Fort McMurray Waterfront Revitalization

The Fort McMurray Waterfront Revitalization project includes a waterfront master plan for the six-kilometre site along the Clearwater and Snye Rivers in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. DTAH is co-leading the design with Urban Systems who will execute the delivery of the first several phases of the Revitalization. The community and larger municipality are looking forward to bringing life and activation to the naturally beautiful waterfront and extensive consultation and strategic guiding documents have already been completed.

The design and coordination efforts for the Waterfront Revitalization are compounded by active flood protection measures. Significant portions of the waterfront were destroyed in the 2016 wildfires that surrounded the town and forced the evacuation of 88,000 people, and the multi-phased construction of engineered flood protection follows a devastating 2020 flood event. The Revitalization along the Snye River will continue to support the historic 1920’s floatplane use from when Fort McMurray was considered the gateway to the Arctic and was one of Canada’s busiest airports.

The design will connect the downtown urban core with the water’s edge, create teaching and sharing moments, provide spaces for large events while providing much-needed local park space. The Revitalization offers increased accessibility and inclusive spaces, ensuring four-season use of the new park spaces. The resilient community, including Métis peoples and Indigenous Rights-Holders, are active participants in the design of the new waterfront. The carefully coordinated and designed park space will provide opportunities for ceremony, events, celebration and reconnection with the Snye River and the Canadian Heritage Clearwater River, and offer opportunities to celebrate and gather.

Find out more about the project here