Chris Heyninck

Chris Heyninck, a Senior E&I Operations Technician and proud resident of Fort McMurray for over 14 years, has built his life around family, community, and adventure. Originally from Prince George, British Columbia, Chris came to Fort McMurray in 2010 for work, but the region quickly became home. Now, at 39 years old, he is an influential community member whose volunteer efforts and passion for helping others have left a lasting impact on the region.

Chris’s professional career as a Red Seal Electrician has given him significant knowledge and experience in the oil and gas industry. But it’s the work-life balance that his career offers that he values most. “The most rewarding part of my career is that it has provided me with the opportunity to maintain a healthy home/work-life balance,” he explains. This balance has enabled him to invest time in both his family and his community, two aspects of his life that are inextricably linked.

As a father of five, including identical twins, Chris’s family plays a central role in everything he does. His children are his greatest motivation and the driving force behind his community involvement. “Having children has given me the greatest purpose in life. They are my reason for everything,” he says. His children have participated in many local programs, from schools to sports, and Chris has always found ways to contribute. Whether through the Community Investment Committee at work or volunteering at local events, his involvement in Fort McMurray’s community programs stems from a deep desire to support the town that has given so much to his family.

Chris has volunteered for a variety of local events and initiatives, including the Wood Buffalo Alberta Summer Games, the Inter Pipeline Fort McMurray Marathon, and the WSWA Water Ski/Wake Surf program. He’s also participated in community cleanups, supported the “Try a Trade” program at Holy Trinity Catholic High School, and helped with Santa’s Anonymous. His dedication to these causes speaks volumes about his commitment to giving back. “It’s nice to have an influence on where I can help provide financial support or where I can volunteer my time,” Chris says.

His ability to connect with others is perhaps his greatest strength. Describing himself as “the people connector,” Chris has a natural talent for building relationships and fostering a sense of camaraderie. He believes that community involvement doesn’t just benefit those on the receiving end; it also helps individuals grow. His personal experiences volunteering have given him a unique perspective on how small contributions—whether financial or through volunteer hours—can make a big difference. “I’ve seen firsthand how providing some financial support can enhance a program’s experience or how volunteering time can help an event run more effectively,” he says.

But while Chris is proud of Fort McMurray’s strengths, he’s also aware of the challenges facing the community, particularly when it comes to education and mental health services. “Education is a vital part of our children’s lives,” he explains. “With the cutbacks in support staff, it’s terrifying to imagine what this looks like for our children, especially those who require additional support in the classroom.”

Chris also speaks candidly about the lack of mental health resources in the region. “I have a child who suffers from mental health issues and has been waiting months to see the only local pediatric psychiatrist,” he shares. He believes that both issues—education and mental health—can be addressed through better funding and incentives for professionals to move to Fort McMurray. These concerns, deeply personal to Chris as a father, drive his advocacy for change.

Looking ahead, Chris doesn’t have specific career goals. Instead, he focuses on continuous personal growth and happiness. He believes in living life to the fullest, taking risks, and embracing challenges. “Without risk or challenges, you cannot learn or progress,” he says, and it’s a mindset that guides him in both his professional and personal life.

In the summers, Chris is happiest outdoors, living on the lake, where he enjoys surfing, fishing, hunting, and camping with his family. For him, Fort McMurray is not just a place to work—it’s a community where he has built lasting memories and connections. “Fort McMurray has treated my family well,” he says. “I love being a part of the community’s success.”

Chris Heyninck is a shining example of how one person’s contributions can ripple through a community. From his dedication to his family to his hands-on approach to volunteering, Chris is making a positive difference in Fort McMurray—one connection at a time.

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