2023

annual report

report highlights

The Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo humbly acknowledges that the land on which we gather, play and connect is Treaty 8 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree and Dene, and the unceded territory of the Métis.

message from the mayor

On behalf of my Council colleagues, I congratulate everyone with the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo (RRC) for their continued contribution and positive impact on the communities and people they serve.

The RRC remains a trusted and valued partner and it plays a major role in making our region such a great place to call home. We are proud to support the RRC and we thank the Board of Directors and all team members for making a difference every day, at all the facilities and venues it operates.

Sincerely,
Sandy Bowman

Mayor
Regional Municipality Wood Buffalo

greetings from the RRC board chair

As the RRC Board of Directors Chair and resident of the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region, I often think about how the RRC can support and foster quality of life in our community. The people at the RRC – from the volunteer board members to the employees – also call the Wood Buffalo region home. Their work has a direct impact on the lives of every person who visits one of our facilities, participates in the events and programs, or benefits from one of the WB Kids initiatives.

The status quo isn’t enough, though. The RRC is constantly evolving to better serve our region, exploring new opportunities and embracing challenges. The RRC vision of “Together we create community” isn’t a collection of words; it’s our core belief and guiding star. This document is our annual “report card” to the residents of the region on how we deliver on that belief.

Chris Pirie

RRC Board of Directors Chair

message from the CEO

In 2023, the RRC team focused on our core values and ensuring that everything we do, from daily service delivery to creating unique and innovative experiences, showcases our values and how they contribute to building the kind of community where we all want to live, work and play.

The stories in the annual report this year reflect only a small portion of the work our team does every day, but they serve as a highlight of how these values drive the team in our pursuit to inspire Wood Buffalo to gather, play and connect. We are excited to share these stories with the region, and we look forward to future opportunities to create community – together.

Graig Walsh
RRC Chief Executive Officer

our board

Chair
Chris Pirie

Vice Chair
Chelsi Ryan

Board Members
Kendrick Cardinal
Ross Carruthers
Mike Lambert
Lonnie Pilgrim
Jon Turner
Jason Vargo
Stu Wigle
Dean Wilcox

our vision

Together we create community.

our mission

We inspire Wood Buffalo to gather, play and connect.

our values

Innovative Experiences

Excellent Service

Pride in Accountability

Meaningful Connections

Social Commitment

RRC team highlights

APPLE Schools. The Food & Beverage team collaborated with the APPLE Schools program to re-launch their grab & go breakfast program at St. Paul’s Elementary School, handing out delicious breakfast items to students.

Paint the Ice in Anzac & Conklin. With support from Ice Operations, the Anzac & Conklin teams hosted the first ever Paint the Ice events in both facilities! Community members had a blast painting art on the ice before it’s removal.

Arctic Winter Games. The entire RRC Team was excited to support the 2023 Arctic Winter Games. This international sporting event brought over 1700 participants to RRC facilities for a variety of events including opening & closing ceremonies, sport competitions and cultural showcases.

Baseball Canada Championships. ONE weekend, TWO championship events! The 2023 Baseball Canada 18U National Championships & 13U Western National Championships presented by Diversified took our region by storm with 18 baseball teams competing to win gold.

Outdoor Basketball. The Sport & Recreation and Grounds teams worked to open MIP’s newest outdoor amenity, 3x3 basketball courts! The courts were busy all summer for players of all ages to drop in and enjoy.

Anzac Outdoor Rink. The community of Anzac has a new place to skate! With the support of the team in Anzac, the RRC Grounds team worked to develop a new outdoor rink at the Anzac Recreation Centre presented by CNOOC.

