A Little Bit of Zama City History

f you have a history tidbit to add please send us an email.

1965 - Oil discovered near Rainbow Lake in the Fall by Banff Oil, results in start of the 'oil boom' in this area
1966 - Zama, Keg River Formation discovery, 255 known pools.
1967 - Important Oil discovery in the Zama field. This discovery led to the construction of the Peace River Pipeline to connect with the Trans Mountain Pipeline system.
1967 - Virgo, Keg River Formation discovery, 165 known pools.
1969, June 18 - Construction begins on paving Highway #35.
1969 - Shekilie, Keg River Formation discovery, 94 known pools.
1971 - Alberta Gas Truck Lines, now Nova Corp; purchased the Peace River Pipeline connecting Zama to the Trans Mountain system. AGTL converted the system to a gas pipeline.
1973 - Sees a dramatic increase in exploratory drilling for gas in the Zama Field.
1975 - Zama Plant First Phases started construction.
1978 - The northern region of Alberta accounted for 3.5% of provincial gas reserves and 10% of remaining oil reserves in Alberta.
1987 - Municipal water/sewer project starts.
1988 - Hamlet General (Downtown) 'digs-in' municipal water/sewer services.
1989 - Industrial area receives municipal water and sewer services.
1989 - Fire Department receives delivery of New Fire Truck, and the Fire Hall construction is completed.
1991, September 14 - Extensive search for downed plane carrying two of our own. Ken Walker & Tom Williams.
1992, June 1 - Downed plane of September 14, 1991 found on the southeast side of Bistcho Lake.
1994, Fall - Flint Canada's new shop finally took shape.
1994, November - Trees cleared in Phase 3 of the Cardusty Trailer park.
1995, August 9 - Vote in favour of the East-West Zama Road Access, meeting held at the Zama Hall.
1995, December - 1st Christmas Light-Up Contest, sponsored by the Zama Mudpuddle News.
1996, May - Zama gets newer, used ambulance. Medical and Fire Services are integrated into one service.
1996, May 1 - Zama receives local number for RCMP - 683-2085.
1996, September 9 - Zama Post office opens at the Zama Cardlock.
1996, December - Zama Library Closed, until new home can be found.
1997, June 7 - Zama Fire-Rescue's 'Extract Attack Pack' Extrication team competes for the first time in High Level.
1997 - MD Office opens in Zama. Building donated by the Alberta Treasury Branch. The building was most recently the Alberta Treasury Branch in Fort Vermilion. This building is also the new home to the Zama Community Library.
1999, August 3 - Cardusty Fire, 1 fatality, complete loss of shop and TJ's Store.
1999, September - Zama City is put on the World map as our Zama Fire 'Extract Attack Pack' extrication team competes in World Extrication Competition in Melbourne Australia.
2000, November 21 - 1st fatality on the Zama Road.
2000, Winter - Outdoor pool collapsed due to high snow load
2001, February 8 - 2nd fatality on the Zama Road.
2001 - Fossil found near Zama. Examined by the Tyrell Museum and found to be a marine reptile called Platypterygious, that swam in the warm seas of Alberta 90 or 100 million years ago. The animal looked much like a dolphin, but was a cold-blooded reptile not a mammal. The fossil is now on display at the Fort Vermilion Museum.
2002, IPS Fire, completed loss of residence.
2002 - January – 3^rd Fatality on Zama Road – Precision Well Servicing
2003 - Summer – 4^th Fatality on Zama Road – Knelson / Murphy Accident
2003 - Summer – 8 serious accidents on the Zama Road in two months
2003 - September – the Zama Playground Society was created to raise monies and design and build a new Playground Facility in Zama.
2004 - January – 5^th Fatality on Zama Road – Grader / Baker Accident
2004 - September – Grand Opening of Noralta Inn West
2004 - The first Phase of the Expansion on the Zama Community Hall was completed.This is the completed shell of the building.
2004 - September – The Playground Society took delivery of the playground equipment.It turned too cold too fast for installation so it was stored for the winter.
2004 - October – Lisa Wardley was elected Zama Ward 10’s Councilor.
2005 - July 1 (Centennial Celebrations) – marked the first 2-day event featuring a Quad Rally, Mud Bog and lots more activities.
2005 - September – the new Zama Playground installation including recycled rubber surfacing was completed.It is beside the School.
2006 – MD Council approved the ZRS proposal to transfer unused funding from the ‘Walking Trails’ to the Community Park / Campground to enhance services and facilities.
2006 – July – Esso Cardlock pulls services from Zama.Pumps and all equipment are removed.
2006 – October – The Zama Cardlock changes it’s look with a major upgrade.New building, additional pumps… same bright blue siding (it’s a landmark!)
2007 - January - Municipal District of Mackenzie No.23 officially changes it's name to Mackenzie County.
2007 - Summer - The ZRS in conjunction with Mackenzie County add an additional 8 fully serviced sites to the Campground
2007 - October - Alberta Transportation approved the new water supply line and waste water lagoon projects and funding
2007 - Oct - Lisa Wardley was Acclaimed new Ward 10 / Zama Councilor for Mackenzie County for another three year term.
2007 - Oct 16 Alberta Transportation Approved the New Water Treatment Plant Project and Funding.
2007 - Oct 3 - Richard Isaac, from Manasc Isaac Architects were in Zama to hold a community planning session on the proposed new Community Complex.
2008 - New Water Treatment Plant, 2 New water wells (supply line), New Lagoon start construction early in the year. Completion December 2008.
2008 - Summer - PAVEMENT! The Community sees pavement being laid. Phase I of the Zama Access Rd, Aspen Drive & Bearpaw Cres.
2008 - County opens up 5 lots north of the County office. Accepting sealed tenders.
2008 - June - County and ZRS partners to build a Community shelter at the Park.
2008 - July 24 - Tenders close on Paving of Zama Access Phase II.

f you have a history tidbit to add please send us an email.