Sean MacLean describes how industry development, particularly in the oil sands region of Fort McMurray (Wood Buffalo municipality) has affected land-use planning. He describes the work camps that provide housing for the staff constructing the oil sands processing plants at each open-pit mine or subsurface heated well systems (SAGD). The very large industry investments results in 25% of Alberta's labour force being directly involved in the oil sands industry. Recruiting and retaining staff is a major challenge for oil sands companies. The trend has been a temporary workforce that does not permanently reside in the region. Fly-in camps located close to the work site with a high level of conveniences (gyms, convenience stores, movie theatres) are a solution. The amenities increase the footprint of the work camps. The population growth in Wood Buffalo municipality has been 130%. Work camps population growth has been 565% in the last 10 years. And it is highly variable with the peak occupation being in the winter months. Work camps are beginning to cluster. Existing communities close to the work camps have challenges. Work camps represent ad-hoc development which brings challenges of safety, environmental impacts and congestion. Most of the roads are private which presents challenges when upgrading is needed for regional transportation. Emergency evacuation in the event of a wildfire may be problematic. The municipality has problems forecasting future demand. The traditional services that grow with traditional development does not occur with a temporary workforce.
Sean MacLean is a planner at Stantec. His presentation was part of the Alberta Professional Planners Institute's annual conference at Jasper, Alberta, Oct. 7, 2013.