2023 by the numbers

69,300

Square feet of poly, field cover & plywood was used to support Monster Truck Nitro Tour presented by BURNCO.
9,584

Members at MacDonald Island Park, a 13% increase from 2022.
267,340

Visits to the Legacy Dodge Fitness Centre, a 21% increase from 2022.
366,209

visits to Syncrude Aquatic Centre, a 20% increase from 2022.
30%

Increase in visits to Conklin Multiplex (41,650 visits).
17%

Increase in visits to Anzac Recreation Centre presented by CNOOC (81,499 visits).
$158k

Supporting non-profit events, a 13% increase from 2022.
66

Unique non-profit organizations supported through events.
13

Non-profit organizations raised over $38k raised through Run for a Reason at the Fort McMurray Marathon.
27,900

MIP event attendees.
43

Community initiatives illuminated by the Canopy at Shell Place.
99

Weeks of free MIP access provided by the MIP Go Pass.

excellent service

We smile and welcome people in; guest experience is at the heart of everything we do.

celebrating 25 years at the RRC

In a world where employees commit to one employer for an average of four years, finding those who have chosen to stay at one place of employment for 25 years is increasingly difficult. It is even more difficult to find members of the same family who have achieved this milestone, and yet at the RRC the mother-daughter duo of Evelyn and Charmaine Wheeler have done exactly this.

“I met some of the best friends I have ever had here.”

In 2023, both Evelyn and Charmaine celebrated 25 years of employment at the RRC, seeing it come from the days when both Fort McMurray and MacDonald Island Park were much smaller places.

“There were about 35 staff when I started,” says Evelyn, reminiscing about the days when the entire complex had a footprint a fraction of what it is today. Evelyn and Charmaine have both seen the Island go through the original expansion that added the Syncrude Aquatic Centre as well as a host of other amenities, and the 2015 opening of Shell Place.

It’s something new every day.

“It was amazing to see that growth – it was exciting because you could feel what it meant for people,” says Evelyn. In a community where other opportunities beckoned, Evelyn has simple words about one of the reasons why she chose to stay, not only at MIP but in the Hospitality department, for 25 years: “It feels like home.”

Charmaine Wheeler also started her time at MIP with the hospitality team, but in 2014 transitioned to a role in the Finance department. “Being able to move to a role with more defined hours so I could spend more time with my children was a huge factor in my choice to stay at the RRC,” says Charmaine, commenting on how the RRC accommodated her changing life by providing opportunities for roles that were more closely aligned with her family needs.

For anyone who has visited the Island in the last two decades, Evelyn’s smiling face at banquets, conferences and galas has become a standard fixture over those years. “At least twice a week people come up to me and say, ‘oh you’re still here’”, laughs Evelyn. She has seen facility visitors grow from children to adults, and seen families change and expand.

Both Evelyn and Charmaine found not only work, but a community at MIP. “I met some of the best friends I have ever had here,” says Charmaine of a place where employees often become a sort of second family, sharing not only their work but their lives.

“I guess there is one real reason I stayed,” Evelyn muses. “It’s something new every day,” she laughs, and her daughter Charmaine smiles and nods as they reflect on 25 years of excellent service in a place that has been not only their workplace but a part of their lives for a quarter of a century.

years of service

Five Years

Stacey Atkinson
Gordon Baatjes
Ardy De Jesus
Chandana Hewawasam Wickramarachchige
Qwinn Horbachewski
Carey Johnstone
Angela Kapach (Barone)
Claudia Lambert
Brittania Lynch (Ryalls)
Ben Matthews
Aimee McCamon

Allyson McClain
Grant McNeilly
Rochelle T Murphy
Ieisha Piche
Alden Ramirez
Genvieve Tokarz
Jason Vaughan
Maria Vergara
Theresa Wells
Ethan Jacob Welte

Ten Years

John M Abela
Rolando Alcantara
Marivic Angob
Sarah Arner
Marilyn Flor Cuaresma
Kelly Dela Ronde
Gilbert Gante
Chris McKenzie
Cristina Rusaldo
Mohammed Shukoor
Zachary Triskle

Fifteen Years

Clayton Altares

Twenty Five Years

Charmaine Wheeler
Evelyn Wheeler

From the community…
Excellent service.

"Fantastic staff. Very welcoming environment. The regulars there are fantastic. The amenities are excellent, overall, always a great environment to be."

meaningful connections

We build collaborative relationships & strengthen existing ones with every interaction.

the journey from RRC employee to MIP mom

Kallie Piercey (formerly Kanzig) joined the RRC in 2010 when she was 18 years old. She was one of the very first staff trained to work at the Syncrude Aquatic Centre when it opened to the public.

