Mandate:

The mandate of the Wood Buffalo Waterfront Advisory Committee (WBWAC) is to make recommendations to Council on matters pertaining to waterfront revitalization and provide a timely and considered response to Council to all waterfront revitalization matters referred to the board by Council.

Identified Initiatives

The Waterfront Advisory Committee will:

1. research the history of the waterfront in Fort McMurray and understand the current state of waterfront by reviewing information provided by administration and by undertaking self-guided tours of the waterfront including visiting Marine Park and Heritage Park.

2. attend an initial detailed administrative briefing on waterfront progress.

3. Provide suggestions, options and feedback intended to further develop the design of the waterfront that supports, enhances and grows the facilities, programs and services in a fiscally responsible manner that meets community needs.

4. engage with members of the public who may have been underrepresented in past planning processes, to ensure that everyone in the Region has an opportunity to participate in the development of Fort McMurray waterfront in a meaningful way;

5. review and provide feedback on Land Use Bylaw and policy changes that affect the waterfront and other areas referred to the Committee for review and comment;

6. participate in detailed design activities hosted by the successful consultant selected via competitive process by administration.

7. work with administration to engage the public and solicit public input that will inform the overarching design and evaluate previous recommendations.

8. consider the following factors when making recommendations:

- The impact on all potential users including the vulnerable sector and barrier free access;

- The requirements for health, safety and risk management;

- The availability of and impact on resources both from an initial capital and a long-term operational perspective;

- The economic and social benefits to the community as a whole

9. promote initiatives to raise public and special interest awareness and support for the ongoing waterfront revitalization and related projects;

10. propose funding source options within recommended initiatives for consideration, including but not limited to, corporate sponsorship, community partnerships, grants, and funding sources from other levels of government, and/or municipal funding;

Membership will include:

1 – Council Member appointed as non-voting liaison;
1 – Land Development Industry;
1 – Business Community;
1 – Oil and Gas Industry;
1 – Indigenous Representative;
1 – Culture (Arts, Culture & Heritage);
1 – Recreation Representative;
1 – Seniors Representative;
1 – Community Development Sector;
1 – Safety and Security Sector;
2 – Public-At-Large Members.

Members will not be expected to represent a sector or organization but are expected to have knowledge and experience with issues that impact the interests of the sector.

The primary residence of all Committee members must be within the boundaries of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Committee End Date:

The WBWAC has been established by Council with a specific mandate to advise and make recommendations to Council on Waterfront revitalization. The Committee’s mandate and continuing relevance will be regularly reviewed by Council and not less than once during each Council’s four-year term. The WBWAC may be dissolved by Council at any time.

Reporting:

Where the Committee wishes to make a recommendation or provide advice to Council, the matter will be submitted and considered through Council’s agenda review and approvals process. Any requests by the Committee to provide recommendations and advice for presentation to Council will be approved at the Municipality’s discretion. On an annual basis, the Committee will work with municipal administration to prepare an annual report to Council summarizing its progress.

Collection of Demographic Information: Demographic information is collected through the application process as Committees Bylaw No. 17/024 considers representation of equity-deserving groups for some boards and committees. By collecting this information, demographic information will enhance the recruitment and selection process to reduce barriers for equity-deserving groups.

Collection of Personal Information: The personal information you provide when applying for this board/committee is being collected under the authority of Section 33 (c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The personal information is used to determine your suitability for the board/committee and, if you're appointed, this information will be kept on file in the Legislative Services office during your term of appointment. If you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information contact the Legislative Officer, 7th Floor Jubilee Centre, 9909 Franklin Ave T9H 2K4, or call 780-743-7001.

Term Limit: Three-year terms, limited to two consecutive terms, then one-year break.