Signs of a turnaround are appearing across Fort McMurray. Home prices are climbing, oil‑patch investment is rising, and businesses from roofers to car dealers are hiring more staff to meet growing demand.

A key driver is the anticipated approval of a new West Coast oil pipeline. The federal government is expected to declare the project in the national interest, a move that could unlock major export capacity.

In parallel, the federal government has removed certain environmental policies, sped up regulatory approvals and introduced new financial incentives for investors, creating a more favourable environment for oil projects.

The provincial government is also setting ambitious goals. Alberta aims to double oilsands production to eight million barrels per day by 2035, a target that would require significant new infrastructure and workforce.

Local businesses are already preparing. Roofer William Gilbert says his crew could double or even triple in size, while car‑dealer Marty Giles plans to add 30 employees, bringing his staff total to about 300 as the boom approaches.

Housing demand is up about 30 % this summer compared with last year, says realtor Paige Cyr, and the community’s population is now at an all‑time high.