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Best People 2026
Your McMurray Magazine’s Best People of YMM 2026!
August 7, 2026
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By
Team YMM
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The 2026 Best of YMM awards highlight the outstanding people, places and businesses that make Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo a remarkable place to live. With more than 10,000 community votes cast online, YMM Magazine presents the definitive digital guide to the region’s absolute favourites this year.
Best Childcare Professional
KPSquared Innovative Child Care Centre
“This award isn't a reflection of perfection, it is a reflection of purpose. Every decision we make is rooted in integrity, guided by love, and driven by an unwavering belief that when we strengthen families, we strengthen our communities.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Childcare Professional
KPSquared Innovative Child Care Centre
“This award isn't a reflection of perfection, it is a reflection of purpose. Every decision we make is rooted in integrity, guided by love, and driven by an unwavering belief that when we strengthen families, we strengthen our communities.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Server
Jesse Daly - Blackhorse Pub
“Being recognized as the Best Server of YMM is a rewarding feeling. Who knew all my sarcasm, quick wit and terrible dad jokes finally paid off! I appreciate my co-workers, regulars and every single person I get the opportunity to serve!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
The Best Server category is dedicated to the loving memory of Emily Verge
Best Server
Jesse Daly - Blackhorse Pub
“Being recognized as the Best Server of YMM is a rewarding feeling. Who knew all my sarcasm, quick wit and terrible dad jokes finally paid off! I appreciate my co-workers, regulars and every single person I get the opportunity to serve!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
The Best Server category is dedicated to the loving memory of Emily Verge
Best Bartender
Ayman Hassan - East Village Pub
“I am incredibly honoured to be voted Best Bartender, once again. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and support me. Winning this award a second time means just as much because it comes from the people I have the pleasure of serving every day.
Thank you to my East Village Pub family for their support and teamwork, and to our amazing guests for making this such a rewarding job.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Bartender
Ayman Hassan - East Village Pub
“I am incredibly honoured to be voted Best Bartender, once again. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and support me. Winning this award a second time means just as much because it comes from the people I have the pleasure of serving every day.
Thank you to my East Village Pub family for their support and teamwork, and to our amazing guests for making this such a rewarding job.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
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Best Chef
Paolo Siso - East Village Pub
“It is an honour to be named Best Chef. Thank you to everyone who voted and supported me. I am fortunate to work alongside an amazing team that shares the same passion for great food and hospitality.
We appreciate every guest who chooses East Village Pub, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Chef
Paolo Siso - East Village Pub
“It is an honour to be named Best Chef. Thank you to everyone who voted and supported me. I am fortunate to work alongside an amazing team that shares the same passion for great food and hospitality.
We appreciate every guest who chooses East Village Pub, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Baker
Janet Young - The Newfie Sugar Mama
“I love what I do, and my customers are loving it, too! I am incredibly honoured & thankful!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Baker
Janet Young - The Newfie Sugar Mama
“I love what I do, and my customers are loving it, too! I am incredibly honoured & thankful!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Tattoo Artist
Nicole McFatridge / Studio.56 Tattoo
“I never set out to be the best because I believe art is subjective. I simply wanted to be someone my clients could trust. Every tattoo I create matters to me because I know it’s something you’ll wear for the rest of your life.
I genuinely care about every part of the experience — from making you feel comfortable and safe to creating work you’ll be proud to wear for years to come. Thank you for trusting me, supporting my small business, and allowing me to do what I love every day.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Tattoo Artist
Nicole McFatridge / Studio.56 Tattoo
“I never set out to be the best because I believe art is subjective. I simply wanted to be someone my clients could trust. Every tattoo I create matters to me because I know it’s something you’ll wear for the rest of your life.
