ABSTRACT
The social impact literature contains a vividly-painted, widely-publicized stereotype of the socially disorganized boom-town. Fort McMurray's contemporary economy is based on two large plants which extract synthetic crude oil from the oil sands. The proportion of residents who expect to make Fort McMurray a permanent home doubled to almost 50% between 1969 and 1979. Some improvements in housing supply have been experienced and compared to Matthiasson's results, service quality appears to have improved. The relatively low level of public service provision and the probable consequences if the inadequacies are not reduced, are identified by referencing the experiences of Fort McMurray during its construction boom. The problems of specific groups which have felt the most negative consequences of rapid growth are emphasized. Although its range of information is broader and its methods are more varied than the Peace River study, it remains a largely theoretical report with an emphasis on social services and social interaction.
