Aurora In Flight Winter 2014 (Volume 1, Issue 2) PDF

1, Issue
, Volume
014
Winter 2
ort
rray Airp
u
ort McM
ation of F
A Public
Authority
WHAT’S
INSIDE
TRAVELLING WITH...
MAYOR BLAKE
HOLIDAY
SHOPPING
AT YMM
ESCAPE TO
KELOWNA
CANCUN
FOR EVERYONE
HOLIDAY
TRAVEL TIPS
SNO
W VA
CATI
vs. S
UN V
ON
ACA
TION
2
Table of
Contents
3
4-5
6-9
Travelling With... Mayor Melissa Blake
Our mayor shares her best travel advice
Finish Your Holiday Shopping at YMM
Perfect gifts for everyone on your list
Escape to Kelowna
Plan an urban getaway or a skiing vacation
10-11 Cancun for Everyone
Adventure, shopping, golfing, and Mayan history
12-13 Holiday Travel Tips
Enjoy relaxing air travel during the festive season
14
15
Around Town in Fort McMurray
Enjoy seasonal events in our city
WestJet Spring Break VIP Trips
Book your April getaway to Kelowna’s Big White Ski Resort
16-17 Airport News
Learn about our latest community events
18
19
About the Newsletter
Aurora in Flight is a publication of the
Fort McMurray Airport Authority.
About the Airport
Fort McMurray Airport Authority is
a community-based, not-for-profit
organization that owns and operates
Fort McMurray International Airport
(YMM). Canada’s fifteenth busiest
airport, YMM is the fastest growing
airport in Canada with a passenger
growth rate of 14% in 2014. YMM
will serve over 1.3 million passengers
in 2014.
For more information about the Fort
McMurray International Airport,
please visit FlyYMM.com.
Advertising
For advertising inquiries, please contact
[email protected].
Fun and Games
Newsletter Team
Where to Eat at YMM
Art Director Joanne Meredith
Test your aviation knowledge and win our contest
Editor
Joanne Barnes
Whatever food you’re craving, you can find it here
Follow Fort McMurray International Airport on social media!
FlyYMM.com
2 | Aurora InFlight
Mayor Melissa Blake
About Melissa
Melissa Blake has been a resident of Fort McMurray since 1982. She was reelected as Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in October 2013,
after previously serving three consecutive terms as Mayor and two as Councillor.
She has been twice named as one of Alberta Venture Magazine’s Top 50 Most
Influential People, selected as a Woman of Vision by Global Television, and
nominated as a Woman of Inspiration by Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta.
1
What’s your favourite Canadian
travel destination?
2
What’s your favourite international
travel destination?
3
What’s your best packing tip?
4
What’s your favourite smartphone
app for travel?
5
What do you always have in your
carry-on?
6
Do you prefer a window seat or aisle,
and why?
7
What’s your favourite meal to grab
for the plane at YMM?
I have many, but have liked Niagara Falls from childhood.
Barcelona, Spain.
For shoppers, the “pack a bag inside your bag” trick works
for me.
Trip Advisor (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/apps)
Minty gum.
Aisle, for when a girl’s gotta go.
A big bag of salty chips.
A graduate of Keyano College and Athabasca University, Melissa resides in
Fort McMurray with her husband and two young sons.
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 3
Finish Your Holiday
For Him
Digital Cameras
The Ultimate Thermal Socks
“Camo” Print Cold Cup Tumbler
Funny Wall Signs
Speakers
VIA Instant Coffee for Starbucks on the Go
Headphones & Earphones
Baby Snoozies!
For The Kids
Teddy Bears
4 | Aurora InFlight
Shopping at YMM
For Her
Coffee & Tea Mugs
Gift Wrapped Lotions
Messenger Backpack
Fine European Chocolates
Maple Tea
Jewellery
For Everyone
Gift Cards
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 5
Escape the long, cold, dark days of winter in Fort McMurray with a trip to Kelowna. Whether you’re looking for
a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, this beautiful city nestled amongst stunning mountain terrain
has plenty to offer.
