Mandate:

To advise and make recommendations to Council on matters pertaining to Downtown Revitalization.

To provide a timely and considered response to Council to all downtown revitalization matters referred to the Wood Buffalo Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee (WBDRAC) by Council.

Identified Initiatives:

1. research the history of downtown Fort McMurray, its current state, current development progress and plans by reviewing information provided by administration and participating in self-guided tours of the downtown;

2. engage with the public and stakeholders as well as administration to become familiar with current use, challenges and future opportunities of downtown Fort McMurray;

3. 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 downtown Fort McMurray in a meaningful way;

4. review and advise on Land Use Bylaw and policy changes that affect downtown and other areas referred to the Committee for review and comment;

5. provide recommendations on direction for phasing and timing of revitalization and enhancement projects;

6. advise and provide recommendations on when and how public consultation and stakeholder engagement for the various revitalization projects is to be conducted;

7. promote initiatives to raise public and special interest awareness and support for the ongoing Downtown Revitalization and related projects;

8. develop and 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;

9. review and make recommendations on proposed changes to Municipal infrastructure in areas identified for downtown revitalization and enhancement, including sidewalks, walkways, parks, landscaping, traffic circulation, banners, parking, street accoutrements, etc.

10. The Committee will not participate in operational matters respecting the Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

11. The Committee will deal with any additional matters referred to it by the Council or by any other Council committee whose membership includes only Councillors.

Membership will include:

1 – Council Member appointed as non-voting liaison;
1 – Land Development Industry;
2 – Business Community;
1 – Education;
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;
1 – Public-At- Large.

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

Committee End Date:

The WBDRA Committee (WBDRAC) has been established by Council with a specific mandate to advise and make recommendations to Council on downtown 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 WBDRAC may be dissolved by Council at any time, subject to reasonable notice by Council to the WBDRAC’s members.

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.