAAAAACA/9WrBsXRPrAk/s800/IMG_0516.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u6-JlPvkfdw/TsBEl7U5o3I/AAAAAAAAAB4/LLTscD9F9po/s800/IMG_0515.JPG

Airboy

Nov 14, 2011, 4:42 AM

I can't believe they have finally started building the new airport.

Coming up more upgrades to the hospital. Expanded ER and Ambulance bays.

fortroad

Nov 16, 2011, 1:02 AM

Highway 63 Overpass' and Bridge plans rendered:

http://www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/Assets/Construction+Documents/Road+Construction+Big+Picture.pdf

itom 987

Nov 16, 2011, 5:46 AM

That bridge is ridiculously massive for such a remote city. They might as well extend the highway to Yellowknife.

Xelebes

Nov 16, 2011, 5:50 AM

That is a huge bridge. Yeah, got to agree with Tom.

Phil McAvity

Nov 16, 2011, 8:01 PM

I don't know what you guys are talking about. I would expect a project that big in a city the size of.......Edmonton or Calgary. :omg:

bulliver

Nov 17, 2011, 2:00 AM

That bridge is ridiculously massive for such a remote city.

What does it matter how remote ft Mac is? There is a huge number of vehicles that cross the river there everyday, including many ridiculously over sized loads. The river crossing is currently a bottleneck during rush hour that puts any traffic 'problems' in Edmonton to shame.

They might as well extend the highway to Yellowknife.

Not Yellowknife, but an all weather highway linking Ft Mac to NWT highway 5 at Fort Smith would do a lot to open up the NWT.

fortroad

Nov 17, 2011, 12:20 PM

^ All true, at this point they have the Large Bridge open while the older two bridges are closed for re-construction. The Bridge on the left will be a downtown only bridge (southbound). In order to do this they have to remove the old steel structure and lower it so it can meet the tunnel to Franklyn Ave that is already constructed.
The Middle bridge is getting an extra lane added (like in the picture) and will be the main Southbound lanes.
It is a huge project mainly because it is the only road to get around and through town. Each neighborhood is isolated from each other and highway 63 is the only connection.

SHOFEAR

Nov 17, 2011, 2:32 PM

What does it matter how remote ft Mac is? There is a huge number of vehicles that cross the river there everyday, including many ridiculously over sized loads. The river crossing is currently a bottleneck during rush hour that puts any traffic 'problems' in Edmonton to shame.

Not Yellowknife, but an all weather highway linking Ft Mac to NWT highway 5 at Fort Smith would do a lot to open up the NWT.

Don't get me wrong....Fort Smith is my favourite place on earth, but how exactly would linking the highway to Smith open up the North? Fort Smith isn't exactly a supply city for industry. The only thing it would do it encourage daming of the Slave so they could run power down along the highway to the oilsands.....which would be a disaster.

bulliver

Nov 18, 2011, 1:56 AM

Don't get me wrong....Fort Smith is my favourite place on earth, but how exactly would linking the highway to Smith open up the North? Fort Smith isn't exactly a supply city for industry. The only thing it would do it encourage daming of the Slave so they could run power down along the highway to the oilsands.....which would be a disaster.

Well, I'm not too proud to say I am not familiar with the area, and have no idea what I'm talking about. I was just running under the assumption that a second highway from Alberta to NWT would be beneficial. Perhaps it would only do more to open up Northern Alberta...I'm sure an all season road would lower the cost of living in Fort Chip, and make getting food/supplies etc up there much cheaper.

fortroad

Nov 18, 2011, 5:43 AM

Well, I'm not too proud to say I am not familiar with the area, and have no idea what I'm talking about. I was just running under the assumption that a second highway from Alberta to NWT would be beneficial. Perhaps it would only do more to open up Northern Alberta...I'm sure an all season road would lower the cost of living in Fort Chip, and make getting food/supplies etc up there much cheaper.

It would be nice but it would open up a lot of back country to development!

Chikinlittle

Nov 19, 2011, 7:56 PM

Phil McAvity

Nov 20, 2011, 11:48 PM

^Wow, way to talk out of both sides of your mouth! Auditioning for the Liberal Party are we?

lubicon

Nov 21, 2011, 7:19 PM

I realize that the oil sands are a significant economic engine for Canada right now, and probably one of the main factors (if one single one can be pinpointed) for Canada currently leading the g8 in economic health, but i am not proud for this development and exploitation to be happening in my country. From a global citizen perspective, any development of this manner should be significantly taxed with that income being fed directly into r&d for sustainable energy initiatives. I cannot wait for the day when we do not depend on oil. This is the 21st century for crying out loud. I want to be proud of Canada for setting the right example for the rest of the world.