I genuinely care about every part of the experience — from making you feel comfortable and safe to creating work you’ll be proud to wear for years to come. Thank you for trusting me, supporting my small business, and allowing me to do what I love every day.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Photographer
Deidra Ference (Three D’s Photography)
“This award is so much more than recognition — it's a reminder of how lucky I am to serve this amazing community. To every family, couple, and client who has trusted me with their memories, thank you. Many of you have become friends, and that's the greatest reward of all.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Photographer
Deidra Ference (Three D’s Photography)
“This award is so much more than recognition — it's a reminder of how lucky I am to serve this amazing community. To every family, couple, and client who has trusted me with their memories, thank you. Many of you have become friends, and that's the greatest reward of all.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Videographer
Nick Vardy / Moccasin Media
“Being selected as YMM’s Best Videographer means a great deal because it comes from the community that has supported my business and trusted me to tell its stories.
I’m grateful to every client, organization and community member who has invited me to capture the people and moments that make Wood Buffalo special.
This recognition is a reminder of how far Moccasin Media has come, and it motivates me to keep growing and creating work that represents our region with care and authenticity.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Videographer
Nick Vardy / Moccasin Media
“Being selected as YMM’s Best Videographer means a great deal because it comes from the community that has supported my business and trusted me to tell its stories.
I’m grateful to every client, organization and community member who has invited me to capture the people and moments that make Wood Buffalo special.
This recognition is a reminder of how far Moccasin Media has come, and it motivates me to keep growing and creating work that represents our region with care and authenticity.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Teacher
Kayla Pilgrim - Westview Public School
“I am truly honoured that my colleagues, former students, and the families of those I have had the privilege to teach over the years believed I was deserving of this award.
I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside outstanding educators and with wonderful students and families throughout the past 15 years.
This recognition means so much because it reflects the relationships and experiences we have shared together. Thank you.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Teacher
Kayla Pilgrim - Westview Public School
“I am truly honoured that my colleagues, former students, and the families of those I have had the privilege to teach over the years believed I was deserving of this award.
I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside outstanding educators and with wonderful students and families throughout the past 15 years.
This recognition means so much because it reflects the relationships and experiences we have shared together. Thank you.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best In School Administration
Dan Tulk - Frank Spragins High School
“It’s such a privilege to be nominated, and in such a great group. I love my kids, and helping our community, and this is great. But seeing the kids succeed, and graduate, and move forward, and being an administrator for 15 years now, is a wonderful honour… thank you, Fort McMurray.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best In School Administration
Dan Tulk - Frank Spragins High School
“It’s such a privilege to be nominated, and in such a great group. I love my kids, and helping our community, and this is great. But seeing the kids succeed, and graduate, and move forward, and being an administrator for 15 years now, is a wonderful honour… thank you, Fort McMurray.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Team Sports Coach
TJ Campbell - Fort McMurray Minor Hockey
“I'm truly honoured to accept this award — it's a reflection of the incredible players, families, and coaches I've had the privilege to work with.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Team Sports Coach
TJ Campbell - Fort McMurray Minor Hockey
“I'm truly honoured to accept this award — it's a reflection of the incredible players, families, and coaches I've had the privilege to work with.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Personal Trainer/Fitness Class Leader
Judy Dredge - 9Round Fort McMurray
“The greatest reward has been watching lives change through something that saved mine. Never stop moving.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Personal Trainer/Fitness Class Leader
Judy Dredge - 9Round Fort McMurray
“The greatest reward has been watching lives change through something that saved mine. Never stop moving.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Yoga Instructor
Olivia Martineau - Yoga Solutions
"To me, this award means the mindful spaces we build together are truly resonating; after launching my children's yoga book this year, it is a beautifully humbling confirmation that sharing this practice at every age is exactly what I am meant to do."
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Yoga Instructor
Olivia Martineau - Yoga Solutions
"To me, this award means the mindful spaces we build together are truly resonating; after launching my children's yoga book this year, it is a beautifully humbling confirmation that sharing this practice at every age is exactly what I am meant to do."
