Lance and Nicole Houle

In a city known for its resilience, energy, and strong sense of togetherness, few couples embody the spirit of Fort McMurray quite like Lance and Nicole Houle. Together, they are a power duo whose professional achievements and community involvement reflect not only personal ambition but also a deep-seated commitment to making the region a better place for everyone. Through entrepreneurship, creativity, and a shared vision for community connection, the Houles have carved out paths that uplift, inspire, and bring people together.

For Nicole Houle, Fort McMurray wasn’t originally on her map. Born and raised in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, she arrived in the region in 2006 with a one-year plan. “I ended up loving it and now call it home,” she says. What started as a temporary stop quickly evolved into a hub for her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for community-building. After initially pursuing a degree to become a high school French teacher, Nicole’s trajectory shifted dramatically when a Toronto-based company scouted her to travel across Canada, auditioning models, singers, actors, and dancers for top agents. That experience, combined with her natural creativity, led her to a path she hadn’t expected, but one she has fully embraced.

Today, Nicole is the Owner and Creative Director of The Dancery and DRIP Dance Fitness, as well as the Health & Safety lead for McMurray Mechanical. “The most rewarding part of my career is seeing the ripple effect of what I’ve built,” she explains. Whether it’s developing a safety program that allows teams to excel on challenging sites, cultivating a sense of community through dance, or helping individuals rediscover confidence and joy, Nicole thrives on creating spaces where people grow, connect, and feel proud of themselves.

Her commitment to the community extends far beyond the walls of her businesses. Though running multiple enterprises while balancing family life leaves little time for traditional volunteering, Nicole finds ways to give back through her dance fitness programs and community events. She’s led warm-ups for hospital fundraisers, donated class passes for local auctions, and is a consistent supporter of fellow small businesses. “Giving back to the community that continues to support me is always a priority,” she says.

Family plays a central role in Nicole’s journey. Her husband, Lance, along with their two boys, provides the foundation that allows her to take creative risks. “Their energy and honesty keep me grounded and motivated to create spaces that bring people together,” Nicole reflects. From launching a handmade accessories line that sold as far away as Beverly Hills to becoming Fort McMurray’s first Zumba instructor, her efforts have always been driven by a desire to connect and contribute. She sees her career not just as a path to personal success but as a way to foster belonging, collaboration, and empowerment throughout the community.

Lance Houle, meanwhile, brings a complementary blend of dedication, skill, and pragmatism to the couple’s shared mission of impact. Born and raised in St. Albert and High Prairie, Lance arrived in Fort McMurray in 2012. A triple-ticketed Red Seal-certified journeyman in refrigeration and air conditioning, Class A gasfitting, and appliance repair, he’s the Owner and Director of McMurray Mechanical. His professional satisfaction comes from troubleshooting and repairing equipment, providing much-needed services to the community, and supporting his employees and their families. “I initially only wanted to be an owner/operator, but being able to employ others and provide a life for them has been incredibly fulfilling,” he says.

Like Nicole, Lance places great emphasis on community involvement, though he approaches it from a different angle. Passionate about Fort McMurray’s cultural life, he has supported events like Rock The Rails, a free-to-attend summer music festival, and has donated to various charity auctions and anti-bullying initiatives. He also channels his energy into local recreational sports, playing in men’s hockey leagues and, more recently, picking up softball. These activities, he explains, aren’t just hobbies; they’re a way to stay engaged, connected, and invested in the health and vitality of the city he calls home.

Together, the Houles combine their talents and vision through The Dancery, a fully private, licensed event space that has quickly become a cornerstone of Fort McMurray’s cultural and social landscape. More than a dance studio or fitness venue, The Dancery serves as a creative hub, a community gathering space, and even a site for personal milestones such as weddings and celebrations. “Being able to create experiences that bring people together locally is how we see our role in contributing to the future growth of this region,” says Nicole. “We want the community to have spaces where connection, creativity, and joy can flourish.”

The couple’s focus on building meaningful connections also reflects their concern for the challenges facing Fort McMurray today. Nicole notes that many residents are still navigating the aftereffects of economic shifts, natural disasters, and the pandemic, which can make maintaining a sense of community difficult. “The solution starts with spaces and events that bring people back together,” she explains. Lance points to the impact of technology, particularly social media, on younger generations. “We need to return to being social creatures capable of real-life, in-person communication,” he says. For the Houles, their work—whether through dance, events, or local initiatives—is about more than business; it’s about rebuilding connection and fostering belonging.

Their commitment to each other and to the community is evident in the way they balance personal goals with shared ambitions. Nicole dreams of expanding her fitness classes and hiring support to allow for continued creativity, while Lance focuses on enjoying the “destination” he’s worked so hard to achieve. He looks forward to exploring outdoor activities, music, and hobbies alongside his children, fostering a family culture rooted in curiosity, engagement, and fun.

Yet despite their busy lives, both remain grounded in values of integrity, support, and service. Nicole credits her family with shaping her priorities, while Lance emphasizes the importance of hard work and staying grounded. Together, they illustrate how complementary strengths—creativity and pragmatism, vision and execution—can create lasting impact in a community.

Beyond their individual accomplishments, the Houles represent what it means to invest in people and place. They see their businesses not simply as ways to make a living, but as platforms for connection, empowerment, and inspiration. Whether it’s through a lively dance fitness class, a carefully organized community event, or a hands-on approach to service and leadership, they are constantly creating moments that matter. Their story is not just one of professional success, but of building a legacy that strengthens the very fabric of Fort McMurray.

In the words of Nicole, their journey is about “inspiring movement, strength, and self-belief—on and off the dance floor.” For Lance, it’s about working hard, staying grounded, and using one’s skills to enrich the lives of others. Together, they show that leadership isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about nurturing a community where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to grow.

As Fort McMurray continues to evolve, Lance and Nicole Houle stand as living proof that dedication, creativity, and a focus on community can transform a city. They’ve built businesses, raised a family, and cultivated spaces that celebrate life’s milestones, all while staying true to the values that brought them to the region in the first place. Their story is one of partnership, purpose, and the belief that meaningful change happens when people come together with heart, vision, and courage.

For anyone looking for a blueprint on how to thrive professionally while making a genuine difference locally, the Houles offer a shining example: work hard, lead with intention, and never underestimate the power of connection.