Fort McMurray

Life at the Crossroads

Eleven years ago today. That's how long I've lived in Fort McMurray, Alberta. That's how much time has passed since I made the choice to live here. Not bad considering I thought I would only be here for eight months. Just a quick stint to make some money. I'd be headed back to Ontario in… Continue reading Life at the Crossroads

Fort McMurray

One Way In, One Way Out

We live in an isolated community. Fort McMurray - a city, or urban service area, located 435 km northeast of Edmonton with a population of 68,002. Besides a few other hamlets within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the closest other settlement lies approximately 200 km south. For all intents and purposes, we are alone.… Continue reading One Way In, One Way Out

Fort McMurray, Opinion

Give a Little, Save a Lot

What would you do to save your favourite haunts? Would you fight? Or would you do nothing and let them fade into obscurity? These are the questions I'm asking you today. It should come as no surprise at this point that the restaurant industry has taken a pounding over the last two years. Even more… Continue reading Give a Little, Save a Lot

Fort McMurray

Groceries are the Wurst

A sprig of rosemary, a few cans of vegetable juice, and a pack of homestyle chicken stock pods. That's all I wanted. I'm not asking for much, right? At least, I don't think I am. It's not like this is an unreasonable request. Well, apparently, I was wrong. Last weekend, I went to the grocery… Continue reading Groceries are the Wurst

Fort McMurray, May 2016

Looking Back

A week ago, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo declared a State of Local Emergency. This time, not because of a fire or flood. This time, due to the current rate at which this pandemic seems to be spreading in our region. The numbers are unbelievable. To make matters worse, a few days ago, the… Continue reading Looking Back

Fort McMurray

The Weather Outside Is Frightful…and That’s It

Holy merciful crap, is it ever friggin cold! I'm not going to lie. I've lived in Fort McMurray now for nearly 10 years, and I'm still shocked and amazed when the temperatures suddenly drop like a stone because winter has decided to throw a tantrum. Today is one of those days. I will give yesterday,… Continue reading The Weather Outside Is Frightful…and That’s It