Big White, Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out resort village, is just an hour away from Kelowna. Visitors staying
in Kelowna itself can enjoy unique restaurants, a walkable downtown district, name-brand shopping, and
mild winter weather for outdoor sports and adventures. Kelowna is a great option for a family-friendly trip, a
romantic retreat, or a fun weekend with friends.
Trade in your parka for a light jacket, and book your flight to Kelowna today.
WestJet offers five weekly non-stop flights between Fort McMurray and Kelowna.
bigwhite.com
6 | Aurora InFlight
beanscene.ca
covelakeside.com
saltedbrick.com
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
The Cove Lakeside Resort
Bean Scene Coffee House
4205 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna
250-707-1800
covelakeside.com
Three locations in Kelowna; one location at Big White Ski Resort
beanscene.ca
Offering coffee, baked goods, and light lunches
The hotel boasts an Aveda spa, a 16-seat movie
theatre, and an on-site restaurant which uses locally
produced, organic ingredients. If you’re visiting on
December 14, you can get in the holiday spirit by
purchasing tickets for Distinctly Kelowna’s Christmas
Charity Light Tour which starts and ends right at the
hotel (visit distinctlykelownatours.ca for details).
Coffee fans will want to make a morning stop for a
tasty, beautiful espresso at their nearest Bean Scene
location. This café takes their coffee seriously—all
baristas are required to compete in-house to
win a chance to attend international espresso
competitions. You can also pick up a freshly-baked
sandwich, muffin, or scone to go with your drink.
The Hopeless Romantic B&B
Mabui Sushi Izakaya
735 Lone Pine Drive, Kelowna
250-765-5006
thehopelessromanticbandb.com
8-2070 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna
250-868-8852
mabuisushi.com
Open for lunch (Monday-Friday) and dinner (Monday-Saturday)
Perched on the hillside, this bed and breakfast
overlooks Okanagan Lake. The three private guest
suites include chandeliers, fine linens, four-poster
beds, ensuite bathrooms, and patios with panoramic
views of the city.
Mabui is ranked as the number one sushi restaurant
in Kelowna, and offers a variety of rolls, nigiri, and
sashimi, as well as hot Japanese dishes. Try out
the house special (a Mabui roll with spicy salmon,
scallop, radish, green onion, cucumber, and avocado),
or enjoy a classic rainbow roll.
Salted Brick
243 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna
778-484-3234
saltedbrick.com
Offering brunch, lunch, dinner, and take-out
mabuisushi.com
saltedbrick.com
thehopelessromanticbandb.com
Featuring a wide assortment of house-cured meats,
this restaurant will be a hit with carnivores. Located
in a cozy heritage building, the restaurant uses
only locally-sourced, free-range meat that is raised
without hormones or antibiotics. Menu highlights
include: the slow-roasted brisket sandwich with
cheddar cheese and mustard; beef carpaccio
with parmesan, shiitake mushrooms, and arugula;
and the handcrafted charcuterie plate. Pair your
meal with local wines from the Okanagan and
Pacific Northwest.
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 7
The Train Station Pub
1177 Ellis Street, Kelowna
778-484-5558
thetrainstationpub.com
Offering brunch, lunch, and dinner
Located in Kelowna’s former Canadian National Railway
station, this train-themed pub pairs tavern fare with Canadian
craft beers and Okanagan wines. Enjoy comfort food like
homemade mac-and-cheese or yam fries with your burger, or opt
for a healthy, artisanal salad with kale and quinoa.
.com
ationpub
thetrainst
What to Do
The Jammery
8038 Hwy 97 N, Kelowna
250-766-1139
jammery.com
thetrainstation
Curious to see how jam is made? The Jammery, located on seven acres of land,
produces a variety of creative jam flavours made from local British Columbia fruit.
Watch through the viewing window to see the jam production area in action,
then pick up a jar of plum jam, blueberry jam with amaretto, apricot chutney, or
red pepper jelly from the gift shop. You can also enjoy breakfast or lunch at the
on-site restaurant.
pub.com
Okanagan ATV Tours
250-717-0733
okanaganatvtours.com
Hop in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for an exhilarating look at Kelowna’s natural
beauty. Experienced tour guides lead two-hour, four-hour, or eight-hour
explorations of the forest paths and mountain-top trails of Kelowna’s backcountry.
