Presented by 
For the third year in a row, Your McMurray Magazine is recognizing and celebrating a group of “Builders of our Community”.
Each selected recipient of the YMM Builder award represents the legacy of the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region. In their unique ways, they have helped this region grow and develop, and their impact is remarkable.
The YMM Builders are chosen by the same selection committee that chooses the Top 50 Under 50. The committee is composed of community members as well as Your McMurray Magazine’s editorial team.
Past recipients include John Wilson, Jack ‘Torchy’ Peden, Dave Tuccaro, Eric Newell, Jim Carter, and Norm and Sheila Sutton.
This year we honour Julia McDougall, Paul and Andrea Spring, and Alan Robers for their contributions to our community.
The YMM Builders Award for 2021
Each YMM Builder is recognized with a community award designed and crafted by members of the local arts industry. Each award reflects the individual celebrated, and features representations of the unique, important legacy that the recipients have imparted on our region.
The YMM Builders of 2021 will receive an award custom designed by Fort McMurray artist Liana Wheeldon. Each award is a construction brick painted in acrylic, pastel and ink.

“This year’s recipients share a passion for community. Two build a remarkable quality of life and spread joy through the arts, culture, and education. Two give peace of mind, knowing help is close at hand. I have drawn from the natural world to create the awards this year, each creature symbolizing the recipient and the qualities which singled them out for recognition: creativity, determination, patience, strength, and dynamism.”
—Liana Wheeldon, artist
Celebrating our Top 50 Under 50 is made possible with the support from our incredible community partners