www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca 2011

Table of contents DISCLAIMER 4 A UNIQUE REGION IN EVERY WAY 6 LOCATION, ACCESS AND SIZE 9 OIL SANDS PROJECTS 10 ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF ALBERTA S OIL SANDS 14 AN OPEN AND CONNECTED MUNICIPALITY 19 communities IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO 20 POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS 22 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT 24 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES 27 ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS 30 LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 34 FESTIVALS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT 36 CONTACTS 42 2 3

DISCLAIMER The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo believes that the content of this Economic Profile is accurate; however, it does not represent or guarantee the accuracy or completeness to any reader or user of the information contained in this profile. Readers and users of this profile are encouraged to make independent investigations to satisfy themselves of relevant facts before relying upon them. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo will not be responsible for any loss, damage or claim arising from or related to any interpretation, use or reliance on the information contained in this publication. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 4 5

A UNIQUE REGION IN EVERY WAY The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is one of the largest municipalities in North America. It stretches from north central Alberta, east to the borders of Saskatchewan and north to the Northwest Territories. Within its 68,454 square kilometers is a region of unique opportunity, from its incredible natural riches, that are envy of the world, to the uses they inspire around the globe. The rich Athabasca oil sands deposits have fuelled unprecedented growth in the region. Economic activity within the Municipality is so important that it impacts global energy production and prices. Locally, exceptional opportunities exist for businesses that are prepared to tap the unconventional attitude and work style that defines the Municipality. For every job created at the oil and gas plants, three are created in the region industrial, commercial or retail. Fort McMurray is the fast-growing commercial and residential hub within the Municipality supporting a population that exceeds 100,000. It is a young community with a median age of 32 years that is culturally diverse and includes a significant number of new residents. The residents have significant disposable income and enviable lifestyle options. Approximately 64% of households in Wood Buffalo have an income above $100,000. 1 Industries and services associated with oil sands extraction and manufacturing fuel the Municipality s economic engine. Forestry and tourism also contribute to its prosperity. As the Municipality grows and matures, the opportunities for small and medium sized businesses will be plentiful. Commercial and retail businesses in particular will benefit from planned expansions to neighbourhoods, business parks, shopping districts and the airport. The Municipality offers residents a highly valued selection of lifestyle amenities recreation, arts and culture. Opportunities for sport, recreation and leisure time pursuits are extensive for both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. Learning facilities are considered to be among the best in the province and the Municipality boasts a high percentage of local high school students that enter post-secondary education or apprenticeship programs. Source: 1 F.P. Markets, 2011 Estimates Wood Buffalo is home to over 100,000 young Albertans and their families with one of the highest average household incomes in Canada. The average household projected income for 2011 is $177,634. 6 7

Covering an area of 68,454 square kilometers; Wood Buffalo is one of the largest municipalities in North America. It is a region of opportunity with both urban and rural communities. Location, Access and Size Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Province of Alberta The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Canada 8 9

oil SANDS PROJECTS $120 billion in new investment over the next decade $2.2 billion annually in current operations Proven reserves = 175 billion barrels - Third largest reserve in the world Currently producing 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) Production to increase to 3 million bpd by 2020 Mine In-Situ* > 50 50-150 > 50 50-150 150 + 150 + Oil Sands Projects 2010 Estimate Projection Oil Sands Projects 2020 * For illustration purposes only Estimate Projection Oil Sands Projects 2030 * For illustration purposes only 10 11

Today oil sands are a globally significant resource 300 250 Oil Sands Capital Expenditure Estimate Post Economic Turmoil (July 2010) 35,000 30,000 200 25,000 150 100 50 $ Million CDN 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 0 Saudi Arabia 260.1 Venezuela 211.2 Alberta, Canada 175.2 Iran 137 Iraq 115 Kuwait 101.5 United Arab Emirates 97.8 Russia 60 Libya 46.4 Nigeria 37.2 Kazakhstan 30 Qatar 25.4 Jan 08 Oil Sands Developers Group Jan 08 Adjusted Data July 10 Adjusted Data Source: Oil and Gas Journal, January 2011 Source: Oil Sands Developers Group 12 13

ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF alberta s OIL SANDS 1 Oil Sands Projects Summary Daily production from Alberta s oil sands is currently approaching 1.7 million bpd. By 2035, the production volume will increase to 4.9 million bpd. The total investments, reinvestments and revenues from operations of new oil sands projects over a 25 year period (2010 2035) are estimated at just over two trillion: º $253 billion is considered initial capital for construction and $1,824 billion for operation, maintenance and sustaining capital. Employment in Canada due to new oil sands investments is expected to grow to 905,000 jobs by 2035. Employment in US due to new oil sands investments is expected to grow to 465,000 jobs by 2035. For every two jobs created in Canada, one job will be created in the US. Every $1 million of investments or additional demand for bitumen, close to six jobs are created in Canada of which close to five are created in Alberta. Project Status Production Capacity (bpd) Projects in operation and under construction 2,465,000 Projects with regulatory approval and under review 6,055,000 Total Production Capacity 8,520,000 Source: Oil Sands Developers Group, May 2011 1 Source: CERI, Economic Impacts of New Oil Sands Projects in Alberta (2010-2035) 14 15

The rich oil sands deposits have fuelled unprecedented growth in Wood Buffalo. Opportunities are unlimited. POPULATION PROJECTIONS 250,000 High Scenario, Total Municipality Population 200,000 Base Scenario, Total Municipality Population 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Source: The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo POPULATION GROWTH BY COMPONENTS 220,000 200,000 180,000 Permanent Population Project Accomodation (Rural) Non Permanent Population Total Municipality Population 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Source: The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 16 17

The Fort McMurray Airport serves 714,500 passengers annually and ranks as one of the top 15 airports in Canada. AN open and connected MUNICIPALITY The Wood Buffalo region is only hours away 714,500 passengers 1 and 61,014 aircraft from local, national and international markets. Fort McMurray Airport, located approximately 13 km southeast of Fort McMurray, handled movements in 2010 2. The airport is currently under expansion to triple its size and double its capacity. Airlines Serving Fort McMurray Air Canada Air Canada Jazz Integra Air McMurray Aviation Northwestern Air Lease Transwest Air West Jet Toronto-Pearson Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver Edmonton Fort Chipewyan Red Deer Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto-Pearson 1 Source: Fort McMurray Airport Authority, 2010 2 Source: Statistics Canada, Aircraft Movement Statistics 18 19

COMMUNITIES IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO Fort McMurray The Urban Service Area supports 95% of the permanent residents in the region and is expected to absorb the vast majority of the future population and job growth in the Municipality. Fort McMurray is home to virtually all of the municipal commercial-based jobs and most of the industrial, transportation and social service based activities. Anzac Located 45 km southeast of Fort McMurray, Anzac is the site of several key oil sands projects including Surmont Creek and Long Lake. Janvier Located 100 km south of Fort McMurray, Janvier has an increasing amount of oil sands and gas activity. Conklin Located 140 km southeast of Fort McMurray at the confluence of the Jackfish River and Christina Lake, Conklin is another rural community supported by accelerated oil sands activity including Christina Lake, Whitesands and Kirby. Fort Chipewyan The major employers in this hamlet are Parks Canada and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. This is a popular destination for outdoor pursuits. Fort Fitzgerald The Municipality s most northern hamlet, Fort Fitzgerald is 25 km from the town of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories and 200 km north of Fort Chipewyan. Gregoire Lake Estates Adjacent to Gregoire Lake Provincial Park and Willow Lake, Gregoire Lake Estates is a country residential community located 32 km southeast of Fort McMurray on Highway 881. Saprae Creek Estates Built at the crest of the Clearwater River Valley, Saprae Creek Estates offers a quiet acreage lifestyle to its 864 residents. Saprae Creek Estates is 25 km southeast of Fort McMurray and minutes away from the Vista Ridge Recreation facility. Fort MacKay Due north of Fort McMurray, Fort MacKay is located in the heart of the Athabasca oil sands and the oil industry is the primary employer for residents. 20 21

