Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) stands as a titan in the energy sector, renowned for its substantial operations in oil and natural gas production. CNRL’s operations extend beyond oil sands, with the company playing a pivotal role in the global energy landscape through its activities in Western Canada, the U.K. North Sea, and Offshore Africa.
Among its diverse portfolio, the Albian Sands project in Northern Alberta is particularly noteworthy. This venture represents a key component of CNRL’s oil sands mining and upgrading assets, signifying a long-term commitment to sustainable, low-decline production. Albian Sands, characterized by its vast resource base and cutting-edge recovery techniques, underscores CNRL’s strategic focus on leveraging technology to enhance both production and environmental performance.
The Albian Sands project is not just a marvel of industrial achievement but also a testament to CNRL’s dedication to its workforce and community. The development of a 2460-room village complete with comprehensive service and recreation facilities exemplifies this commitment. Albian Village provides remote oil sands workers in Alberta with not only comfortable living conditions during their work rotations near Fort McMurray but also access to a variety of tasty dining options with its vast menu, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable environment for those contributing to the project’s success.
Facilities and Location of the Albian Village
Albian Village, situated within the vast expanse of CNRL’s Albian Sands operation, offers a comprehensive array of services and facilities designed to support the well-being and comfort of its residents. Here are the key aspects of the village’s infrastructure and its strategic location, which plays a crucial role in supporting the operational and lifestyle needs of the workforce engaged in one of Canada’s most significant oil sands projects.
- Comprehensive Living and Working Environment: Albian Village is not just a place for CNRL’s workforce to reside; it is a fully integrated living community designed to meet every aspect of daily life. With a 2460-room capacity, the village provides accommodation that caters to the diverse needs of its inhabitants, ensuring comfort and convenience are always within reach. The village’s design and facilities reflect a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those living and working in remote locations.
- Dedicated Services for Residents: The village boasts an array of services aimed at making life easier and more enjoyable for its residents. From dining and catering services that offer a variety of nutritious meals around the clock to recreational facilities where residents can unwind and stay active, Albian Village is equipped to ensure a balanced lifestyle. Additionally, the presence of a medical center within the village underscores CNRL’s commitment to the health and safety of its workforce, providing essential healthcare services close to where they live and work.
- Strategic Location and Accessibility: Located near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Albian Village is strategically positioned to support the Albian Sands operation—a joint venture that highlights CNRL’s substantial role in the oil sands sector. The village’s location not only facilitates easy access to the mining sites but also ensures that residents have a secure and supportive base close to their workplace. This proximity is vital for operational efficiency and enhances the quality of life for those who spend extended periods away from their homes.
- Address: CNRL Albian Village, Fort Mackay, Fort McKay, AB T0P 1C0, Canada
- Commitment to Safety and Sustainability: Albian Village and the Albian Sands operation incorporate practices that prioritize environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The use of satellite-based imaging for land use monitoring and the cogeneration plant supplying both process steam and electricity to the mine, with surplus power fed into the Alberta power grid, are examples of how CNRL integrates sustainability into its operations. These efforts reflect a commitment to minimizing the environmental footprint while providing a safe, reliable source of energy.
- Continuous Improvement and Community Engagement: CNRL’s Albian Village is more than just a workplace or a temporary home for its residents. It represents a dynamic community where continuous improvement and engagement are encouraged. The village’s facilities and services are regularly updated to meet the evolving needs of its residents, ensuring that Albian Village remains a place where safety, comfort, and community well-being are paramount.
The Albian Village embodies CNRL’s holistic approach to remote workforce accommodation, providing a secure, comfortable, and supportive environment that goes beyond basic needs to include health, wellness, and recreation. It highlights CNRL’s dedication to the well-being of its oil sands employees and contractors, ensuring that Albian Village remains a vital component of the Albian Sands operation’s success.
Albian Village Food Services and Dining Experience
At Albian Village, operated by Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) within its Albian Sands project, the dining experience is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the culinary team, managed by ESS North America, a part of Compass Group Canada. This team’s commitment to quality, nutrition, and passion for food significantly enhances the daily lives of the village’s residents, setting a standard for workplace dining services.
- Quality and Nutritious Offerings: The Albian Village culinary team, led by Director of Culinary Dana Obrien, focuses on high-quality, nutritious food, using fresh ingredients to prepare meals that balance taste with health. Their efforts cater to the demanding work schedules of CNRL’s workforce, ensuring meals are not just nourishing but also enjoyable. The ISO 22000 Food Safety Certification of their managed facilities, including CNRL Albian Village, underscores their commitment to food safety and excellence.
- Diverse and Innovative Menu: Innovation and creativity are hallmarks of the dining experience at Albian Village. The culinary team consistently introduces new dishes inspired by both regional and international cuisines, ensuring a wide variety of meal options. Albian Menu features the latest culinary trends and the personal experiences of the chefs, catering to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of the community, including food allergies, vegetarian options, and gluten-free diets.
