FORT MCKAY, Alta. – The community of Fort McKay is set to receive a significant boost to its water supply infrastructure with a $10 million grant from the Government of Alberta’s Drought and Flood Protection Program (DFPP). The funding will support the Fort McKay Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation project, which aims to enhance water security in the region.
The project includes the construction of a new water intake and pump house on the Ells River, a new water supply line connecting the intake to the Fort McKay water treatment plant, and upgraded connections from the treatment plant to the raw water storage pond.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) received the largest financial disbursement from the DFPP, with $5 million allocated for 2024-25 and an additional $5 million for 2025-26. The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $30.9 million, with the remainder expected to be discussed during the RMWB Council’s 2025 budget deliberations.
“An investment in water is an investment in life,” said Loretta Waquan, President of the Fort McKay Métis Nation. “This financial commitment will benefit our community, and as droughts and floods become more pressing issues in Alberta, this funding offers an opportunity to address those challenges and protect our people.”
Tany Yao, MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, echoed this sentiment, praising the provincial government for stepping up where the federal government has fallen short. “Water security is important for our community in Fort McKay and is a vital piece of infrastructure that will benefit residents—whether First Nation, Métis, or the wider community.”
RMWB Mayor Sandy Bowman highlighted the importance of the project for the region’s long-term resilience. “This contribution helps ensure the project’s success and improves our overall resilience. It also demonstrates the provincial government’s understanding of our region’s importance in Alberta.”
The DFPP is a province-wide program designed to support proactive drought and flood mitigation measures. It focuses on fostering community resilience and protecting critical infrastructure, with an emphasis on public safety.
For more information on the project and other construction updates, residents are encouraged to visit rmwb.ca/construction.