Population and Demographics Over 32% of our population is under age 25. The median age is 32. Demographic Overview Population (2010) 1 104,338 Population change (2000 versus 2010) h 101% Average annual growth rate between 2000 and 2010 7.4% Number of households (2011 estimate) 2 25,572 Average household income (2011 estimate) 2 $177,634 Unemployment rate (February 2011) 3 4.5% Median age (2010) 1 32 1 Source: 2010 Municipal Census 2 Source: F.P. Markets 2011 3 Source: Alberta Employment and Immigration, Labour Force Statistics Increased population in Wood Buffalo is driven by employment growth in oil sands related activities. The 2010 Municipal Census confirmed a population of 104,338. Overall, population growth since 2000 is over 100%. 22 23

Educational attainment Wood Buffalo s population is young and hard working with an average disposable income of $131,287. Educational Attainment 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 No certificate, diploma or degree High school certificates Apprenticeship or trade certificate or diploma College, CEGEP, or non-university certificate University certificate, degree or diploma Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Educational Attainment 25 to 34 year olds Wood Buffalo Alberta No certificate, diploma or degree 11.2% 13.6% High school certificate 22.7% 24.4% Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 18.5% 9.8% College, CEGEP or non-university certificate or diploma 26.2% 22.2% University certificate, diploma or degree 21.3% 30.0% Source: Statistics Canada 2006 24 25

Wood Buffalo residents enjoy incomes 95% higher than the national average. HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES Annual Household Expenditures Expenditures $ Food $15,201 Shelter $27,884 Clothing $5,713 Transportation $22,442 Health and Personal Care $6,195 Recreation, Reading, Education $12,844 Taxes & Securities $40,142 Other $19,398 Source: F.P. Markets, 2011 Estimates 64% of households in Wood Buffalo have an income over $100,000. 26 27

The Municipality has a unique population distribution for retail enterprises targeting ages 25 to 44. 28 29

economic highlights Tenth best entrepreneurial municipality in Canada Canadian Federation of Indepedent Business (2010) Fifth best municipality for business in Alberta Alberta Venture Magazine (2010) Over $95 billion in scheduled major projects - 52% of provincial total Wood Buffalo residents can qualify for up to $3,000 in income tax deductions through the Northern Residents Deduction program. Tremendous opportunity exists in Wood Buffalo for the retail and service sectors. Alberta Venture named Wood Buffalo as one of the best places to conduct business in Alberta. 30 31

Envision Wood Buffalo reflects a new way to do business in the Municipality. Source: Envision Wood Buffalo Plan, March 2010 In 2010, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business ranked Wood Buffalo as one of the top ten Canadian Municipalities in which to do business. 32 Planned developments for Parson s Creek and Saline Creek include residential development for 40,000 residents. 33