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
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Best Health Care Provider
Dr. Nasim Arruj - Hardin Medical Clinic
“Receiving the Best Health Care Provider award is an honour that reflects my dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare services and building trusted relationships with the community I serve.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Health Care Provider
Dr. Nasim Arruj - Hardin Medical Clinic
“Receiving the Best Health Care Provider award is an honour that reflects my dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare services and building trusted relationships with the community I serve.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Massage Therapist / Chiropractor or Physiotherapist
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Massage Therapist / Chiropractor or Physiotherapist
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Beauty Care & Salon Specialist
Nails By Johnny
“Being selected is a true honour and a milestone in my journey. I’m sincerely grateful to everyone who has trusted and supported me. This recognition motivates me to keep learning, improving, and delivering the best experience every day.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Beauty Care & Salon Specialist
Nails By Johnny
“Being selected is a true honour and a milestone in my journey. I’m sincerely grateful to everyone who has trusted and supported me. This recognition motivates me to keep learning, improving, and delivering the best experience every day.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Pet Care Provider
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Pet Care Provider
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Animal Groomer
Amanda Brittain - Uptown Pet Salon
“This award is a celebration of the wonderful pets and clients who make my job a joy every single day. I am deeply honoured to be recognized by the Fort McMurray community.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Animal Groomer
Amanda Brittain - Uptown Pet Salon
“This award is a celebration of the wonderful pets and clients who make my job a joy every single day. I am deeply honoured to be recognized by the Fort McMurray community.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Social Media Personality
Don G. McIver
“Definitely feels priceless for a person born and raised in Wood Buffalo.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Social Media Personality
Don G. McIver
“Definitely feels priceless for a person born and raised in Wood Buffalo.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Community Champion
Mohamed Tarrabin - Prestige Jewellers
“I walked into this community years ago as a stranger, and today you’ve made me feel like family. Being selected as Best of YMM’s Community Champion means more to me than words can express.
This recognition belongs to every person who believes in making our community stronger, kinder, and more united. I promise this won’t be the finish line — it will only push me to work even harder for the place I proudly call home.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Community Champion
Mohamed Tarrabin - Prestige Jewellers
“I walked into this community years ago as a stranger, and today you’ve made me feel like family. Being selected as Best of YMM’s Community Champion means more to me than words can express.
This recognition belongs to every person who believes in making our community stronger, kinder, and more united. I promise this won’t be the finish line — it will only push me to work even harder for the place I proudly call home.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Sales Person
Jeff Batchelor - Legacy Dodge
“It’s such an honour to receive this for the third year in a row. Being nominated and elected by the community means the world to me.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Sales Person
Jeff Batchelor - Legacy Dodge
“It’s such an honour to receive this for the third year in a row. Being nominated and elected by the community means the world to me.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Retail Employee
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Retail Employee
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Realtor
Paige Cyr - The Agency North Central Alberta
“Because this is a community-voted award, it means more than statistics and sales ever could. It means all the hard work and long hours is being seen by the people I help, and that's the greatest reward of my job.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Realtor
Paige Cyr - The Agency North Central Alberta
“Because this is a community-voted award, it means more than statistics and sales ever could. It means all the hard work and long hours is being seen by the people I help, and that's the greatest reward of my job.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Financial Professional
Lindsay Pinkney - Pinkney Financial Services
“I'm honoured to receive this award. My philosophy has always been simple: educate people, do what's right for every client, and earn their trust every step of the way. Thank you to everyone who voted and trusted me with your financial future.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Financial Professional
Lindsay Pinkney - Pinkney Financial Services
“I'm honoured to receive this award. My philosophy has always been simple: educate people, do what's right for every client, and earn their trust every step of the way. Thank you to everyone who voted and trusted me with your financial future.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Mechanic
Sean Reddy - Shamrock Maintenance & Autobody Ltd.
“Honoured & grateful for this community, family, friends & customers.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Mechanic
Sean Reddy - Shamrock Maintenance & Autobody Ltd.
“Honoured & grateful for this community, family, friends & customers.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Band
Joe Rebel
“Being named Best Local Band is an incredible honour. We were up against some truly great bands, and we're grateful to be recognized alongside such talented local musicians.
Thank you to everyone who voted, came to our shows, and continues to support Joe Rebel. Fort McMurray has an amazing music community, and we're proud to be a part of it.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Band
Joe Rebel
“Being named Best Local Band is an incredible honour. We were up against some truly great bands, and we're grateful to be recognized alongside such talented local musicians.
