Overview of Local Economic Development in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region Since 1961

This study was commissioned to review the economic evolution of the Athabasca Oil Sands region since 1961. The research involved, first, the identification, review, and analysis of existing data sources and that information is included in an annotated bibliography. The existing information base was supplemented with additional data tabulation and field research, including interviews with various individuals in industry and government, as a means of filling some of the more important data deficiencies. The report examines the economy of the AOSERP study area and traces some of the more important changes that have occurred since major oil sands development began. Particular emphasis is devoted to the Fort McMurray area, where much of the regional economic development has centered. The results of the research are organized into sections dealing with regional industrial development, population, employment, housing, and incomes and prices. Following those sections, more generalized comments regarding the impacts of growth are discussed. Appendix 10.1 includes an analysis of historical growth in the local business sectors of Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan.