State of the City Address: Fort Saskatchewan 2024

Written By Melissa Saretsky

On April 5, 2024 The Fort Saskatchewan & District Chamber of Commerce hosted the Annual State of the City Address delivered by the Mayor.

“I have never felt more optimistic about the future of Fort Saskatchewan” - Mayor Gale Katcher

City Announcements

  • Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department has introduced a second 24-hour shift, doubling the emergency capacity.

  • Partnership with Strathcona County for Bus Routes starting July 2024, with a route going to Bethal Transit station

  • The Jubilee Recreation Centre is undergoing a major modernization, with completion expected in 2025

More Updates from the city include the Grand opening of the improved eco station, the New Natural playground at Fort Heritage Precinct, SouthFort Meadows New Outdoor Ice Area and Park named after Lesley Macmillan, and the expansion of Lions Campground in Turner Park.

Housing Announcements

  • In 2023, construction was booming, with 181 new single-family homes with a total of 232 new housing units added.

  • The city experienced a 6.2% growth in population since 2019

  • The Affordable housing project Muriel Ross Abdurahman Court opened with 83 units priced at 20% less than the current market rate for rents

  • Fort Sask vacancy rate is less than 1%

  • The Old Hosptial site along 95 Street is set for a Multiphase mixed-use residential development, with over 400 housing units and some light commercial space.

  • The city has approved two projects at Fort Station (old mall site) The first one is 54 units of 1+2 bedroom homes with underground parking and another project with 42 units containing 2+3 bedroom options. Construction will be starting this spring.

Industrial Action

  • Dow’s Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero expansion project will create the world’s first net-zero carbon emissions integrated ethylene cracker. Tripleing Dow’s ethylene and polyethylene capacity from the site, while retrofitting the site’s existing assets to net-zero carbon emissions. This project will have about 7,000 jobs during peak construction and 500 full-time jobs once operational.

  • Plains Midstream is expanding its fractionation capacity by 30,000 barrels a day. The project is estimated to be completed by mid-2025

  • ATCO was the 1st in Alberta to deliver hydrogen-blended natural gas to 2100 homes & businesses in Fort Sask, paving the way for emission reductions.

  • Alberta’s Industrial Heartland celebrates its 25th Anniversary, with many new projects being discussed Internationally.

The level of activity and development happening in our area is astounding. I feel thankful to be part of this vibrant region!

Melissa Saretsky
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