At the time, Piercey didn’t realize what kind of impact her choice to join the RRC team would have on her life. “What I thought would be a fun part-time job for a few months after high school turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for career advancement and personal growth,” says Piercey.

During her seven years at MacDonald Island Park, she worked as a lifeguard, a swim instructor, an aqua fitness instructor, a lifesaving society instructor, and a Team Lead. During a colleague’s maternity leave, she took on the role of aquatic program supervisor for a year.

“I am incredibly grateful for the lifelong friendships and relationships I developed over the years.”

“After the term of that position ended. I was offered the choice to continue in my previous role as Team Lead or accept another temporary position as Guest Services Supervisor,” says Piercey. “Going to Guest Services meant leaving all I had known and learned in Aquatics and diving into a new world.” She adds: “I was welcomed by the Guest Services team with open arms and warm hearts, learning so much so quickly thanks to my colleagues and leaders.”

As her Guest Services term position approached the end, Kallie learned she was pregnant. Despite her initial concerns about her pregnancy impacting her employment at the RRC as her return to the Aquatics team seemed uncertain given the challenges of lifeguarding later in pregnancy, she was delighted when she was offered a temporary position in Human Resources.

“They found a spot for me where I could be more relaxed and comfortable in the last few months of my pregnancy by assisting HR onboard new staff for the summer,” says Piercey. “It was the best-case scenario for me to have an opportunity to learn even more in a new role, along with the assurance I could start my mat leave whenever I chose to. In the spring of 2017, I began my maternity leave, and my son was born 2 days later.”

When Piercey thinks about MIP, she can’t help but think about how it has impacted her life through the many connections it created: “I am incredibly grateful for the lifelong friendships and relationships I developed over the years with both co-workers and community members. Children that I taught in swimming lessons are now grown and coaching my child in his sporting activities! I have witnessed several co-workers’ relationships flourish into marriages and then seen them welcome their own children into the world.”

“My own first memories of MIP were skating with friends on the little rink when I was about 13 years old. It was around $2 for admission and at that time most of the building was under renovation. Never could I have imagined, as a little girl, that behind all the plywood and construction was a place that would turn out to be such an important part of my life.”

Concludes Piercey: “Now, as the mother of two children and a family that loves Fort McMurray, MIP is the place my children learn to skate, learn to swim, and I’m sure they will have the opportunity to learn so much more over the years from this great place - just as I have.”

From the community…
Meaningful connections.

"I really love this place and all it has to offer. The pool is always nice and warm. Lifeguards are very friendly and are always quick to answer any questions. They are very kind especially to my son. He's a social butterfly and the Times we've gone swimming I can see his confidence levels rising with each visit. The indoor play area is also great for the littles to play in while the adults relax after swim sessions."

innovative experiences

We take action on big ideas and creative solutions to elevate the experience of our guests.

more than golf | cubs junior golf team

Luke Jackson has a shy smile, typical for most Grade 9 students. When he starts talking about golf, though, the shyness disappears and his personality begins to shine.

“What do I like best about golf?” he says. “Hitting little balls with big sticks,” he replies with a grin.

It’s a solid description of the basics of the sport, but through his involvement with the Fort McMurray Cubs Junior Golf Team, Luke has had the chance to truly fall in love with golf.

Chris McKenzie, Miskanaw Golf Club CPGA Head Professional, along with the team at MGC, developed the concept of the Cubs Junior Golf Team to create an opportunity for local youth to not only develop skills and enjoyment of the sport but do so in a team setting, similar to team sports like hockey or soccer. Started in 2023, the Cubs welcomed 36 enthusiastic youth golfers to participate in the new initiative.

“We saw a gap in programs in the community,” says McKenzie, “Particularly in terms of a golf team where kids could practice the sport and compete and also develop some life skills and experience the support of a team. The hope is that what they learn by being part of the club transcends just the game.”

Through his involvement with the Fort McMurray Cubs Junior Golf Team, Luke has had the chance to truly fall in love with golf.

From lessons with the Miskanaw pros to free access to the new four-hole Cubs Course, Luke says the Junior Golf team has fed his love of the sport – and his dad, Kris Jackson, agrees. But Kris also says there is more than just golf skills being developed; rather the new team also contributes to character and personal growth.