Tours are held all year round, in all types of weather.
Orchard Park Shopping Centre
bell
s Express - Doug Camp
Summerland Christma
2271 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna
250-762-2838
orchardparkshopping.com
Shop at over 170 retailers, including American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body
Works, The Bay, BCBG Max Azria, Bench, Chapters, Gap, Guess, Laura, Lush,
Mexx, Old Navy, RW & Co, Sears, and Sephora. Gear up for a day of shopping
with breakfast at Cora’s, or end your day with a relaxing dinner at Milestones.
Valley Railway line as they sip hot cocoa and sing along to favourite carols in
vintage coaches decorated with festive lights. Christmas Express trains depart on
December 13, 14, 29, 20, 21, and 22. Visit the Kettle Valley Steam Railway website
for details and to book tickets.
Summerland Christmas Express on the
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
Uncorked Okanagan Wine Tours
18404 Bathville Road, Summerland (about 40 minutes from Kelowna)
250-494-8422
kettlevalleyrail.org
Get in the holiday spirit with a ride on the Christmas Express train, pulled by a
restored 1912 steam locomotive. Passengers will travel along the historic Kettle
8 | Aurora InFlight
250-769-3123
uncorkedokanagan.com
Uncorked Okanagan operates wine tours all year round and operates during the
holiday season. Popular winter tours include the Westside Wine Trail Tour, Too
Much Fun Wine Beer and Spirits Tour, and the Lakeshore Fab 5 Wine Tour.
bigwhite.com
bigwhite.c
om
to 5 years can spend a fun day doing activities at the Tot Town Day Care. After a
day of skiing, visitors can pamper themselves in one of two on-site spas, or book a
massage in the comfort of their own ski chalet.
bigwhite.com
The resort offers accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. Stay in a hostel,
a full-service hotel, a fully-equipped executive condo or townhouse, a vacation
home, or a luxury chalet. There are even pet-friendly options available. Many
accommodations feature indulgent touches such as heated indoor/outdoor pools,
hot tubs, movie theatres, fireplaces, and game rooms.
With 18 on-mountain restaurants, there are plenty of dining options. Start the day
with brunch, grab a tasty coffee at a café, try a freshly baked pastry, warm up with
pizza, or linger over a fine dining experience.
The resort offers every service a traveller might need, including a full-service
grocery store, two liquor stores, and an on-site medical clinic. Grocery delivery is
also available.
bigwhite.com
Big White Ski Resort
5315 Big White Road, Kelowna
250-765-3101
bigwhite.com
Open from late November to mid-April, Big White Ski Resort is located 56 km
southeast of Kelowna. With 118 designated trails, a 777m vertical drop, a summit
elevation of 2,319m, and 14km of groomed Nordic trails, this ski resort has
something for every skier. The resort area spans 7,355 acres, and includes 38 acres
of night skiing (the largest night skiing area in Western Canada).
Other resort activities include ice skating, snow tubing, snowmobile tours,
snowshoeing, dog sledding, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Kids aged 18 months
Big White offers a convenient direct shuttle between the mountain and the
Kelowna Airport (travellers need to reserve their seats at least 72 hours in
advance). If a visitor prefers to drive, it is only an hour from downtown Kelowna to
the mountain, and parking at the resort is free.
Big White is a favourite destination for international visitors: it was recently
chosen as 2014’s Best Ski-In, Ski-Out Resort by The Telegraph (UK), and voted as
the Family Ski Resort of the Year by Snow Action Magazine Australia.
In April, WestJet is offering VIP Spring Break package trips from
Fort McMurray to Big White starting at just $897 per person. The
package includes return airfare, 7 nights of accommodation, 6 days
of lift tickets, airport transfers, one piece of checked luggage per
person, a Big White VIP savings card, and a complimentary welcome
reception. Visit bigwhite.com for details.
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 9
for Everyone
Cancun for
Adventurers
Drive through the jungle in an open-top Jeep
with Cancun Adventure Tours or mountain bike
amongst Mayan ruins with Elite Cyclery Tours
& Bike Rentals. For a full-day adventure, head to
Xplor Park Cancun, where you can zip line, go
scuba diving, explore underground caverns, and ride
in amphibious vehicles. For an adrenaline rush, speed
along in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Mercedes Benz
at the specially-designed race track at Exotic Rides
Mexico. Brave souls can sign up to swim with whale
sharks, the largest known fish on the planet, with
Cancun Whale Shark Tours.
