Construction on the new Fort McKay Community Centre (FMCC) is underway.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the site near the town’s firehall on July 5, 2023.
Fort McKay Métis Nation President Ron Quintal thanked Council, particularly Mayor Sandy Bowman and Ward 2 Councillor Loretta Waquan for their efforts in making the Community Centre a reality.
“This long-awaited achievement holds profound significance for our community, serving as a vital hub for cultural preservation, community development and the empowerment of our members.”
RMWB Mayor Sandy Bowman called it a great day for Fort McKay.
“This facility has been championed by Fort McKay Métis Nation and the Fort McKay community for several years and it will serve to improve quality of life and social connection while honouring Fort McKay’s important cultural history and heritage.”
According to the RMWB, the first phase of construction, which includes foundation and pilings, will be completed in this construction season of 2023.
Work will resume in 2024, and the Community Centre should be completed in 2025.
The 12,000 square foot structure will host performances and presentations, and includes a 300-seat bleacher area, commercial kitchen, and storage space.
The FMCC will be built behind the Fort McKay Fire Hall near Fort McKay Road and Range Road 110B.
“On behalf of Fort McKay First Nation, I want to acknowledge the Fort McKay Métis Nation for their ongoing efforts as they successfully lobbied for this community centre,” Said Chief Raymond Powder of the Fort McKay First Nation. “We also want to recognize the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for fully funding this new facility. It is an exciting time for our community as we see a growing list of state-of-the-art facilities serving Fort McKay.”
The fire hall was completed and opened in June 2022.
READ MORE: Community celebrates grand opening of Fort McKay Fire Hall
More details on the construction of the FMCC are available on the Municipality’s website.
A grand opening for the Fort McKay Community Centre is tentatively scheduled in the spring of 2025.
