An Update on Fort McMurray’s “Future Forward”

An Update on Fort McMurray’s “Future Forward” is the third of the Socio-Economic Determinants of Health Briefing Series. The series profiles corporate and community initiatives that have addressed one (or more) of the socio-economic determinants of health in profitable or sustainable ways. The initiatives serve as models that corporations and communities can adopt/adapt to enhance both population health and their own organizational performance.

Through the course of its recent population explosion, the municipal government of Wood Buffalo has struggled to keep up with Fort McMurray’s various needs—from housing and schools to water treatment and recreational facilities. In response to these infrastructural deficiencies, the municipality decided to launch Future Forward 2030, a community-based visioning process resulting in a long-term plan to enhance the health and quality of life of Fort McMurray residents. Comprehensive, democratic, and efficient, Future Forward 2030 is a model initiative—particularly for smaller and rapidly growing cities.