Stretching from north central Alberta to the borders of Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo ranks, by area, among the largest municipalities in North America. It was established April 1, 1995, through amalgamation of the City of Fort McMurray and Improvement District No. 143. Within its 68,454 square kilometers, the municipality is a region of startling contrasts, encompassing both vast stretches of pristine wilderness and one of the fastest growing industrial communities in Canada.

Bolstered by the rich oil sands deposits which underlie the region, the dynamic economy of Wood Buffalo is slated for even more aggressive growth in the future. Expanding energy developments create exceptional opportunities for businesses and even broader lifestyle choices for the region’s 58,317 residents

Known as Alberta’s “Northern Light,” Fort McMurray is the major commercial, cultural and recreational centre for the oil sands region and headquarters of The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Fort McMurray is a young community. The average age is 30; less than 2,000 residents are over 60 years of age. More than half of the population, which includes a large representation of former Newfoundland residents, is connected to the oil industry.