- Personalized and Accessible Services: Understanding the importance of dietary preferences and restrictions, the culinary team offers personalized assistance to ensure all residents have access to satisfying and safe meals. The dining services operate 24/7, accommodating the varied schedules of the residents and reinforcing the village’s motto “Home is Here” by creating a dining environment that feels like home.
- Continuous Improvement: The Hospitality Management team at Albian Village is dedicated to continuously enhancing the dining experience, incorporating feedback from residents to improve service and satisfaction. This focus on continuous improvement and innovation is key to creating a positive, supportive dining environment for the workforce.
Albian Village Menu
Albian Village is renowned for its diverse and nutritious dining options, tailored to cater to the varied dietary preferences and needs of its residents. The Albian menu is designed to offer a wide range of choices, ensuring that there is something for everyone. From hearty breakfasts to kickstart the day, to nourishing lunches and dinners that provide the needed energy for hardworking oil sands workers of Alberta, the culinary team is committed to quality and satisfaction.
The Albian menu is regularly updated and posted in advance near dining areas and on various bulletin boards throughout Albian Village. Additionally, the menu is also available online for convenient access, ensuring residents and workers can plan their meals ahead of time.
Here are the items from the Albian Menu for the current week.
Albian Village Dinner Menu
Main Dishes:
- Piri Piri Chicken Slow Roasted
- Pork Shoulder Rosemary Roasted
- Roasted Leg of Lamb
- Prime Rib Pesto Crusted Pork
- Lemon & Caper Butter Arctic Char
- Ancho Beef Pot Roast
- Pork Tenderloin With Peppercorn Sauce
- Breaded Sole
- Rosemary, Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breast
- Spanish Cod & Shrimp
- Turmeric & Honey Turkey Thigh
- Herb Braised Chicken with Mushrooms
- Lemon And Herb Haddock
- Baked Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
- Sweet & Sour Meatballs
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Sweet and Sour Pork with Vegetables
- Beef Penang Curry
- Pineapple and Jalapeno Pork Meatloaf
- Lime and Coconut Chicken Chili
Vegan Dishes:
- Tofu Steak with Chickpea Ragout
- Ratatouille with Navy Beans
- Cauliflower & Chickpea Tagine
- Vegetable & Tofu Paella
- Sweet & Sour Noodle With Tofu
- Lazy Cabbage Rolls
- Vegetarian Pad Thai
Pastas and Noodles:
- Fusilli
- Rotini
- Macaroni
- Whole Wheat Penne
- Shell Pasta
- Fettuccine Pasta
- Penne
Sauces:
- Meatball Marinara
- Mushroom and Chicken Cream
- Tuna and Dill Cream
- Shrimp Tomato
- Chicken Alfredo
- Chipotle Sausage Tomato
- Chicken Carbonara
- Spinach Cream
- Pomodoro
- Classic Marinara
- Basil Rose
- Pesto Tomato
- Herbed Three Cheese and Jalapeno Cream
- Tomato Primavera
Other Dishes:
- Beef Burger
- Pizza (Buffalo Chicken, Mushroom & Spinach)
- Hot Italian Sausage
- Classic Chicken Burger
- All Beef Hot Dog
- Turkey Burger
- Bavarian Sausage
Salad Bar
Greens:
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Kale
- Leaf Lettuce
- Romaine
- Iceberg
Salads:
- Barley & Black Bean
- Brown Rice Quinoa and Pepper
- Roasted Pumpkin & Quinoa
- Bulgur
- Southwest Brown Rice
- Tomato & Cucumber
- Kale, Cranberry & Feta
- Red Pepper & Olive
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Traditional Greek
- Yellow Beet & Apple
- Maple Roasted Squash
- Greek Potato
- Zesty Salsa Pasta
- European Potato
- Buffalo Penne
- Broccoli & White Bean Potato
- Sundried Tomato & Broccoli Fusilli
- Apple & Dill Potato
Dips and Spreads:
- Spinach Dip
- Curry Aioli
- Hummus
- Spinach & Artichoke
- Onion & Dill Dip
- Pesto Aioli
- Buffalo Aioli
Proteins:
- Pinto Beans
- Grilled Tofu
- Chickpeas
- Yellow Split Pea
- Red Lentils
- Black Beans
Extras:
- Assorted Vegetables
- Pickles
- Croutons
- Assorted Toppings
- Salad Dressings
Albian Lunchroom Menu
Sandwiches:
- Peanut Butter & Jam
- Pesto Chicken
- Turkey
- Roast Chicken Salad
- Fajita Chicken
- Cranberry Turkey
- Roast Beef with Horseradish Mayo
- Wasabi Beef Fajita Wrap
- Roast Beef with Chipotle Mayo
- Braised Beef Dip
- Spicy Roast Beef
- Roast Beef with Blue Cheese Mayo & Monetary Jack
- Roast Beef and Cheddar
- Classic Hot Dog and Swiss
- Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork
- Ham Salad and Swiss
- Ancho Chili Pork
- Philly Style Pork and Monterey Jack
- Ham and Swiss
- Roast Pork with BBQ Mayo
- Corned Beef and Swiss
- Pastrami and Cheddar
- Pepperoni and Cheddar
- Bologna and Swiss
- Salami and Swiss with Tapenade Mayo