Lifestyle and Community Services Health Care The unlimited potential of Wood Buffalo has drawn a vast amount of professionals to the region, including family doctors. Alberta Health Services maintains a current list of doctors accepting new patients in the area, as well as a list of walk-in clinics. For newcomers to Wood Buffalo, this means that finding a doctor is only a phone call away. Rural health centres such as the Fort McKay Health Centre ensure that residents of Wood Buffalo can access quality health care, including mental and family health, women wellness and annual flu shot clinics. In addition to the basic health care services, Wood Buffalo now offers a variety of specialized health services, including laser eye surgery, state of the art fitness centre and a wide array of alternative therapies from hypnotherapy to registered massage therapy. Northern Lights Health Care Staff (total) 435 Medical Care 24-hour emergency care, intensive care unit, full surgical services, radiology unit, medical laboratory Acute Care Beds 88 Recreation, Sports & Culture Wood Buffalo offers its residents a full range of indoor and outdoor seasonal recreational opportunities, venues and programming. Local facilities include: Syncrude Sport & Wellness at Casman Centre/Thickwood Heights Keyano College Community Centre Syncrude Timberlea Athletic Park Frank Lacroix Minor Hockey Arena Suncor Community Leisure Center at Borealis Urban Park & Birchwood Trails MacDonald Island Fort McMurray Golf Club Westwood Family YMCA Miskanaw Golf Club The Haxton Centre Quarry Ridge Golf Club Archie Simpson Arena Education Fort McMurray Public Schools (12) Fort McMurray Catholic Schools (9) Arts and Culture Arts and culture also thrive in Wood Buffalo. The municipality hosts local, national and international artists, performing arts festivals, theatre and concerts of all types. Keyano Theatre Keyano College Fort McMurray Public Library Keyano College Library Other Health Centres Anzac Clinic Clearwater Physical Therapy CBI Health DynaLife DX Thickwood Medical Centre Elizabeth Settlement Community Health Services Fort Chipewyan Nursing Station Fort McKay Health Centre Fort McMurray Pastew Place Detox Centre Fort Vermillion Community Health Centre Janvier Health Centre Morrison Centre Northern Lights Health care Nunee Health Region Tamarack Physical Therapy Tundra Physical Therapy 34 35

Festivals In Wood Buffalo, each season is marked with festivals, celebrations and events, that give residents the opportunity to gather, celebrate diversity, get reacquainted with old friends and welcome newcomers. Community events include: Harvest of Hope Chateau Boo and Junior Boo Haunted House Keyano Foundation Black-Tie Gala Festival of Trees Santa Claus Parade New Year s Eve Fireworks InterPlay Performing Arts Festival WinterPlay Shootout on the Snye Home and Leisure Trade Shows Wood Buffalo Regional Science Fair Fort McMurray Women s Show Canada Day Parade Canada Rocks Concert Summer Solstice Picnic in the Park SummersEnd Festival In 2009 over $4.4 million was donated to the United Way by Wood Buffalo Residents. Community Spirit Wood Buffalo is one of the most caring and generous communities in Canada. Nearly half the region s population actively volunteers that s more than twice the national average. In 2009, more than 8,500 people, or about 10 percent of Wood Buffalo s population, participated in the annual Community Spring Clean-Up campaign. The same year, Wood Buffalo residents donated over $4.4 million to the United Way, exceeding national per capita contributions for the third year in a row. The Municipality has donated a total of $26 million to the United Way since 1979. 36 37

SUNCOR COMMUNITY LEISURE CENTRE The new Suncor Community Leisure Centre is a modern facility located in MacDonald Island Park. Including a fitness centre, a NHL-sized rink, indoor track and a lounge that serves food and beverages, the facility accommodates a wide range of leisure activities. Additional services include a child-minding centre and banquet and meeting rooms, which are available for rent. The Suncor Community Leisure Centre features: Arenas, Mini-ice and Leisure Pond Curling Rink Banquet and Meeting Rooms Indoor Field Houses Indoor Running Track Fitness Centre Racquetball and Squash Golf Simulator The Upper Deck Lounge Concessions Child-Minding Centre and Indoor Playground Aquatic Centre The Syncrude Aquatic Centre at MacDonald Island features a world-class Aquatic Centre and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, trailing pool, two giant waterslides and a spray park. MacDonald Island Leisure Centre is one of the largest multi-purpose sports facilities in Canada. 38 39

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CONTACTS Jeff Penney Manager, Economic Development Email: Telephone: 780.799.8699 jeff.penney@woodbuffalo.ab.ca Dorothy Innes Senior Economic Development Officer Email: dorothy.innes@woodbuffalo.ab.ca Telephone: 780.792.5957 Ross Mayer Senior Economic Development Officer Email: ross.mayer@woodbuffalo.ab.ca Telephone: 780.788.1626 Lisa Sweet Senior Economic Development Officer Email: lisa.sweet@woodbuffalo.ab.ca Telephone: 780.788.4372 42 43

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