Planning for growth in a natural resource boomtown: challenges for urban planners in Fort McMurray,Alberta |
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| Authors: | Sara Beth Keough |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Geography, Saginaw Valley State University, 148 Gilbertson Hall, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710, USAsbkeough@svsu.edu |
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| Abstract: | Between 2000 and 2010, the population of the city of Fort McMurray, Alberta increased by 80%, mainly due to the expansion of oil extraction projects and subsidiary industries. Population growth of this magnitude has significant consequences for city planning. While Fort McMurray struggles to keep up with enormous numbers of in-migrants, the cost of living in the city has skyrocketed. Using interviews with city planners and field experience in the city, in this paper I examine the current challenges faced by urban planners in Fort McMurray against the backdrop of global economic decision-making, corporate influence, and commodity dynamics. While the recession of 2008 gave city planners some breathing room, they still struggle with gathering accurate census information and predicting population growth, providing affordable housing, and balancing short-range planning with their long-term goals. Attempts by city planners to address these challenges could provide a contemporary model for urban planning in rapidly growing, resource-dependent communities. |
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| Keywords: | urban planning natural resource boomtown Fort McMurray oil sands fly-in-fly-out |
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