Thank you to everyone who voted, came to our shows, and continues to support Joe Rebel. Fort McMurray has an amazing music community, and we're proud to be a part of it.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Singer
Tyler Whelan
“It’s an honour to be considered for an award in this city that has so many talented people. I’m grateful to be a part of our wonderful community.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Singer
Tyler Whelan
“It’s an honour to be considered for an award in this city that has so many talented people. I’m grateful to be a part of our wonderful community.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local DJ
Jon QPiD
“I am humbled and honoured to be recognized by my community. I look back on 27 years of my music career and hope that the next 27 include just as much joy, happiness and collaboration with other DJs as the first half has included. I want to dedicate this honour to my dad, as we celebrate his 75th birthday. Thank you for being my first supporter and believing that I can do anything.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local DJ
Jon QPiD
“I am humbled and honoured to be recognized by my community. I look back on 27 years of my music career and hope that the next 27 include just as much joy, happiness and collaboration with other DJs as the first half has included. I want to dedicate this honour to my dad, as we celebrate his 75th birthday. Thank you for being my first supporter and believing that I can do anything.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Performing Artist
Hanna Fridhed
“Knowing the astounding calibre of our local performers, having had the privilege of working with, learning from, and being captivated by them, I'm humbled and proud to be named on this list.
The performing arts transformed my life in ways I didn't know were possible, and I hope everyone has the opportunity to find that thing - that transformative, light-bringing, growth-inducing, wonderful thing that lights up their soul. Here's to making it count - thank you!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Performing Artist
Hanna Fridhed
“Knowing the astounding calibre of our local performers, having had the privilege of working with, learning from, and being captivated by them, I'm humbled and proud to be named on this list.
The performing arts transformed my life in ways I didn't know were possible, and I hope everyone has the opportunity to find that thing - that transformative, light-bringing, growth-inducing, wonderful thing that lights up their soul. Here's to making it count - thank you!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Visual Artist
Danielle Fairweather
“An absolute honour to feel seen and loved by the residents of this incredibly supportive community!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Visual Artist
Danielle Fairweather
“An absolute honour to feel seen and loved by the residents of this incredibly supportive community!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Artisan/Craftsperson
Candice Pilgrim - CADE’s BOMB Bombs
“Honoured to have been recognized amongst some of the best artisans in the community”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Artisan/Craftsperson
Candice Pilgrim - CADE’s BOMB Bombs
“Honoured to have been recognized amongst some of the best artisans in the community”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Writer
Dawn Booth
“I am honoured by this recognition from the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo community.
Since launching my journalism career here nearly twenty years ago, our home has deeply influenced my path. It has driven my dedication to storytelling, poetry, and publishing, inspiring me to help build spaces where others can connect, grow, and share their craft. This journey has taught me that writing is about far more than the words on a page; it’s about preserving stories, building relationships, and strengthening the community we share.
Congratulations to all of the nominees who continue to enrich our region’s literary arts, and to those who are just beginning to share their voices… Never stop expressing your words!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Local Writer
Dawn Booth
“I am honoured by this recognition from the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo community.
Since launching my journalism career here nearly twenty years ago, our home has deeply influenced my path. It has driven my dedication to storytelling, poetry, and publishing, inspiring me to help build spaces where others can connect, grow, and share their craft. This journey has taught me that writing is about far more than the words on a page; it’s about preserving stories, building relationships, and strengthening the community we share.
Congratulations to all of the nominees who continue to enrich our region’s literary arts, and to those who are just beginning to share their voices… Never stop expressing your words!”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Event Planner
Cass & Nat Event Planning
“Being named Best Event Planner is a reflection of our passion for creating beautiful, seamless, and unforgettable events. Every celebration is planned with heart, creativity, and care.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
Best Event Planner
Cass & Nat Event Planning
“Being named Best Event Planner is a reflection of our passion for creating beautiful, seamless, and unforgettable events. Every celebration is planned with heart, creativity, and care.”
Readers’ Choice Runner-up
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