Starting on December 24, Sunwing Airlines will begin their seasonal non-stop service from Fort McMurray to
Cancun, Mexico. If you’re a fan of classic, all-inclusive Mexican vacations, you’ll love Cancun. There are plenty
of luxurious resorts where you can stretch out on the beach with a tropical cocktail and spend a peaceful week
relaxing in the sun.
But perhaps you’re a more adventurous traveller. You might be wondering what else you can do in Cancun
after you’ve exhausted the pool, beach, and restaurant options at your resort. Luckily, Cancun has plenty of
attractions to offer.
10 | Aurora InFlight
Cancun for Nature
Lovers
Start off with a trip to the centrally-located
Interactive Aquarium, where you can see creatures
like seahorses, barracudas, tiger sharks, and bull
sharks. At Xcaret Eco Park, you can swim with
dolphins, snorkel in an underground river, and see
wild birds, jaguars, and pumas. Visit the Sian Ka’an
Biosphere Reserve, where you can see over 300
species of birds, manatees, crocodiles, and a barrier
reef extending for over 120 km. Head to Xel Ha
Ecological Park, a popular snorkelling location near
Cancun that is home to sea turtles and dozens of
species of fish.
Cancun for Nightlife
Lovers
The excitement in Cancun doesn’t stop after dark.
Check out the unique Coco Bongo nightclub, which
features Cirque du Soleil-esque acrobats, pop star
impersonators, and tons of confetti and balloons.
Dady’O nightclub has a spectacular light and laser
show, while Roots Jazz Club plays live jazz and
Caribbean music. For a glamorous night out, join
the trendy crowd at Palazzo Cancun or Mandala
Cancun.
Cancun for Shoppers
Cancun offers marketplaces with traditional goods as
well as modern shopping malls. For Mexican crafts,
pottery, jewellery, clothing, and other souvenirs, visit
Mercado 28 or Coral Negro, two open-air markets
with local vendors. La Isla Shopping Village
features over 150 international shops (including
Diesel, Guess, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, and
Zara) placed along a series of Venetian-style canals.
The Kukulcan Plaza & Luxury Avenue complex
includes boutiques such as Coach, Burberry, Fendi,
Hugo Boss, and Mango. It also houses a bowling
alley and a movie theatre playing films in both
English and Spanish.
Cancun for History
Lovers
Cancun is located about two hours away from
Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
recently named as one of the New Seven Wonders
of the World. Built by the ancient Mayans starting
around 600 AD, the ruins of this town include the
pyramid-shaped Temple of Kukulcan (also known
as El Castillo), the Great Ball Court, the Temple
of the Warriors, and the Cenote Sagrado. The
site demonstrates the advanced technological
knowledge of this ancient culture along with
evidence of their practice of human sacrifice. History
buffs can also visit the ruins of Tulum, one of the last
cities inhabited by the ancient Mayans. Numerous
tour companies offer one-day tours to these sites
with pick-up and drop-off at Cancun hotels.
Cancun for Golfers
Golfers can practice their game during the winter
months in many beautiful courses in the Cancun
area. The Cancun Golf Club at Pok Ta Pok was
designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr in 1976. The 18hole, par 72 championship golf course at Iberostar
Golf Club Cancun is set amongst a collection
of ancient Mayan ruins. Try the 27-hole, Nicklaus
Signature Course at the Moon Spa & Golf Club,
or play a round at the Riviera Cancun Golf &
Resort, which is nestled along the edge of brilliantly
turquoise Caribbean water.
To book your
direct flight
from Fort McMurray
to Cancun, visit
Sunwing.com.
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 11
Holiday
Travel Tips
The holiday season
is one of the busiest
times for air travel.
Enjoy a relaxed trip
by following these
guidelines for an
easy holiday trip.
12 | Aurora InFlight
Arrive at the airport early
The best way to have a smooth holiday trip is to allow yourself plenty of time.
