A woman in Fort McMurray is facing charges for allegedly embezzling more than $800,000 from a heritage society. Wood Buffalo RCMP initiated a two-year investigation in November 2024 after the Fort McMurray Heritage Society (FMHS) reported discrepancies in their finances amounting to $500,000.
Following a thorough examination of financial records, administrative documents, electronic evidence, and witness statements, Wood Buffalo RCMP revealed that the actual loss exceeded $800,000. Angela Lynch, a 44-year-old Fort McMurray resident, has been charged with theft over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000 in connection to the case. She has been released with a court appearance set for Oct. 14.
Former Wood Buffalo municipal council member Funke Banjoko emphasized the importance of holding the responsible party accountable to uphold public trust and maintain integrity within the community. The issue was brought to the attention of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) council in various meetings, leading to the council’s decision to take over FMHS’s assets and manage its heritage sites, including Fort McMurray Heritage Village and the Heritage Shipyard.
Both heritage sites, licensed under the Alberta Museums Association, have been closed to the public since September 2025. The Alberta Museums Association has been collaborating with RMWB to provide guidance on artifact care and museum practices during this transition period.
According to Jennifer Forsyth, the executive director of the Alberta Museums Association, the closure of these sites not only impacts the heritage society but also deprives the community of important social and educational opportunities. Despite the challenges faced, RMWB is committed to overseeing the management of the sites with the aim of reopening them in the future.