Tyler Spitzer

Tyler Spitzer, 44, has spent most of his life in Fort McMurray, a place he calls home with pride and dedication. Born and raised in the city, Tyler’s deep roots in the community stem from his parents’ roles as teachers—his father even serving as a principal.

His upbringing instilled a sense of responsibility toward the community, a value he carries into every aspect of his life today. As the Director and owner of Splash Investments, Tyler has carved out a career that gives him the flexibility to be deeply involved in his daughters’ lives while contributing to Fort McMurray’s rich sports culture.

One of the aspects Tyler finds most rewarding about his career is the autonomy it provides. Managing his own schedule allows him to remain actively involved in his daughters’ lives, sharing in their achievements and being present as they grow. “At the end of the day, I’m responsible for my own destiny,” he says, acknowledging the challenges that come with self-employment, but also appreciating the freedom it affords him.

Tyler’s connection to the community is most visible through his long-standing volunteer work, particularly in the world of sports. Since 2006, he has served in various roles on the Board of Directors of the Fort McMurray Oilsands Curling Club, including four years as President. His passion for sports doesn’t stop there—he’s co-chaired major events like the 2013 and 2024 Canadian Junior Curling Championships, the 2014 and 2015 Rogers Grand Slam of Curling events, and served as the sport chair for curling during the 2018 Alberta Winter Games and 2023 Arctic Winter Games.

Currently, Tyler is the President of the Fort McMurray Alpine Ski Team and recently started coaching with the junior program at the Curling Club. His motivation is simple: he’s a lifelong sports enthusiast. “I’m a total sports junkie,” Tyler admits. His love for sports, combined with a desire to see Fort McMurray thrive, has driven him to step up as a leader within various clubs. He believes that community organizations are essential to a vibrant, connected city, and that dedicated volunteers are key to their success.

Tyler’s community involvement has been shaped by the influence of his father, who was very active in the curling and golf community. “Growing up around that, it just made sense for me to take up those sports and get involved at a deeper level” Tyler reflects. Now, he hopes to pass on that same love for sports to his daughters, aspiring to coach them at a competitive level in the years to come. “They grow up so fast and we only get one chance to raise them,” he says, emphasizing the importance of these formative years.

Looking ahead, Tyler’s goals extend beyond his own family. He’d like to join a non-sports-related board to broaden his perspective and continue making Fort McMurray a better place for all its residents. He also envisions bringing another national-level sporting event to the city, believing in the power of sports to change perceptions and draw people to the region.

For Tyler, hosting provincial and national sporting events in Fort McMurray is about more than just competition—it’s an opportunity to showcase the region’s strengths to the rest of Canada. He believes that by hosting these events, Fort McMurray can leave a lasting positive impression on visitors, turning them into ambassadors for the city. “No community puts on better events than Fort McMurray,” Tyler asserts, praising the region’s facilities and the spirit of its people.

Yet, he’s also aware of the challenges Fort McMurray faces. He notes the importance of attracting and retaining quality volunteers to keep the region’s non-profits thriving. As people relocate, it’s essential to have new volunteers ready to step in. Programs like Leadership Wood Buffalo and mentorship from experienced board members are key to sustaining this cycle, Tyler believes.

During the recent 2024 Canadian U21 Curling Championships, which he co-chaired, Tyler had the chance to dip his toes into the world of sports broadcasting. He served as a play-by-play commentator for Curling Canada—a lifelong dream that he had set aside years ago. “It was an incredible experience,” he shares. Now, he’s exploring more opportunities in broadcasting, excited to see where this unexpected path may lead.

Whether he’s volunteering behind the scenes of a major sporting event or cheering from the sidelines, Tyler Spitzer remains dedicated to the community that shaped him. His passion for sports and his commitment to creating positive experiences for others make him a true champion for Fort McMurray. As he continues to find new ways to give back, Tyler is eager to see how the next chapter unfolds, both for himself and for the place he proudly calls home.

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