Airlines will provide guidelines on minimum arrival times for domestic and
international flights, but you’ll save yourself stress by arriving earlier than
required. Come early to enjoy the amenities of the new terminal:
Pre-Security Shops &
Restaurants
Post-Security Shops &
Restaurants
•
Burger King
•
Best Buy Express
•
Chocolates & Candlelight
•
Earls Kitchen + Bar
•
Cloud Zero
•
Jugo Juice
•
Elements
•
Nicholby’s Convenience
•
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
•
Starbucks
•
Mary Brown’s
•
Nicholby’s Convenience
•
Subway
Have a parking plan
There are plenty of parking spaces available at our new terminal (and every single
stall is powered), but parking can fill up quickly on the busiest travel days. It may
take you longer than usual to find a spot, so allow extra time to find a space,
and to walk from the lot into the terminal building. Visit FlyYMM.com for more
information on parking prices and options.
Explore your check-in options
You can save time by checking in and printing your boarding passes at home.
When you arrive at the terminal, you can head straight to the bag drop line (or
straight to the security line, if you don’t have any checked bags).
Indulge
responsibly in
festive cheer
Remember to consume alcohol
in moderation while waiting for
your flight. Canadian aviation
regulations prohibit airlines
from allowing a traveller to
board an aircraft when they are
intoxicated and may present a
hazard to the aircraft or those
on board. Don’t ruin your
holiday trip by being denied
boarding on your flight.
Keep your presents unwrapped
Any wrapped presents should be placed in your checked bags. Airport security
may need to unwrap presents located in your carry-on bag during the screening
process, causing delays for you and your fellow travellers.
Confirm your airline’s
seasonal pet policy
Some airlines don’t accept pets for travel in checked baggage during the holiday
rush. Check with your airline to determine their policy, and to see if your small
animal is eligible to travel in the cabin of the aircraft.
Know your baggage requirements
Baggage policies for carry-on bags have recently changed: be sure to check with
your airline to find out if any additional charges may apply to your checked or
carry-on bags.
Bring ID for everyone
Make sure that you have the required identification and travel documentation
for everyone on your reservation, including children and infants. If you’re
travelling internationally, other countries may have different entrance
requirements: determine all documents required before your trip.
Be sure that your passport is in good condition. Guests travelling with
a passport that is damaged in any way could face significant delays, and
may be denied boarding on flights. Check with your airline to make sure
that you have all the identification required for your journey.
Safe travels and happy holidays!
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 13
Around Town in Fort McMurray
December 2014 Events
Fort Mac Handcrafted Market
Date: December 6, 2014
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Location: Westwood High School
Atrium (221 Tundra Drive)
Website: fortmachandcrafted.com
Pick up unique Christmas gifts at
this artisan’s fair featuring products
designed and produced by local vendors. Offerings include handmade jewellery,
clothing, fine art, photography, knitted and crocheted items, baked goods, bath
and body products, toys, candles, glassware, and pottery.
The Snow Queen
Date: December 9, 2014
Time: doors open 5:00pm; curtain at 6:00pm
Location: Suncor Community Leisure Centre at MacDonald Island
(151 MacDonald Drive)
Website: macdonaldisland.ca
Presented by the MacDonald Island Dance Academy, this adaptation of the
classic fairy tale features the ballet talents of academy students.
New Year’s Eve at the Legion
Date: December 31, 2014
Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 165 (9317 Huggard Street)
Website: fortmcmurraylegion.ca
Ticket price: $50
Includes DJ entertainment, a cash bar, and buffet dinner with snack options
available throughout the night.
New Year’s Eve at the Quality Hotel
Date: December 31, 2014
Location: Quality Hotel Fort McMurray (424 Gregoire Drive)
Website: qualityhotelfortmcmurray.com
Ticket price: $75
Includes buffet dinner, entertainment, and a complimentary champagne
toast at midnight.
New Year’s Eve at the Sawridge Inn
Date: December 31, 2014
Location: Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre (530 MacKenzie Boulevard)
Website: sawridgefortmcmurray.com
Ticket price: $150
Featuring music by Kenny and Becca Hess. Includes buffet dinner, glass of
champagne at midnight, and party favours. Photobooth on site (for additional fee).
