It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week.
The McMurray Métis bought a nine-acre plot of land in order to build a cultural center:
McMurray Métis Buy Land From Province, Plans To Build Cultural Centre
On Friday, Minister of Infrastructure Sandra Jansen was in Fort McMurray to sign the papers, making the sale, worth $809,670, official.
“You don’t have the sense of ownership on a piece of leased land that you do on a piece of land you can call your own,” she said.
Since 1992, the McMurray Métis has been leasing their land from the provincial government, however, all the buildings in the area were destroyed in the Horse River Wildfire. The original ask of around three acres quickly grew to nine. Via mix1037fm.com
The land will also be used by the local Metis, specifically for housing and offices for their industry partners.
Credit: http://www.mix1037fm.com
In other news, the Council approved a new Emergency Management Bylaw this week, according to Laura Beamish of Fort McMurray Today:
Council passes Emergency Management Bylaw
The bylaw includes provincial recommendations the municipality was given based on assessments after the May 2016 wildfires.
“It really is that catalyst to get us moving forward in taking charge of our future and allowing a framework for us to have a very robust, all encompassing governance that will enable our emergency management organization to really capture those things that are needed,” said RMWB Fire Chief Jody Butz.
“This bylaw puts emphasis on planning mitigation, prevention and recovery,” he said. “It keeps the conversation around emergency management relevant.” h/t fortmcmurraytoday.com
They bylaw also establishes an Emergency Advisory Committee, and sets roles for region leaders.
Lastly, the Federal Government has announced support to small businesses in the area to help them recover from the 2016 wildfire:
Feds provide over $485K to support small businesses
On Monday, Minister of Innovation Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, Navdeep Bains, announced they would be providing approximately $485,000 to two programs in the RMWB.
“These investments will help local businesses access the tools and resources they need to recover and grow as they meet the evolving needs of the region. We are pleased to collaborate with our community partners to help local businesses expand knowledge, develop skills, and access the capital they need to prosper,” said Mayor Don Scott.
Business Link has been able to provide advice to over 250 entrepreneurs and develop partnerships to deliver educational events in the region. read more at mymcmurray.com
The program has thus far provided more than $1 million to small businesses over the years.
That’s all for this weeks’ roundup. Check back on The A-Team blog for more news and updates on Fort McMurray.