Fort McMurray councillors support oilsands camp moratorium

Councillors in Fort McMurray have voted to support a controversial moratorium on oilsands camps within the region after three days of "passionate"debate.

Councilunanimouslysupported an amended motion Monday night that would denypermits for the renewal of existingcamps and the approval of new campswithin 75kilometresof Fort McMurray.

The moratorium will not apply to camps inaccessible by road.The motion also excludes campsneeded for construction and maintenance.

The moratoriumwould affect 61 camps and about 27,256 workers,the municipality said.

"This has been a very passionate debate," Coun. Mike Allen said. "And it has been polarizing as well."

Don Scott, mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, proposed reducing the so-called 'fly-infly-out' population and increase the number of locals living in Fort McMurray and rural hamlets in the region.

Originally, Scott pushed for a moratorium within 120 kilometres of Fort McMurray but said he was willing to compromise.

"We as councillorsneed to stand up for residents of the region," Scott said. "We all need a big wake up call in the region."

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Municipal census results released this month showan overall population of 111,687 in the Wood Buffalo region in 2018, including 36,678 people in the shadow population people who live in hotels, work camps or temporary accommodations for more than 30 days of the year.

On Thursday, administration said camps in the area canaccommodate32,246 workers and contribute $14.4 million annually in tax revenue.

Administration said it would need toincrease its tax base by 12,000 new homes toreplace the lost tax revenue from the 120-kilometre camp moratorium. It isn't clear what the tax loss would be for the amended motion.

Administration will now draft a bylaw limitingoilsands camps.

"It's not legally binding, what's passed tonight," Coun. Krista Balsom said before voting. "It will go to a public hearing."

The motion directs administration to review agreements withoilsandscompanies, to work with industry to reduce fly-in fly-out, and increase use of the FortMcMurrayairport instead of bypassing it and using isolated aerodromes.

Connect with David Thurton, CBC'sFort McMurraycorrespondent, onFacebook,Twitter,LinkedInor email him atdavid.thurton@cbc.ca