Want to know more about the airport or what is going on in the region during your stay? Stop by
the Visitor Information Centre (VIC), located in the Arrivals Hall on the first floor of the airport.
The friendly staff can help you choose a hotel, discover things to do, or recommend a restaurant.
The VIC is staffed from 6am-10pm, 7 days a week. +1 (780) 793-8923
14 | Aurora InFlight
Spring Break
VIP Trips
WestJet Fort McMurray Spring Break VIP Trips to Big White
Join Big White’s Fort McMurray Spring Break VIP Trip and enjoy an amazing family
ski holiday at Canada’s Favourite Family Resort from only $897 per person.*
Your VIP Package Includes:
Return WestJet Airfare from Fort McMurray to Kelowna
7 Nights of Accommodation
6 Days of Lift Tickets
Return Airport Transfers
First Piece of Checked Baggage (fees apply for additional baggage)
Big White VIP Card, the card to on-mountain savings
Complimentary Welcome Reception
Our Travel Specialists are ready and
waiting to assist you to create your
perfect Spring Break vacation!
Book Now - Call
1.800.663.2772
Please quote special code Z0/1415 at time
of booking.
Choose between our two scheduled Spring Break Trips
Option 1: Friday, April 3 to Friday, April 10, 2015
Option 2: Saturday, April 4 to Saturday, April 11, 2015
Can’t make it for Spring Break? No problem! Contact us for other dates, flights and packages.
Fort McMurray Spring Break package is subject to availability, some restrictions apply, taxes and airline surcharges are additional. (*Taxes and surcharges are approximately
$185 - $230 per person). Package price is per person and will vary depending on your family size and unit type selected. Air rate included is set and will not increase for VIP
trips. Contact us today: this deal is just too good to miss!
Added Bonus and More Value for Guests of Big White Central Reservations
Free parking, free mountain guided tour, and free on-mountain shuttle. Plus, take advantage of tons of free entertainment happening all winter long, including Family
Après, Carnival Night, Weekly Fireworks and much more - all at no extra charge!
CONTACT BIG WHITE TO BOOK YOUR SKI VACATION
Direct: 250-765-8888 Toll Free: 1-800-663-2772 Email: [email protected]
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 15
Airport News
Renovated North Terminal Officially Re-Opened
On October 7, 2014, the Fort McMurray Airport Authority officially re-opened the North Terminal building.
This structure, built in 1985, operated as Fort McMurray’s primary airport terminal for over 29 years. After the
airport’s brand new terminal opened in June 2014, the former terminal building was able to be repurposed
exclusively for workforce charter traffic, corporate aviation, and cargo.
Now known as the North Terminal, this facility will now serve as the primary gateway to the region for
workface charter traffic. It will also support air cargo operations, as the building features a dedicated cargo
depot, storage, and sorting space, as well as ramp space for cargo freighters.
Workforce travellers account for approximately 20% of YMM passengers annually (or about 250,000 people).
The North Terminal will accommodate the fixed-base operations for charter carriers including Enerjet, North
Caribou, Canadian North, and Flair Air. The terminal will continue to provide retail, food and beverage, and car
rental services onsite.
New Airport Art Installation Unveiled
2
On October 15, 2014, the airport unveiled Lasting Impression, a newly-commissioned painting by local
artist Lucas Seaward. Located in the first floor Arrivals Hall, this painting was created using bitumen, the
100-million-year-old natural resource which is extracted from local oil sands mining sites. The art piece
contains over twenty pictograms which encompass many of the elements that have helped to define the Fort
McMurray region over the last two hundred years.
“My aim is to create compositions that extend beyond the canvas,” said Seaward. “If a picture is worth a
thousand words, it is my goal to create art images that will evoke emotion and stimulate conversation and
dialogue. This piece in particular is meant to represent permanence, or symbolize ‘putting your foot down’
or really what I see as the airport making a lasting and positive impression in the community,” the artist
elaborated.
