The increase in the population of Fort McMurray, which since the early 1960's has been associated with commercial exploitation of the Athabasca Oil Sands, has necessitated the institution and continuous expansion of recreational and cultural service delivery systems in the region. In 1979, government departments represented on the Human System Scientific Advisory Committee noted that little was known about the evolution and timing of the delivery of the leisure services in relation to the oil sands development activities. At the same time, recreation was being considered as part of the General Municipal Plan for Fort McMurray, while the Northeast Alberta Regional Commission was conducting a study of the non-intensive use of recreational resources in the region. Also, the Recreation Director and the Recreation and Culture Advisory Board intended to develop a Master Plan for Fort McMurray. In the above context, a research project was required to provide additional information which would establish the baselines; assess the supply/demand dynamics related to recreational and cultural services in the region since 1972; and develop projections which would aid in the timing and coordination of the delivery of these services concurrent with future oil sands developments.