annual report

Youth empowerment and inclusive engagement remained a shared focus across aligned partnerships. The second annual Girl with Grit Summit welcomed 144 participants across two days in June, activating a wide range of spaces throughout MacDonald Island Park including turf fields, field houses, fitness studios, climbing walls, squash courts, curling dry pads, and aquatics facilities. Delivered through collaborative efforts, the summit provided young girls with opportunities to build confidence, explore sport and wellness, and connect in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Teen engagement expanded through a new partnership with the Justin Slade Youth Foundation. Beginning in September, monthly Teen Nights created safe, welcoming spaces for youth to connect and stay active. The Foundation coordinated themed programming while the RRC provided free access to amenities, equipment, and facility wristbands, demonstrating how aligned community goals can remove barriers and increase participation.

Cultural connection and inclusion also remained central to stakeholder collaboration. In celebration of Alberta Culture Days, the RRC partnered with the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo to provide free studio space for cultural dance classes. Three sessions, Eskista Dance, Dikhwaere Dance, and Tiklos Dance, each welcomed 20 participants, fostering cultural appreciation while strengthening relationships with multicultural partners and creating opportunities for shared learning and connection.

Large-scale community events continued to thrive through collaborative planning and delivery. The 3-on-3 Oil Barons Hockey Tournament experienced significant growth, with 403 registered players across multiple divisions, including new divisions added in response to participant feedback. Oil Barons players participated in autograph signings and medal presentations, creating memorable experiences for young athletes.

In celebration of National Seniors Day, the RRC partnered with the Senior Resource Committee (a group that includes the Wood Buffalo Regional Library, St. Aidan’s, the Golden Years Society, and other local organizations) to host the Senior Expo on October 1, welcoming more than 200 attendees. Delivered through partnerships with community organizations, the Expo featured booths, social opportunities, and activities such as carpet bowling, pickleball, fitness sessions, climbing introductions, and aquatics-based mobility programming. The event highlighted the RRC’s commitment to supporting wellness, connection, and inclusion at every stage of life.

Long-standing relationships continued to thrive at Miskanaw Golf Club, where community partnerships strengthened both recreation and local engagement. Ryan Coish, course record holder and multi-time club champion, continued his involvement through sponsorships and community support alongside partnerships with Fort McMurray 468 First Nation. Similarly, Justin Herman, CEO of Chard Métis and a lifetime club member, continued his sponsorship and community engagement efforts, reinforcing ties between business leadership, Indigenous partners, and recreation.

The inaugural Hello Summer Music Festival marked a significant milestone in collaborative event delivery and non-profit engagement. Designed as a two-day celebration of music, food, and community, the festival created mutually beneficial partnerships through co-promotions, event support, cross-promotion, and pop-up activations. Small businesses were welcomed to sell food and beverages on-site with no vendor fees, supporting the local economy and reducing barriers to participation. Participating vendors included Hoy Pinoy, Fort McMurray Food Truck, Maria’s Sweets, Sunkissed Frosty Treats, The Lunchbox, Three Boyz Coffee, Sea Change Brewing Co., Drum Brewing, and Alley Kat Brewing Company. Two organizations also hosted 50/50 fundraisers during the weekend, with the Northern Lights Health Foundation raising over $27,000 and United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo raising more than $10,000. Beyond fundraising, the festival strengthened awareness, collaboration, and community connection.

Partnership alignment extended into sales, events, and hospitality initiatives throughout the year. Seventy Two Kitchen & Patio supported Waypoints through food donations and fundraising during the Halloween Pub Crawl. Chef’s Table prizing supported fundraising efforts for the SMS Equipment Wine Auction, Northern Lights Health Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Additional collaborations included food and beverage donations for seniors’ luncheons, Santa’s Village cookies and hot chocolate for Northern Lights Health Foundation, and preparing holiday turkey meals alongside the St. Aidan’s Society.

In support of inclusion and community wellness, the RRC partnered with Wood Buffalo Pride to co-host two All Bodies Swim events. These free-access swims at the Syncrude Aquatic Centre created welcoming environments while providing space to share community resources and promote inclusion.

Strong sponsor relationships continued to enhance sustainability and visitor experience. In 2025, the RRC celebrated major partnership announcements and renewals including SMS Equipment Place, the Inter Pipeline Fitness Centre, the Pepsi Turf Field House, and the renewal of the CNOOC Field Houses. These aligned partnerships reflected a shared commitment to long-term community investment and high-quality recreation experiences.

Beyond urban facilities, stakeholder alignment extended deeply into rural communities. The RRC Rural Team joined the Rural Sharing Network Steering Committee, supporting a coordinated approach among rural service providers. Participation in service-provider trade shows and regular meetings hosted across rural communities strengthened alignment, information sharing, and collaborative service delivery.

The RRC also partnered with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Wood Buffalo Sport Connection to deliver two initiatives in Fort Chipewyan. A Come Try It Day engaged more than 35 youth and provided opportunities to experience five different sports, helping assess community interest and demand. A regional facility tour across rural communities included engagement with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta and sport organization delegates, with discussions focused on aligning sport programming regionally. Engagement included Amazing Race Canada winner Taylor McPherson, who also serves as an ISCA team member.

Relationships with partners in Fort Chipewyan continued to strengthen, including Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation. These partnerships supported a collaborative initiative that provided Fort Chipewyan youth with the opportunity to travel and experience a national-level sporting event, supporting youth development, exposure, and community connection.

Rural infrastructure and service delivery also expanded through aligned partnerships. Two new tenants were welcomed to the Anzac Recreation Centre, presented by CNOOC, expanding child care services through The Hub and KPSquared. Arena usage across Rural South facilities increased through private industry bookings, the continued success of the Anzac On-Ice Academy, and Minor Hockey’s use of the Conklin Multiplex for the new Janvier team.

To further support workforce well-being in the rural area, the RRC partnered with industry to provide day passes and punch passes for camp-based employees, offering access to recreation facilities as a home away from home while working in the region.

New rural service partnerships and programs were introduced to support community well-being and participation, including a cooking program with the Justin Slade Youth Foundation, an additional Seniors Strength, Stretch and Social program, a Teen Game Night initiative, Physical Education programming delivered three times weekly at the Conklin Multiplex in partnership with Conklin Community School, and regular fitness studio use by Fort McMurray 468 First Nation. Two Ball Hockey tournaments also generated strong interest and discussion around the potential development of a permanent Rural South league. Sponsorship support from Inter Pipeline enabled a Back-to-School event in Conklin, providing students with haircuts, backpacks, footwear, and school supplies.