Chris Wruck
Championing Community and Small Business in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo
CLASS OF 2025
For Chris Wruck, community isn’t just a word; it’s the heartbeat of everything he does. Since moving to Fort McMurray in 2017, Chris has immersed himself in helping the region grow stronger, more connected, and more resilient. What brought him north in the first place was opportunity. He relocated to manage Emco Waterworks and help lead the underground utilities rebuild following the devastating wildfire. But what’s kept him here, almost a decade later, are the people, the sense of belonging, and the pride that comes from being part of something bigger than himself.
Today, Chris wears many hats. He’s an Account Manager with Clean Harbors, a company deeply embedded in the industrial fabric of the region, and the Co-Owner of Crown and Collar, a local business that reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and his love for this community. Both roles, though different, are united by the same driving force: connection.
“Being engaged with the community and able to bridge industry with charities and support community engagement is one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” he shares. “I’m proud to represent Clean Harbors with our Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce and be part of the conversations that keep this region moving forward.”
Chris grew up in the Edmonton area, attending Memorial Composite High School in Stony Plain before continuing his education through NAIT’s apprenticeship programs. His small-town roots gave him an early appreciation for community life; the kind where neighbours know each other, everyone pitches in, and there’s a shared understanding that what strengthens one strengthens all. That foundation has stayed with him through his years working in the oil and gas industry across North America, where he saw firsthand how the rise and fall of industry affects local economies, families, and small businesses.
Those experiences shaped his outlook and his commitment to supporting community stability, especially in regions like Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo that have felt the impact of boom-and-bust cycles. “While working in the oil and gas exploration industry, I saw the ups and downs small towns experience and wanted to help support stability outside of industry,” he says.
In Fort McMurray, that dedication has translated into action. Chris was one of the instrumental committee members who helped bring Wood Buffalo Ribfest back in 2025. He has also served as a Board Member with the Chamber of Commerce, and taken part in Masonic activities and Shriners’ charitable initiatives. He’s also spent time coaching minor hockey, a natural fit for someone who believes in mentorship, teamwork, and helping kids build confidence both on and off the ice.
Chris’s community involvement extends beyond professional and charitable work to one of his personal passions: golf. “I’m an active member of the golf community here, which is more than a sport—it’s where our region thrives and shows the strength of relationships,” he explains. Through golf, Chris has built friendships, forged partnerships, and strengthened networks that ripple across the local business and social landscape. The camaraderie on the course mirrors the collaborative spirit he brings to his work and volunteerism, reinforcing his belief that strong communities are built one relationship at a time.
At the heart of it all is his belief that strong communities start with strong connections. Whether it’s supporting a local business, helping organize an event, or simply showing up to lend a hand, Chris understands that these small actions create ripples that make Fort McMurray a better place to live for everyone.
Looking ahead, Chris’s goals are grounded in service. “I want to continue to try to give more to the RMWB than I take,” he says. “I want to be part of the strength of what this region has to offer and grow my business to be a staple of the small business network.”
He also recognizes that the region’s challenges—particularly around global economics and diversification—require collaboration, innovation, and community pride. By strengthening small businesses and fostering local partnerships, he believes Fort McMurray can create stability and attract more investment, opening the door to opportunity for all who call the region home.
And while Chris enjoys getting away now and then, it’s the people of Wood Buffalo who always draw him back. “Like many, when I get a chance to get out of town, it’s refreshing, but the people here are what make it exciting to come back. The people truly make this place amazing—and yes, it can always be better, but it starts with the person.”
For Chris Wruck, building community isn’t a side project; it’s a calling. Through his work, his volunteerism, and his everyday example, he’s helping shape a stronger, prouder, and more connected Wood Buffalo, one relationship at a time.
