The future is still bright for Fort Saskatchewan, Mayor Gale Katchur says in her latest State of the City Address.

“Despite the uncertainties we face as a nation, our local and regional outlook remains strong— bolstered by steady investment, job growth, and a rising quality of life,” Katchur told Chamber of Commerce members and guests Friday, April 4.

Several major industrial projects now underway are fuelling growth in our community, she explained. Chief among these is the $11 billion Dow Path2Zero project.

“The project brings thousands of jobs and long-term economic benefits, positioning our City as a leader in sustainable industrial development. This development also supports small and medium-sized businesses through supply chain opportunities, creating a ripple effect of economic growth across the region,” she said.

Direct spin-offs to the Dow project include the $2 billion world-scale hydrogen production and liquefaction facility by Linde, intended to provide hydrogen to Dow.

Katchur also made special mention of Dow’s recent charitable donations, including $5.6 million to FortSaskatchewan new aquatic centre, and $1.2 million for our Access for Everyone Program. Dow also gave $2 million to the food bank, $350,000 to Ducks Unlimited and $150,000 for STEM and stilled trades education for Indigenous students.

Katchur also pointed to other major projects in the Heartland Industrial region, including the $2 billion ATCO Yellowhead Mainline natural gas transmission system, and the Shell Polaris and Atlas Carbon Storage Hub projects.

All this activity is bringing many more people to Fort Saskatchewan, and, happily, new housing construction appears to be keeping pace, Katchur added. “The City is well-positioned to meet rising housing demand. Over the past year alone, we saw more than 500 new home starts—including 32 semi-detached and townhouse units, and 241 high-density units.”

These include two projects in the former mall site, with hopes for development of the old hospital site as well, she said.

City Council is moving to enhance local recreational facilities and RCMP and fire department services, Katchur said. “Council will be making key decisions on the aquatics facility, the potential new firehall, and we expect to hear more investment announcements within City boundaries.”