YMM August Check-In: Celebrate Connections at YMM!
One Connection to Reconnect
With hundreds of participants entering the One Connection to Reconnect contest, it was 74-year-old Elizabeth “Betty” MacKay who claimed the prize of a trip from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Fort McMurray, Alberta!
Betty shared her heartfelt dream of reuniting with her best friend of 50 years, Rosslyn MacDonald, who resides in Fort McMurray. Thanks to a smooth connection through Calgary, that dream is finally coming true—along with the long-awaited hug, half a century in the making. Additionally, Betty will be gifted with fresh Cape Breton lobsters to share with her friend over dinner during their reunion, which will take place this fall.
From now until October 18, travellers can fly between J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (YQY) and Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) with one simple connection through Calgary International Airport (YYC). Book today with WestJet!
Wheels & Wings Annual Charity Car Show
The 2025 Wheels and Wings Car Show, hosted by NAPA Auto Parts Fort McMurray, was held at the North Terminal on July 26, supporting the Local Helicopter Emergency Response Organization (HERO) Foundation.
This year featured an expanded aviation display, showcasing exciting fly-ins, helicopters, and vintage aircraft, highlighting the “Wings” in Wheels and Wings, thanks to Team YMM members and partnering organizations.
The event attracted record crowds of families, car enthusiasts, and aviation fans. Attendees enjoyed a diverse lineup of vehicles, including classic hot rods, motorcycles, and custom builds.
YMM Quick Connections to Nanaimo
Fly to YCD (Nanaimo, BC) with WestJet in 5 hours and 49 minutes from YMM with one stop via YYC (Calgary, Alberta).
Book a fall trip to where vibrant autumn foliage transforms the landscape into a stunning tapestry of colours. Enjoy crisp air, picturesque hiking trails, and the opportunity to explore local farmers’ markets brimming with seasonal produce.
Ten-year-old Tessa Booth and her mother, Dawn, the communications coordinator for the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, arrived at YMM on July 22 in a Cessna Citation Mustang High Sierra Edition. The flight, piloted by Don Riep, a board member of the Kids with Cancer Society (KWCS), and Perry McPherson, who generously volunteered their time and aircraft, marked the final leg of their journey home from the RCMP Training Academy in Regina, Sask.
This adventure was part of an incredible ‘RCMP Dream Experience’ where Tessa and her new friend Janine Wich from Lloydminster served as Co-Commanding Officers of the Alberta RCMP for 48 hours. It was a unique opportunity made possible for the two childhood cancer survivors through a partnership between KWCS and the Alberta RCMP.
The excitement kicked off with a Change of Command ceremony at the Alberta RCMP Headquarters in Edmonton, led by Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux. After a tour of HQ, the girls took to the skies, co-piloting an Airbus Helicopter H125 at the RCMP hangar at YEG. They then boarded the Alberta RCMP’s Pilatus PC-12 to reach the Depot, embracing their roles as Commanding Officers with an overnight stay at the academy. Their return flight to YEG was on the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Pilatus PC-12 surveillance aircraft.
Among many memorable moments, a highlight was when Dawn reconnected with former Team YMM member Ryder Ouellette, who used to work at YMM Earls Kitchen + Bar and is now training as a cadet.
August YMM Passenger of the Month
Congratulations to our August YMM Passenger of the Month—Jennifer Champion!
“We love flying out of YMM because we can have a restful night at home, get home at a decent hour and relax before we go back to real life. We travel a lot and always prefer to fly out of YMM.”
The next time you Fly YMM, scan the QR code on the screens and signs in the airside area for your chance to become the next winner and receive a $50 YMM Prize Package. To enter, share a photo of yourself or a special travel companion at YMM and tell us why you love YMM.
Look Up to the Latest YMM Digital Art Exhibit
The Power of Travel by local artist Rienna Davey is the latest YMM Digital Art Exhibit at the Fort McMurray International Airport.
From Yellowstone National Park to the heart of Abu Dhabi, Rienna’s exhibit features countless connections she has made through travel. As the second artist showcased in the 2025 Art of Connection Series, she said her The Power of Travel collection tells the story of how “Fort McMurray is where my journey starts and ends.”
Stay tuned to our social media for the upcoming announcement of the Artist Call for the 2026 YMM Digital Art Exhibit Series!
If you’re a frequent YMM flyer, you’ll easily recognize Joel Perez from Bill’s General Cleaning. His hard work has earned him the affectionate nickname “Mr. Clean” from some passengers.
Originally from Mabalacat City in the Philippines, Joel has spent the past eight years creating a clean and welcoming environment in the YMM terminal.
“I love the people at the airport, including the passengers who come through again and again. I see familiar faces who recognize me and compliment my hard work, telling me how clean the airport is. Some of the regulars even call me ‘Mr. Clean of the Airport,’” he laughs.
Team YMM came together to honour aviation legend Captain Mark Fremmerlid, who recently retired after an extraordinary 45-year flying career. For the last 15 years, he dedicated himself as a fixed-wing air ambulance captain in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.
With over 32,000 hours of commercial flight time, Fremmerlid was a steadfast and trusted figure, expertly navigating aircraft upgrades and long service days.
A heartfelt thank you goes to CanWest Air for inviting Team YMM to participate in this celebration. We are grateful to Captain Fremmerlid for his remarkable contributions to aviation and emergency care in our community.
Community In Focus: Supertest Speedway
Our Community in Focus display case is dedicated to showcasing local stories and non-profit efforts that have shaped our region. It’s a space to raise awareness, share your mission, and inspire meaningful connection.
This month’s feature celebrates Fort McMurray’s cherished racetrack: Supertest Speedway. The display offers a look at the speedway’s role in bringing the community together through grassroots motorsport. If your organization would like to be featured in a future Community in Focus showcase, contact info@flyymm.com to learn more.
FireSmart Plants Add Protection
& Curbside Appeal
The YMM Maintenance Team, led by Manager Jeff Vader and supported by Airport Maintenance Technicians Jack Walsh and Mark Newton, have been hard at work enhancing our landscape with new FireSmart plants.
These fire-resistant plants not only boost our curbside appeal, but also play a crucial role in reducing wildfire risks. These plants were sourced from local garden centers.
By choosing FireSmart plants, individuals contribute to creating a more resilient and fire-resistant ecosystem.
2025 Birdies Fore Business
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the YMM Hole at the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce‘s 2025 Birdies Fore Business Golf Tournament earlier this summer. It was a great golf-filled day of networking with the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo business community. Congratulations to Bob Dunn who won a $1,200 airline gift card and Chad Schkopok for taking home our Apple AirPod prize!
Pet Relief Area at YMM
Located inside and outside of the terminal, YMM’s pet relief areas accommodates service animals and travelling pets.
At Arrivals on Level 1, three pet relief areas are on-location, two inside separate single-person washrooms; one located on the right side of the terminal entry, one by Carousel 2 and one outside in the YMM Courtyard (courtyard entry/exit located between baggage carousels).
After Security, pet relief areas are available at Gate 1, 2 and 4 washrooms. Look for signage throughout the terminal. Sanitation supplies are available. Do not flush supplies down the toilet, be sure to discard them in provided garbage bins.
Two floatplanes parked on the Snye, circa 1930. Photo Credit: McDonald Family Collection. The Snye River, the channel connecting the Clearwater and Athabasca Rivers, was a vital transportation hub in the early days of Fort McMurray. In the 1920s and 1930s, it served as one of Canada’s busiest “airports” for floatplanes.
This image is sourced from the Fort McMurray Historical Society database. If you have a photo to share, please email us at dawn.booth@flyymm.com.
