The use of an off-highway vehicle (OHV) in the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray remains illegal.

While there are no changes to the OHV prohibition on municipal roads, greenbelts, and trails in the Fort McMurray Urban Service Area, some changes could be coming down the pipe.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, the Municipality moved forward with the creation of an OHV Working Group. The team will consist of various municipal departments and representatives to focus on bringing forward an updated OHV bylaw for the Urban Service Area.

The group is also tasked with encouraging OHV users to establish a local rider’s association.

The RM believes such an organization could help increase opportunities for responsible OHV use in the region, as well as identify and map public lands where off-highway vehicles may be operated legally.

The RMWB is also proceeding with a compliance strategy for the use of OHV.

The strategy aims to enhance public awareness of the rules governing OHV use, as well as provide consistency and clarity over the handling of non-compliance issues.

The RM intends to increase enforcement and levels of voluntary compliance, particularly in residential neighbourhoods and areas with high pedestrian traffic.

The RMWB would like to remind OHV users of Municipally maintained staging areas that facilitate and promote safe and legal OHV use by residents. They are inviting residents to learn more by visiting rmwb.ca/ohv