Steve Auty

A deep love of their community and a genuine desire to care for their fellow residents are common themes throughout the stories of this year’s YMM Builders.

What started as a short-term plan for Steve Auty transformed into a long-term commitment filled with connection and contribution.

“There are so many individuals who care deeply about this community. I’m just one of many who try to make a difference,” he acknowledged, adding he is honoured to even be considered.

For Auty, being involved is both a responsibility and a privilege.

“Communities don’t just happen; they’re built.

Real progress happens when people work together. Everyone has a role to play in building a stronger community.

Enjoying a long career with Syncrude, Auty has also been heavily involved with various organizations in town, serving on local and provincial boards, always with the same focus: strengthening the community through collaboration. His leadership and volunteerism have helped create opportunities for families, students and businesses alike.

He was on the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation (now known as Wood Buffalo Housing) for seven years and was chair of the planning and development committee for three. He was on the board of BILD Wood Buffalo for almost 10 years and served as President for five. He is also a director on the provincial board of BILD Alberta.

Auty has been a member of the Rotary Club of Fort McMurray for six years and was president for two. He notes Rotary’s mission is ‘Service above Self’ and involvement with Rotary is a wonderful place for people to help others.

He is on the board and past president of MLA Tany Yao’s constituency association, on the electoral district board of MP Laila Goodridge and was the campaign manager in 2018. He was president of former MLA Mike Allen’s constituency association.

Auty was surprised to receive the Queen’s Platinum 70th Anniversary Jubilee Award in 2023.

“Most recently, I was appointed to the board of Keyano College. This is a big commitment; however, I feel it is a very important one for your community.”

In addition, his son, Ryan, was an Alpine downhill ski racer, and Auty was on the board of the Fort McMurray Ski Team, ending as president.

“Fort McMurray is home. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family,” he said. “Our community has so much potential; however, we are struggling. Our region has perhaps a 200-year supply of oil, and the world needs it.

“Having understood the importance of the oilsands and wanting to help make our community better for families has inspired me to volunteer. Having worked almost 39 years at Syncrude and now retired, I feel I have a responsibility to help where I can.”

Retirement won’t be slowing him down. Rather, it will simply provide more time to dedicate to helping the community he loves.

“I’ve always believed in giving back,” he explains. “Whether it’s supporting housing and development, education or volunteer initiatives, the goal is the same: to make Fort McMurray an even better place to live.”

He points out that people and families settle where they’ve enjoyed themselves and created good memories, and those who have moved away often come back.

“We need to help create more good experiences so more people choose to stay in Fort McMurray, making it home for themselves and future generations.”

When asked what he loves most about Fort McMurray, Auty doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the people.

“This is a community that rallies together. We’ve been through challenges – fires, floods, economic ups and downs – but what makes Fort McMurray special is how we always come together. The resilience here is incredible.”

The forests, the amenities, the opportunities and the potential are also forefront when Auty talks about his love of the area.

“I am very proud of our two kids, Cali and Ryan, who were born here. Ryan has a certificate in high voltage power systems, and Cali went through the CAREERS programs (formerly CAREERS: The Next Generation) programs and is now a journey person electrician at Syncrude; literally, the next generation. We are so lucky the oilsands encourage, mentor and support women in the trades,” said Auty.

Auty advises others to get involved with their community, as every bit of time or effort makes a difference. Give without expecting, as the reward is in seeing others thrive.

“Believe in our town. Fort McMurray is full of opportunity when people come together to make things happen.”