They are significantly taxed as it is now. What the various levels of government choose to spend the money on is up to them.

Xelebes

Nov 22, 2011, 1:21 AM

I realize that the oil sands are a significant economic engine for Canada right now, and probably one of the main factors (if one single one can be pinpointed) for Canada currently leading the g8 in economic health, but i am not proud for this development and exploitation to be happening in my country. From a global citizen perspective, any development of this manner should be significantly taxed with that income being fed directly into r&d for sustainable energy initiatives. I cannot wait for the day when we do not depend on oil. This is the 21st century for crying out loud. I want to be proud of Canada for setting the right example for the rest of the world.

This is something that should be reserved for another thread. I'm not saying it should not be discussed in this forum, but that there are likely other threads you might want to direct your energy when it comes to the debate. Here, we're trying to focus on Ft. McMurray, the actual city (hamlet.)

MrChills

Nov 22, 2011, 7:44 PM

That bridge is ridiculously massive for such a remote city. They might as well extend the highway to Yellowknife.

You really have to spend time in Fort Mac to appreciate the infrastructure issues they have. Even when the new bridge(s) and interchanges are completed, I think there will still be a massive bottleneck of traffic coming in and out of the city.

I've lived (or spend considerable time working) in cities with well known traffic headaches like LA, NYC, Detroit, London, and Berlin and honestly have been way more frustrated living in Fort Mac for the better part of year than any major city with traffic issues.

MrChills

Nov 22, 2011, 7:48 PM

It is a huge project mainly because it is the only road to get around and through town. Each neighborhood is isolated from each other and highway 63 is the only connection.

That's what kills me, 63 IS THE ONLY CONNECTION. So, even when the near half billion is spent on this latest upgrade, when there is an accident on the bridge or in and out of Thickwood or Timberlea the entire area comes to a standstill. Fort Mac, is a good example, of what not to do in urban planning.

fortroad

Nov 25, 2011, 4:31 PM

That's what kills me, 63 IS THE ONLY CONNECTION. So, even when the near half billion is spent on this latest upgrade, when there is an accident on the bridge or in and out of Thickwood or Timberlea the entire area comes to a standstill. Fort Mac, is a good example, of what not to do in urban planning.

It is the city's problem, the province has spent hundreds of millions on inner city 63, the city has to step up and connect Thickwood to Abasand, Abasand to Beacon Hill, flyover from Beacon hill to Gregorie, and finish Draper road from Gregorie to Downtown. If this was done it would take a lot of traffic off 63 and give a greater connected community feel to the Hamletropolis.

itom 987

Nov 25, 2011, 10:51 PM

Fort McMurray highway reminds me of the massive highway that goes through Seattle.

MrChills

Dec 4, 2011, 9:32 PM

I was up in Fort Mac yesterday for the day, and they have the new bridge open and looks like they are dismantling the oldest one. Also, the interchange into Thickwood was also open, was awesome to see and there was a very noticeable relief on morning rush hour traffic as I passed through town.

sim

Jan 8, 2012, 12:38 PM

I guess it might have been in the previous thread, but does anyone remember or have any further information on the once proposed or at least visioned commuter rail from the city to the mines? Is there still any talk regarding this? Official documents? Thoughts?

YYCguys

Jan 11, 2012, 12:16 AM

I really do hope I'm wrong, but I've been told by someone in the aviation industry that the new airport terminal building is going to be for use of ONLY by Suncor and other private companies, and NOT for use by Westjet, etc. Please tell me that this is misinformation!

fortroad

Jan 18, 2012, 10:33 PM

That is incorrect, the new terminal is to replace the existing terminal.

YYCguys

Jan 19, 2012, 4:07 PM

Sweet! Do you know what the timeline for completion is?

fortroad

Jan 21, 2012, 8:16 PM

It Should be complete in the Spring of 2014..

rapid_business

Jan 22, 2012, 1:01 PM

Speaking of the Fort Mac airport, here was an interesting article (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/air-oil-sands-a-new-flight-path-in-alberta/article2310193/) I read in the Globe & Mail yesterday about the booming corporate/company-driven flights and private strips at all the sites for a ever-increasing number of workers, and how they justify the costs associated with it. Pretty interesting.

rmwb

Jan 24, 2012, 8:25 PM

The new stadium renderings for Macdonald Island park have been released with new road access to the "island". This will actually be a world premier athletic and recreation park. Two indoor hockey rinks, swimming pool and water park, Public Library, 18 hole golf course, training gym, squash, indoor golf simulators, curling, squash, rock climbing. This is a great example of "doing it right". Here is the news release taken from http://www.macdonaldisland.ca/expansion.html :

MacDonald Island Park would like to announce Clark Builders in partnership with Turner Construction Company has been chosen as construction management firm for the proposed outdoor expansion at the Island.

