Corporate Info

In 2019, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) was created as a new not-for-profit corporation under the Companies Act. The organization emerged from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) with the mandate to steward the vision, strategy, and execution of economic development opportunities in the region.

Governed by an independent board of directors and managed by an entrepreneurial, customer-centric team, FMWBEDT’s focus is on creating new wealth for the region, measured as economic impact. This is accomplished through growing and promoting investment, supporting the growth of startups and existing businesses, and generating tourism and visitation in the region.

Economic Drivers

As home to the fastest growing industrial region in Canada and incredible economic opportunities, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is the ideal place to start, expand, and dream big. Our vision is to see the region recognized and respected as one of Canada’s top places for young people to raise their families and accelerate their careers, and as an economic engine for the country.

Operational Pillars

As part of achieving the vision of FMWBEDT, four operational pillars were created to drive results for the organization. These are Brand & Marketing, Tourism, Business & Investment Attraction, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. By bringing these all together under one organization, we are able to leverage opportunities to work together and achieve greater and more efficient results for the region.

Brand & Marketing

We have a powerful story to tell, and we’re proud to tell it. And it’s a story that is backed by a strong, authentic, unique place brand for the region. One that convinces people from across the country and around the world to visit us, to invest here, to make the rewarding decision to join us.

Tourism

We facilitate the development of new adventure tourism experiences and attract conferences, events, and festivals to the region. Not only does this increase year-round visitation to our region—which fills hotels, local restaurants, local retail businesses—it allows more people to experience our remarkable region first-hand.

Business & Investment Attraction

We promote the incredible opportunity this region has to retailers, investors, companies looking to expand, and to developers looking for places to build. Attracting new businesses and encouraging expansions in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo creates jobs, builds more local services, provides more entertainment, hospitality and retail choices, and helps our region grow and thrive.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

A spirit of innovation is core to the region. And we’re working to strengthen our community of entrepreneurs and innovators by helping companies start, grow and scale—through access to space, programming, mentors, networks and capital. Building strong businesses creates jobs, helps businesses expand into new markets, gives our post-secondary graduates even more reason to stay and work here, and attracts talent to the region.

1 - Promote our region’s place brand.

Pillar: Brand & Marketing

2 - Pursue targeted retail and commercial opportunities. Pillar: Business & Investment Attraction

3 - Execute a focused Meetings, Conventions & Sport Tourism Sales Plan.

Pillar: Tourism

4 - Build the momentum of Startup YMM.

Pillar: Entrepreneurship & Innovation