In addition to Lasting Impression, the new airport terminal is home to three other original artworks by
Western Canadian artists. Sky Explorer, another bitumen painting by Lucas Seaward, adorns the boardroom
and depicts a float plane taking off from the Snye. Daedalist, a sculpture by British Columbia artist David
Robinson, is suspended above the Arrivals Hall and pays tribute to ancient dreams of flight. Water Ways,
Sensing Connections, a photographic collage by Edmonton artist Liz Ingram, is incorporated into the glass wall
near Gate 2 and focuses on the historical and present importance of water to life in Fort McMurray.
16 | Aurora InFlight
Alberta Health Services Hosts Flu Shot Clinic at the Airport
On November 7, 2014, nurses from Alberta Health Services (AHS) North Zone set up a flu shot clinic on the
Departures level of the airport. Travellers, airline staff, and airport employees all lined up to get immunized
against the flu just in time for winter. Even Scott Clements, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport
Authority, made time in his busy schedule to get his immunization (pictured).
The influenza vaccine is an effective way to protect people from getting sick with the flu. People must be
immunized every year because the influenza viruses change. A new vaccine is made each year to protect
against the viruses most likely to cause illness in that year.
The best time to get immunized is in October or November, but immunization is available throughout the
influenza season. This service is made available all Albertans who are six months of age and older, free of
charge. For a list of other upcoming free flu shot clinics, visit http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/influ/.
Local Families Celebrate Halloween at the Airport
On October 31, 2014, the airport hosted its first annual Halloween celebration for families in the community.
The event featured pumpkin decorating activities, a pre-carved pumpkin contest, and a costume competition.
Over one hundred guests participated in the spooky festivities.
Elsa and Olaf from Fort McMurray Fairy Tale Friends were on hand to judge the funniest, scariest, and best
costumes amongst a large selection of princesses, superheroes, witches, ghouls, and animals. One creative
family costume featured an East Coast fisherman, a chef, and a baby lobster in a pot.
Prizes for the event were generously donated by airport merchants and by the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
Lucky award winners took home a family pack of tickets to the Oil Barons, a $50 gift certificate from Earls,
a $50 gift certificate from Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, and two premium gift baskets from Chocolates &
Candlelight. Enterprise Rent-a-Car donated candy bags for all the trick-or-treaters who came to the event.
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 17
Fun and Games
G
Z
W
L
Q
E
G
A
G
G
A
B
S
R
Z
S
D
K
W
Air Canada
N
O
R
T
H
W
E
S
T
E
R
N
A
I
R
I
Z
T
O
Departures
Y
E
T
Y
O
C
A
T
S
A
Y
M
R
Y
R
S
A
G
M
Propeller
V
R
E
L
L
E
P
O
R
P
X
F
A
U
M
R
R
G
J
Airplane
V
Y
B
S
J
Y
W
C
O
T
Y
R
N
L
R
A
Z
N
X
Fly
K
W
A
K
P
Q
K
B
E
H
R
W
L
I
C
L
O
I
W
Runway
V
O
P
T
V
D
N
J
H
U
A
A
V
I
X
X
Y
W
G
Apron
F
O
R
P
J
L
T
L
M
Y
N
A
I
R
P
L
A
N
E
Fort McMurray
P
D
O
U
C
S
A
C
J
I
L
J
N
Y
L
Y
N
U
Q
Sunwing
R
B
N
Q
E
M
M
N
M
S
K
H
G
P
B
C
C
S
X
Arrivals
V
U
Z
W
U
T
T
R
D
S
E
R
U
T
R
A
P
E
D
Gates
E
F
A
V
R
C
E
R
O
I
I
A
R
L
C
Z
J
A
Q
Terminal
V
F
B
O
F
T
V
X
Y
S
N
E
C
Z
W
I
M
P
U
Baggage
R
A
F
J
F
B
V
V
N
N
B
G
H
O
I
V
O
T
Y
Landing
E
L
N
O
I
T
A
I
V
A
Y
A
R
R
U
M
C
M
P
Tower
W
O
D
I
V
G
J
V
B
F
M
J
T
L
E
T
G
U
K
Cargo
O
F
J
Q
F
O
Y
T
A
I
R
C
A
N
A
D
A
Z
Z
McMurray Aviation
T
Y
V
P
G
L
L
A
C
C
M
D
S
J
A
B
X
N
C
WestJet
Y
N
M
D
F
X
A
B
Q
D
G
A
T
E
S
I
R
F
M
CATSA
Game courtesy of puzzle-maker.com
Northwestern Air
Wood Buffalo
Name That Airline
Post your answer to our Facebook page using the
hashtag #YMMcontest and you’ll be entered for
a chance to win a
$50 gift card to Famoso.
Photo copyright Jan Seba/Planespotters.net
To see full contest rules visit FlyYMM.com/contests
18 | Aurora InFlight
Where to Eat at YMM
Whatever food you’re craving, you can find something to make your taste
buds happy here at the new Fort McMurray airport terminal.
I Want…
Something to Eat on the Plane
If you have time to stop pre-security, any of the food
court options (Subway, Mary Brown’s, Burger
King) will pack up your meal to go. Just make sure
that you skip a drink, dressings, or any other liquids
so that you can sail through security without any
issues. If you’re looking for a quick option after you’ve
cleared security, try the Grab + Go counter at Earls
Kitchen + Bar, where you can pick up a warm or
cold sandwich, salad, bag of chips, chocolate bar, or
soft drink to take along on your flight. If you want
a refreshing, light meal for the plane, stop by Jugo
Juice for a meal-size smoothie with whey protein
or a grilled wrap. Starbucks offers bento box-style
lunches, sandwiches, and yogurts which are easy to
stick into your carry-on bag for later.
I Want… Healthy Food
If you’re a frequent traveller, you know that
finding fresh, healthy options in an airport can be
challenging. Luckily, our concessionaries have made
sure that our visitors can find fresh options. You can
find meal-size salads loaded with vegetables and
chicken before security (at Famoso Neapolitan
Pizzeria) or after (at Earls Kitchen + Bar). If you
want a smaller salad that you can eat while relaxing
at your gate or on the plane, try a chopped salad
from Subway before security (skip the dressing)
or a pre-made salad from the Grab + Go counter
at Earls Kitchen + Bar. For green smoothie fans,
Jugo Juice offers seven veggie smoothies filled
with ingredients like kale, spinach, beet juice, and
cucumber. Add a wheatgrass shot to your order
(equivalent to 2.5 lbs of leafy green vegetables) to
get an early start on your new year’s healthy eating
resolution.
I Want… Comfort Food
Maybe it’s cold out, or maybe it’s the end of a long
week—in any case, you’re looking for something
warm and hearty. Before security, grab a flamegrilled Whopper combo at Burger King or a
marinated, seasoned, deep-fried chicken combo
at Mary Brown’s. If you have more time, try the
prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella balls followed by an
indulgent Siciliana pizza topped with three types
of meat (oven-roasted Italian sausage, Italian ham,
and baked prosciutto) at Famoso Neapolitan
Pizzeria. After security, Earls Kitchen + Bar offers
five different burgers (including one topped with
cheese and battered onion rings), as well as a 9 oz
Top Sirloin and a BBQ Rack Ribs & Cajun Chicken
Combo.
I Want… Kid-Friendly Food
On the arrivals level, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
offers half-size pizzas called “pizzettas” which are
the perfect size for smaller tummies. They also offer
Italian ice cream treats all year round. At the food
court, you can find kid’s meals at Subway, Mary
Brown’s, and Burger King. Just make sure that
little travellers finish their juice boxes, milk, soft drink,
or ice cream before heading through security.
Any special requests you’d like to see
in next issue’s “Where to Eat” column?
Tweet us @FlyYMM, comment on
Facebook, or email us at media@
flyymm.com with any types of food
you’d like to see featured.
Winter 2014, Vol. 1 Issue 2 | 19
HERE’S HOW:
1 Park in Short-Term Parking.
G
N
I
K
R
A
P
N
O
E
S FREow
R
U
UP
HO you sh t
TO 3
wheonur receip
)
y
0 min
2 Shop or Dine at any one of YMM’s outlets
before security
3 Purchase $10 or more & show your receipt to the
parking attendant as you exit
UP TO
($1
Arrivals Hall Level 1
3 HOURS FREE PARKING!
Food Court Level 2
THE VAPOR STORE
After Security