The announcement follows last week’s selection of Architecture: ATB and 360 Architecture as the design firms chosen to guide the outdoor expansion through the detailed design phase of the project. Clark Builders in partnership with Turner Construction Company was awarded the bid after a public Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) last month.

“We were impressed with the proposal made by Clark Builders in partnership with Turner Construction,” said Tim Reid, Chief Operating Officer at MacDonald Island Park. “The outdoor expansion is a key element of a revitalized City Centre and this partnership has the experience to deliver a world-class result for our community.”

Clark Builders in partnership with Turner Construction is responsible for costing the detailed design of the outdoor expansion produced by Architecture: ATB and 360 Architecture. Clark and Turner would then oversee project construction pending public consultation and approval by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Council.

“The driving force behind the outdoor expansion is our desire to make Fort McMurray an even better place to live,” said Nick Sanders, Chair of the MacDonald Island Park Board of Directors. “We look forward to bringing our recommendations to the public for feedback before presenting to Council in the first quarter of 2012.”

Clark Builders is based in Edmonton and is the Alberta Contractor of the Year for 2011. Listed on the Globe & Mail’s Report on Business magazine’s Best Employers in Canada 2011, Clark Builders has been lead contractor for various recreational and sporting developments including the McMahon Stadium Redevelopment for the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders.

One of the largest construction management companies in the United States, New York-based Turner Construction Company has 46 offices across the U.S. and has presence in 20 countries. Turner Construction has managed construction for the new Yankee Stadium for MLB’s New York Yankees, the Madison Square Garden redevelopment, the redevelopment at Lambeau Field for the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, and for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

“Clark Builders in partnership with Turner Construction is very excited to be selected as construction manager for the outdoor expansion at MacDonald Island Park,” said Steve Lenarduzzi, Manager, Project Development for Clark Builders. “We recognize this project for its importance to the Municipality and the enhancement to the quality of life of its residents and visitors.”

The Mi Community, Mi Future rendering of the conceptual design for the outdoor expansion can be viewed here.
http://stadium.macdonaldisland.ca/

itom 987

Jan 24, 2012, 10:40 PM

Wow, that stadium looks nice!

rapid_business

Jan 25, 2012, 3:16 PM

/\ Having 360 help design it sure helps. Good for Fort Mac. Building amenities like this is important in establishing civic culture, and combating the transient nature of the area.

Chadillaccc

Jan 26, 2012, 11:24 AM

Wow great news for Fort Mac :)

Airboy

Jan 31, 2012, 10:51 PM

I wonder if this will get done in time for the Western Canada Games.

rmwb

Feb 1, 2012, 8:46 PM

that is the plan.

snowboarder1019

Feb 16, 2012, 1:00 AM

http://www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/webelements/ccarp/index.html#/11/zoomed -- I know you guys only get so much land but why keep going on building north of the bridge unless PArsons Creek will have alot of commercial area then id say you better start building another bridge. Why dont you build south of the bridge to balance out the pop.

Chadillaccc

Apr 29, 2012, 11:55 PM

Hows the progress on the new condo tower going?

snowboarder1019

May 20, 2012, 3:20 AM

Hows the progress on the new condo tower going?

Not so much , all there is is the elevator shafts and the basing

I'll get some pics next time i go downtown.

fortroad

May 24, 2012, 12:07 AM

I stumbled across a video of the new overpass getting built for Parsons Creek, Impressive!!
http://youtu.be/UgdPSBGXk7M

bulliver

May 24, 2012, 12:09 AM

Here you go:

UgdPSBGXk7M

rmwb

Jun 19, 2012, 2:28 AM

Here you go:

I have been told that it has seen significant funding cuts and major downgrades. Really unfortunate.

