BILD Wood Buffalo: Building a Bright Future for Our Community
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BILD Wood Buffalo is dedicated to shaping the future of the region, and they’re making waves with their innovative partnerships, commitment to growth, and a focus on quality of life for all residents.
A Vision for Growth and Community
BILD’s goal is clear: to foster a vibrant community where families can live, work, and play. Through collaboration with the municipal government, local businesses, Provincial government, and social organizations, they are helping Wood Buffalo become a region that’s not only known for its resource wealth but for its livability and infrastructure as well.
“We’re not just building houses; we’re building communities,” says Steve Auty, President of BILD Wood Buffalo. “The vision behind BILD is to create spaces where people feel connected, where families can thrive, and where the economy is supported by diverse industries and amenities.”
Steve’s sentiments reflect BILD’s ongoing commitment to attracting new citizens to the region and ensuring that Wood Buffalo continues to grow in a healthy, sustainable way. The efforts are paying off, as the area is gaining recognition for having the most affordable housing in Canada, based on family income, and quality of life, and the economic climate.
Strengthening Partnerships for a Stronger Future
BILD’s impact in the region is magnified through its partnerships. Since BILD Wood Buffalo joined the larger BILD Alberta organization and the CHBA Canadian Home Builders Association, the group has seen increased representation at the provincial and federal levels, which is key to achieving its goals.
“We’ve been able to advocate effectively for policies that support local homebuyers and the broader construction industry,” explains Ignacio Yupanqui, Director of BILD Wood Buffalo. “For example, the recent changes to the First-Time Home Buyers Incentive and Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) policies are direct results of our work. These changes make homeownership more achievable and help stabilize the local market.”
The First-Time Home Buyers Incentive allows eligible buyers to borrow up to 10 percent of their down payment, opening doors for many who may have previously struggled to enter the market. Meanwhile, with more FIFO program changes possible, the population may increase creating housing demand and putting our Home Builders back to work. Reducing commute times and increasing the population will improve the lives of workers in the region, which in turn benefits the local economy.
Roy Williams, a long-time BILD committee member and local developer, shares the sentiment: “The region’s housing market has become more affordable than it was just a few years ago, and we’re working tirelessly to ensure it stays that way. Our goal is to not only help rebuild but to create a sustainable, diversified community where people can settle and see a future for themselves.”
Planning for the Long Term
Despite the challenges posed by market fluctuations, particularly in the wake of the 2016 wildfire, BILD is focused on the future. With a land shortage no longer an issue, thanks to land sales in 2014 and available lots, developers are now able to plan for long-term growth.
“The market has had its ups and downs, but with land availability and new opportunities for development, we’re ready for what’s next,” “We have land capacity for over 40,000 people” explains Steve Auty. “We’re working closely with stakeholders and conducting thorough market analyses to ensure that growth continues in a balanced, sustainable way, without relying on temporary boosts like the post-wildfire reconstruction. Last December BILDWB hosted a public presentation by Dr. Hearther Exner-Pirot about the future of the Oilsands. She is with the MacDonald Laurier Institute, and they have calculated the world really needs our oil and we have a 200 year safe supply. The Oilsands will do carbon capture and greatly reduce our carbon footprint. Canada needs to understand how important we are to our country and even the world. As one of our previous MLAs would say, (We have the energy.)”
A major component of this forward-thinking approach is BILD’s work with local industries, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and the Chamber of Commerce. Together, they’re focused on stabilizing the housing market and creating a long-term vision for the region.
“We’re looking at the bigger picture—making sure that as Wood Buffalo grows, it remains a place where families can put down roots and businesses can thrive,” says Ignacio Yupanqui. “It’s about creating a balanced community where everyone can prosper.”
A Bright Future Ahead
BILD Wood Buffalo’s work has already made a significant impact, and the future is looking even brighter. As they continue to build quality homes and advocate for positive change, the community is benefiting from a growing network of businesses, organizations, and initiatives dedicated to a sustainable future.
With exciting new developments on the horizon, including more affordable housing options and long-term planning initiatives, Wood Buffalo is well on its way to becoming a model of community and growth. As Roy Williams aptly puts it: “The work we’re doing today is setting the foundation for tomorrow. And that’s something everyone in the region can get behind.”
BILD Wood Buffalo is truly building a better future—one home, one partnership, and one community at a time.