“Luke knows everything there is to know about golf equipment now,” Kris says with a laugh about his son’s impressive research abilities. “He’s really developed as a golfer, and since I am not a golfer this team has provided an opportunity that he would not have naturally had. It’s not just golf though – after he joined the team we noticed a profound change in his confidence, his self-esteem, even how he dresses and carries himself.”

One might not associate learning golf with growing life skills, but McKenzie says that the new team environment lends itself to development on every level. McKenzie says: “Luke volunteered at the 2023 RRC Partners Annual Golf tournament, which meant he was rubbing shoulders with people in our community like the Mayor and CEOs of local companies; that’s a pretty amazing opportunity for a young adult. That’s an ego and confidence boost for anyone, especially someone who is just beginning to learn how to build those relationships.”

Luke has big plans for his future, including the intent to study Aerospace Engineering at MIT, but he now sees golf as being part of his life forever. He says: “I want to continue to play golf for as long as I can.”

McKenzie smiles when he reflects on the past year with the Cubs Junior Golf Team and what the future holds. “We are excited to build the team,” says McKenzie. “We started with the goal to create an innovative experience for junior golfers, and it feels like we have achieved that – and maybe a bit more, too.”

Kris Jackson believes that “a bit more” has changed his son’s life: “I am not sure what the expectations of this program was or if it met the intentions. But as a parent, I can honestly say, it has gone above and beyond just teaching a child how to swing a club. It has impacted Luke in life skills and behaviours that are important in growing up. It has been a life-changing experience in my belief. Luke, and I, have gotten so much out of this program, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for making this happen.”

From the community…
Innovative experiences.

"This place has everything you could think of and more! From outdoor sports to indoor gymnasiums, courts, gym, and even swimming, there is something for everyone who would like to get out of the house and be active. My favorite part by far is the pool, given that they have both lane swim, free float, and an amazing water park for the kids. One thing I didn't expect when arriving was learning that they have a golf course as well. The layout is thoughtful and expansive, giving room for expansions without compromising the feel and making it seem too big. The first thing to do is go in the entrance and grab a membership or multi pass because I guarantee you'll want to return."

social commitment

We are proud of our commitment to the region and to all who call Wood Buffalo home.

WB Kids Clubs and Hoop Heroes

For over a decade, the RRC WB Kids program has worked to reduce financial barriers to ensure that children in the region have access to sport, recreation and leisure activities.

The original WB Kids program was aimed at support for individuals; in 2023, the WB Kids program added a new stream of funding designed to provide financial support for local sport and recreation groups and clubs. Called WB Kids Clubs, this new grant opportunity continues the proud legacy of reducing financial barriers in the interest of kids having fun.

One of the first programs to benefit from the new WB Kids Clubs program was the Hoop Heroes Inclusive Basketball Program, an organization dedicated to inclusive basketball access for local children with exceptional needs.

Hoop Heroes, now into its third season, has proven a huge success with over 60 players registered in each season. Founders Frank and Karla Power created the group, aimed at children from ages 5-18, based on their own experience. Frank shares: “We have two children who both have a diagnosis of Autism and are nonverbal. I always wanted to provide the opportunity for my children to play sports. They were the inspiration to create a program to offer children with exceptional needs the chance to play basketball.”

“This experience has allowed us to connect with other families and build relationships.”

One of those children is Andrew Neil, son of Cameron and Gayle Neil. Says Gayle: “I often get to take my daughter to events knowing she will get to participate as a neurotypical child. With our son, it is extremely difficult to bring him to activities that will meet his needs. Hoop Heroes Inclusive Basketball has impacted our family by providing an opportunity for our son to engage in physical activity in a supportive environment.”

For Frank and Karla, Hoop Heroes has become more than they ever imagined. “Hoop Heroes has given an opportunity for us to give back to the community that has given so much to us. It's been uplifting to see children and parents benefit from our program. When we first started, we were hoping to offer a program for a 5-week trial run to see if the interest was there. We never could have imagined how many people would be interested in not only participating, but in volunteering to help our program,” say Frank and Karla.

