FORT McMURRAY — The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is pressing ahead with a proposed pilot project to expand road access for off‑highway vehicles in parts of Fort McMurray, while reminding residents that strict local rules and safety measures remain in force.
Pilot project scope and next steps
Municipal administration updated council last week on the project, which could improve connections from several neighbourhoods to provincial trail systems. The routes under consideration include Parsons Creek North, the Cree Road to Prospect Drive corridor in Timberlea, and access points in Wood Buffalo and Waterways. At the meeting, council voted to continue advancing the proposal and to begin public engagement in September.
Officials made clear the pilot remains contingent on several further processes: route refinement, environmental assessments and a provincial review. A final recommendation to council is not expected until the first quarter of 2027. Any pilot would also require the support of the provincial government and the enactment of a new municipal bylaw before changes to road access take effect.
| Milestone | Planned timing |
|---|---|
| Public engagement | September (municipality) |
| Environmental and provincial reviews | Ongoing (before recommendation) |
| Final recommendation to council | Q1 2027 |
Current rules and enforcement
Under current municipal rules, off‑highway vehicles (OHVs) are permitted only on municipal roads in Abasand within the Fort McMurray Urban Service Area. Riding on municipal roads in all other neighbourhoods is prohibited, as is operation in parks, greenspaces and community trails.
Enforcement remains active: the municipality says the RCMP and municipal bylaw officers are continuing efforts to target illegal OHV use in Fort McMurray, including using drones to monitor activity.
Safety and wildfire prevention reminders for riders
Municipal officials are urging everyone — riders and non‑riders alike — to take part in the upcoming public consultation and to keep safety and wildfire risk top of mind when using OHVs. The municipality listed a series of practical precautions and legal requirements riders should follow before heading onto trails.
- Ensure valid registration, insurance and licence plates.
- Travel with emergency supplies and check weather and wildfire restrictions.
- Avoid operating under the influence and supervise riders younger than 14 years.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for passenger limits and minimum rider age.
- Equip machines with functioning spark arrestors, carry water and a shovel, and keep vehicles free of debris.
- Report any wildfires promptly by calling 310‑FIRE.
The emphasis on wildfire prevention comes as the region remains attentive to seasonal fire risk and the potential for OHV‑related ignition sources. Keeping machines free of dry debris and using properly maintained exhaust systems are standard measures cited by the municipality to reduce risk.
Municipal officials also encouraged residents to engage with the consultation process when it opens, saying input from people who ride and those who use trails for other purposes will inform how any pilot is shaped. Any changes to access would follow the environmental and provincial reviews plus the creation of a municipal bylaw specific to the pilot.
The proposed pilot project represents an incremental approach: rather than broad changes to OHV access across Fort McMurray, officials are advancing focused corridors that would link neighbourhoods to existing provincial trail networks, subject to review and approvals.
Residents who want to stay informed can look for details from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo on engagement dates in September and subsequent updates as the municipality completes its assessments and consults with the province.
