Heather McNamara

Heather McNamara has called Fort McMurray home since 2009, after a move from Newfoundland by way of Calgary. It was a familial connection that first brought her to the region, but it’s the community and opportunities she’s found that have kept her here. “When I arrived, I was told the opportunities were endless, and they truly have been,” she reflects.

As the General Manager for Primaris REIT’s Peter Pond Portfolio Inc., Heather is at the forefront of Fort McMurray’s commercial landscape. She finds great satisfaction in working with the team she has built and in staying connected to the community. Her professional journey has evolved over the years—from a small business owner to a hotel manager, and now a commercial landlord for retail properties—each role adding to her understanding of the region’s unique business dynamics.

Heather’s community involvement extends well beyond her day job. Over her 14+ years in Fort McMurray, she has volunteered for the local SPCA, Food Bank, and her children’s schools. Her dedication to community service includes being on organizing committees for the Keyano and Northern Lights galas, serving as a Director on the Chamber of Commerce board, and leading as Chairperson of the Community Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Homelessness Incentive Strategic Committee, working to address crucial community challenges.

Her volunteer efforts have evolved alongside her life in Fort McMurray. What began as an opportunity for networking gradually became a passion for contributing to the growth and support of the place she now proudly calls home. “When my husband and I first moved here, we thought we wouldn’t raise a family in Fort McMurray,” she admits. “But the longer we stayed, the more we connected with the community. Now, we can’t imagine raising our kids anywhere else.”

Heather’s personal experiences, including raising a child with disabilities, have further shaped her perspective on the importance of inclusivity and progress. She praises the advancements made by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and local school districts, noting that while there is still work to be done, she has seen positive strides toward a more inclusive community.

Reflecting on her time in Fort McMurray, Heather points to the 2016 wildfires as a turning point in the region’s history. Despite the devastation, she witnessed a transformation as the town grew closer, with neighbours becoming friends and a newfound sense of unity emerging. “It was a pivotal time,” she recalls. “We went from being strangers to knowing our neighbours, hosting block parties, and having a real sense of community.”

Looking ahead, Heather is focused on expanding her expertise within her current role while working toward a professional designation that will help solidify her contributions to the region’s commercial sector. She is committed to advocating for Fort McMurray’s growth and resilience, collaborating with key local organizations to counter misconceptions about the community’s trajectory. “My hope is to bring more awareness to the needs of residents and to show that Fort McMurray isn’t dying—it’s thriving.”

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Heather is a self-proclaimed animal lover, with two dogs and a cat at home. She also enjoys music, playing guitar and singing with her band, West 63, and occasionally filling in with other local bands. Her passion for classic cars fuels a dream of owning a Barracuda someday, though for now, she’s more than happy cruising in her 2021 Mustang GT Convertible, proudly sporting her personalized “MomBoss” license plate—a title that perfectly captures her approach to life.

With a deep appreciation for Fort McMurray’s unique spirit and a passion for both professional and community growth, Heather McNamara embodies the resilience and warmth that define the region.

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