RHINO

Jul 1, 2012, 11:29 AM

It would be great news if the Island project went ahead. Too bad the stadium idea wasnt held off for a while, and after the population reaches 150,000 the City could apply for a CFL team !
Ah, dreams.

snowboarder1019

Jul 30, 2012, 3:39 PM

Work being done on YMM airport update, looks like it may actually be done by spring 2014. Also found some CGI images I've never seen of what it will look like when it is completed. I dont like the last photo though, the wall looks too close to the gates and there's obsoletely no commercial space, not even kiosks. I wish they would of added a cross-wind runway though.

http://www.flyfortmac.ca/Portals/0/images/Project/Looking%20East%20from%20Hwy%2069%20-%

http://www.flyfortmac.ca/Portals/0/images/Project/Taken%20looking%20east%20-%20June%202012.jpg

http://www.flyfortmac.ca/Portals/0/images/Project/Project%20Overview%20from%20the%20South%20-%20June%202012.jpg

http://www.officemb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/6-constrcution-3.jpg

http://www.officemb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/5-construction.jpg

http://www.officemb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/6-constrcution-2.jpg

http://www.officemb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/312.jpg

http://www.officemb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Fort-McMurray-01.jpg

http://www.officemb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Fort-McMurray-02R.jpg

http://www.officemb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1.jpg

http://www.officemb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Fort-McMurray-04R.jpg

snowboarder1019

Jul 30, 2012, 4:22 PM

"Today is the final day for you to be counted in the 2012 Municipal Census.

At last update, the RMWB had tallied 92 per cent of the Wood Buffalo population.

The region receives $60 per resident, but in recent year's the province has rejected our numbers, instead opting to go with federal figures which put the population at around 65,000.

The municipality is projecting a population of 124,238 people.

To fill out a census online visit http://www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/census"

-Fort Mcmurray Today

snowboarder1019

Aug 3, 2012, 12:50 PM

Hows the progress on the new condo tower going?

Been standing this for a while now sadly. This is the Edinbourgh tower, will look good when its finally done though.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7704032560_f2abacf845_m.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7704035926_117af6ab79_m.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7704037652_d47698857d_m.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7704034232_516928916d_m.jpg

itom 987

Aug 31, 2012, 7:44 PM

Great news for Fort McMurray!

Fort McMurray sprouting a bona fide downtown
Where others see an expensive, unappealing outpost, designer tapping into northern city’s heart and soul

BY MARTY KLINKENBERG, EDMONTON JOURNAL AUGUST 31, 2012 1:01 PM

FORT MCMURRAY, AB. SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 -Streets and scenics of the city of Fort McMurray. Ron Taylor walks along Franklin Avenue, a hodgepodge of faceless strip malls and cheerless low-rise buildings and housing developments that looks like it sprouted up as an afterthought. Designed so haphazardly that it has no downtown core, the capital of the booming oilsands region is bursting — and in dire need of a facelift.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Fort+McMurray+sprouting+bona+fide+downtown/7174795/story.html

tdurden5573

Sep 10, 2012, 4:02 PM

Glad to see some actual urban planning going on in FM, it has great potential to be a real Gateway to the north, but without some commitment to infrastructure, it will continue to be working city to fly in and out from.

Lots of great positive activity appears to be starting, I'm looking forward to following this thread. As always, thanks for everyone that is providing updates/pictures.

Phil McAvity

Sep 10, 2012, 7:27 PM

Wikipedia says that, "the airport is planning an expansion" but that doesn't look like any expansion i've ever seen, it looks like they're building it from the ground up. Why no construction webcam? :shrug:

7e7

Sep 20, 2012, 1:38 AM

This is great news for YMM. Perhaps YEG needs to bring all thir old staff back that work for or do work for YMM, they seem to be doing much better.

Denver, Las Vegas on tap for Fort Mac airport (http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Denver+Vegas+Fort+airport/7261531/story.html)

Anyone have recent photos if terminal construction?

rmwb

Oct 18, 2012, 9:42 PM

"The province is expected to make a major announcement about Highway 63 on Friday.

It’s bringing media, politicians, and other stakeholders from both Edmonton and Fort McMurray to Wandering River to tour one of the newly twinned areas.

That’s not expected to open until after wintertime; but the government will be making an announcement about the twinning project.

Transport minister Ric McIver, federal minister Tim Uppal, and Athabasca-Redwater MLA Jeff Johnson will be there.

It’ll also have the vice president of Ledcor, which is twinning the highway around Wandering River."

http://www.mymcmurray.com/hwy-63-announcement-to-come-friday/

I'd assume they are announcing One of two things:

1) The opening of the most recent divided stretch.
2) Contracts for another section.

The first seems the most likely, but I recall reading/hearing/seeing something about the most recent section being opened later into winter? Anyone know?