Gayle Neil says that Hoop Heroes is about more than sport; it is about building a community. “Our experience with Hoop Heroes has been nothing short of positive and supportive. When we enter the gym, our son is accepted and loved for who he is, not what he can do. This experience has allowed us to connect with other families and build relationships,” says Gayle.

Frank and Karla are grateful for the support of the RRC WB Kids Clubs program, noting: “The funding from WB Kids Clubs helped us to keep the cost low for the families so they can try out our program with a low financial risk. We are able to purchase equipment that suit the various needs of our players, and it helps in covering additional costs such as gym rental, insurance, promotional items and team shirts.”

Through WB Kids, WB Kids All Stars, and WB Kids Clubs, the RRC is proud of their commitment to the region and supporting individual and programs such as Hoop Heroes Inclusive Basketball to provide opportunities for children to gather, play and connect.

From the community…
Social commitment.

"This facility does a great job with special needs children. My oldest son is severely autistic. He loves the waterpark. We cannot go down the water slide together but the slide attendants are very helpful. They will watch him on the top while I go first so I can be there on the bottom when he comes down. This situation would be very difficult without their support. Huge thanks as this situation can become very challenging for one parent with a special needs child."

pride in accountability

We provide safe, clean, fun and sustainable spaces for our community.

Sentinel Storage kids clubhouse

In 2023, Sentinel Storage came onboard as a new amenity partner at the Sentinel Storage Kids Clubhouse. Perhaps one of the most popular amenities at MacDonald Island Park, the Sentinel Storage Kids Clubhouse offers childminding services on a drop-in basis for families who need childcare while they enjoy other amenities or activities at the Island.

Sentinel Storage Kids Clubhouse Supervisor Dana Organ says: “Our team works to create a safe, welcoming environment for the children in our care. While their parents are at the Legacy Dodge Fitness Centre, or lane swimming at the Syncrude Aquatic Centre, or playing a game of adult hockey, their kids are with us having fun, learning skills, or just enjoying interacting with other kids.”

“We know what’s going on with the children and in their families, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to build those relationships.

The Haukeness family is one of those that use the service, as parents Nolan and Jenine are often at MacDonald Island Park for a variety of activities. At least once a week the Haukeness children spend time at the Sentinel Storage Kids Clubhouse. Says Jenine: “Without the team at the Clubhouse I just wouldn’t be able to have those little mini breaks for myself. As a full-time working mom of two, it’s hard to find me time.”

Dana Organ shares how important it is for the Sentinel Storage Kids Clubhouse team to develop a relationship not only with the children in their care, but also with the parents and entire family. She shares: “We really get to know them on a personal level. We know what’s going on with the children and in their families, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to build those relationships.”

Jenine agrees, saying: “The staff are so friendly! They remember the kids’ names and are so sweet to the kids. They even stop to say hello to my kids when we see them at the grocery store!”

Safe, quality childcare is an important part of providing a positive guest experience for MacDonald Island Park facility users, and Dana Organ takes this aspect of the role of her team very seriously. “Our team is trained, experienced and dedicated to providing excellent childcare for every child who walks through our doors. We want both them and their parents to have the best possible experience.”

Jenine Haukeness says: “The kids love their time at the Sentinel Storage Kids Clubhouse! I get ‘ahhh mom, 10 more minutes!’ all the time because they don’t want to leave!”

For Sentinel Storage, partnering with the RRC in a family-focused amenity like the Sentinel Storage Kids Clunhouse just makes sense. "Having a safe and fun environment for children and families to enjoy all year round benefits the entire community. Sentinel Storage is proud to sponsor the Kids Clubhouse and the Indoor Playground at MacDonald Island Park, helping to provide positive and welcoming spaces for all to enjoy," says Celeste Blackmore, National Director of Corporate Partnerships and Media.

Amenity partnerships such as the one Sentinel Storage has developed with the RRC ensure that the organization can continue to provide safe, clean, sustainable – and fun! – space for the community such as the Sentinel Storage Kids Clubhouse.

Our team is trained, experienced and dedicated to providing excellent childcare for every child who walks through our doors.

From the community…
Pride in accountability.

"So thankful for every childcare worker there! This is a heaven sent for me and my family and 100% why I have a Mac island membership. Everything else is such a lovely bonus!"