Shovels were in the ground on July 5th, 2023 to mark the start of construction for the new Fort McKay Community Centre.

The centre will be located behind the fire hall, which opened back in June 2022.

The building is expected to be a state-of-the-art venue that can host multiple events from festivals, conferences, youth and elder events, and other community gatherings.

It is expected to be a 12,000-square-foot building with an event stage, multiple bleacher areas with around 300 seats, a kitchen with concession, storage space, and a new parking lot with over 100 stalls.

“I would like to first off acknowledge the hard work of Mayor Sandy Bowman and Ward Two Councillor Loretta Waquan for their invaluable dedication and unwavering efforts in making the Fort McKay Métis Nation Community Centre a reality,” said Ron Quintal, President of Fort McKay Métis Nation.

“This long-awaited achievement holds profound significance for our community, serving as a vital hub for cultural preservation, community development and the empowerment of our members.”

Representatives from the RMWB joined members of the Fort McKay First Nation and Fort McKay Métis Nation to officially launch the start of construction.

Councillors Loretta Waquan, Kendrick Cardinal, and Lance Bussieres represented the RMWB at the event.

“This is a great day for Fort McKay and the entire region as we celebrate continued progress on the new Fort McKay Community Centre,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman in a statement.

“This facility has been championed by Fort McKay Métis Nation and the Fort McKay community for several years and it will serve to improve quality of life and social connection while honouring Fort McKay’s important cultural history and heritage.”

The building is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2025 and will be a central location to learn and share the history of Fort McKay.

You can follow the construction process at rmwb.ca/Fort-McKay-Community-Centre or sign up for email updates at rmwb.ca/construction.