- Corned Beef with Relish Mayo
- Pastrami and Swiss
- Shrimp Salad
- Tuna Salad
- Salmon Salad
- Egg Salad
Vegetarian Options:
- Vegetarian Burger with Cheddar
- Smashed Chickpea and Mozzarella
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip Sandwich
- Chickpea and Guacamole
- Thai Chili Tofu and Swiss
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito
- Potato Masala Sandwich
Albian Breakfast Menu
- Ham Eggs Benedict
- Spinach Enchilada Casserole
- Sriracha, Egg and Cheese Wrap
- Ham Breakfast Puff Pastry
- Omelet Station
- Breakfast Frittata
- Breakfast Poutine
- Blueberry Pancakes
- Crepes with Berry Compote
- Coconut Maple French Toast
- Waffle with Berry Compote
- Buckwheat Pancakes
- Ginger Nutmeg French Toast
- Red Velvet Pancakes
- Bacon
- Garlic Sausage
- Peameal Bacon
- Farmers Sausage Links
- Pork Breakfast Sausage
- Breakfast Ham
- Chicken Shawarma Meat
- Turkey Bratwurst
- Beef Meatballs
- Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Chicken Sausage
- Montreal Steak Spiced Beef Strips
Cereals and Oatmeal:
- Oatmeal
- Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Red River Cereal
- Cereal
- Granola
- Maple Nut Cream of Wheat
- Hot Blueberry Honey Quinoa
- Peach Chia Seed Cereal
Eggs and Sides:
- Fried Eggs
- Boiled Eggs
- Poached Eggs
- Scrambled Eggs
- Scrambled Egg Whites
- Assorted Yogurts
- Cottage Cheese/Yogurt
- Fruit Selection
Soups:
- Mexican Meatball
- White Bean & Chicken
- Chinese Pork
- Turkey Chili
- Chipotle Seafood Chowder
- Beef and Barley
- Chicken Noodle
- Cream of Carrot
- Potato and Cheddar
- Curried Sweet Potato
- Mushroom Bisque
- Pasta and Chickpea
- Coconut Curry Butternut Squash
- Broccoli and Cheddar
Seasonal Menus and Special Events at Albian Village
Albian Village, part of CNRL’s Albian Sands operation, is dedicated to enhancing the living experience of its residents through a variety of dining experiences, including seasonal menus and organizing special events playing a vital role in maintaining a vibrant, cohesive community at the remote work site.
- Embracing Seasonal Varieties: The dining services at Albian Village take pride in adapting their menus with the changing seasons. This approach not only ensures the use of fresh, seasonal produce but also introduces residents to a wide range of flavors and dishes that reflect the diversity of Canadian and international cuisines. Seasonal menus are crafted to meet nutritional needs while also providing comforting and enjoyable dining experiences that resonate with the time of year.
- Celebrating with Special Events: Special events are a hallmark of the Albian Village community, bringing residents together to celebrate holidays, cultural events, and significant milestones. These occasions are opportunities for the culinary team to showcase their creativity, offering themed menus that cater to the tastes and traditions of a diverse workforce. From holiday-specific feasts that evoke the comfort of home to cultural celebrations that encourage exploration of global cuisines, Albian Village ensures these events are memorable for all participants.
- A Commitment to Community Well-being: Beyond the enjoyment of seasonal dishes and special event catering, these culinary initiatives reflect Albian Village’s broader commitment to the well-being of its residents. By providing varied, nutritious, and culturally diverse dining options, Albian Village fosters a sense of community and belonging. These efforts contribute significantly to the overall satisfaction and morale of the workforce, demonstrating CNRL’s investment in creating a positive, supportive environment for all its employees.
- Ensuring Access and Inclusion: Albian Village’s dining services are designed to be inclusive, accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions to ensure everyone can partake in the seasonal and special event offerings. This inclusive approach is part of the village’s commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive community for its diverse workforce.
The focus on seasonal menus and the celebration of special events at Albian Village are integral components of the overall dining experience, reflecting the community’s dedication to quality, diversity, and inclusion. These initiatives not only enhance the culinary landscape of Albian Village but also play a crucial role in building and maintaining a strong, unified community within the remote setting of CNRL’s Albian Sands operation.
For the latest Albian Village weekly menu updates, including a variety of nutritious options tailored to diverse dietary needs, please visit the official ESS Support Services website.