FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — The Wood Buffalo RCMP are continuing their investigation of an alleged voyeurism incident that occurred in the universal family change room at MacDonald Island Park (MIP) on February 18, between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.
Following the February 18 incident, police obtained surveillance footage of the suspect and identified him with the assistance of MacDonald Island Park staff. The suspect, Hazem Abdelmaksoud, a 39-year-old resident of Egypt turned himself in to authorities on February 20.
In a media release, the RCMP clarified that only one confirmed incident of voyeurism took place in the family change facility at MIP. A previous report read as though there were additional complaints of voyeurism. The RCMP clarified that, while Abdelmaksoud was allegedly making digital recordings of patrons and employees in public spaces, these recordings did not meet the Criminal Code definition of voyeurism.
Police still maintain other complaints were made to MacDonald Island Park in February involving suspicious behaviour by the same individual. Police also believe there may be further incidents of criminal voyeurism involving Abdelmaksoud, and they are asking any potential victims to please come forward and contact the Wood Buffalo RCMP.
The incident itself sparked widespread commentary and concern on social media, with many facility users sharing stories of suspicious behaviour, including the alleged use of recording devices in change rooms and other public areas. In comment threads many questions were raised about the park’s security measures, policies, and procedures, with concerns about improved public safety echoing specific questions Harvard Media News posed directly to the Regional Recreation Corporation (RRC) as well as the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB).
Harvard Media News reached out to the RRC, which operates MacDonald Island Park, with several questions via email, including:
- How many incidents of potential voyeurism were reported to the RRC?
- Did any incidents involve the potential recording of minors?
- What security measures were taken after learning of potential voyeurism in the family change room?
- Will policy or procedural changes be implemented as a result of this incident?
- Will structural changes be made to the family change room to prevent unauthorized recording?
- Given this is the second major security incident at the park in two months, will security be reviewed at MacDonald Island Park and other RRC facilities?
Theresa Wells, spokesperson for the RRC, responded via email, stating, “We are unable to provide comment given that this is an ongoing criminal matter. Please note that any questions related to this incident should be directed to the RCMP.”
Amid the social media outcry, the RRC issued a public statement clarifying that initial information provided by law enforcement was slightly inaccurate. “[there were] two occasions in the past involving behaviour that was inconsistent with our expectation for guests, one of which involved the use of a cell phone on the pool deck. Neither incident involved “voyeurism” and both incidents were appropriately handled through the RRC’s internal processes, which included filing incident statements, and engaging with the individual about the RRC’s expectations for guests,” the statement read.
The RRC added that neither incident warranted further action at the time, and they reiterated their inability to comment on ongoing criminal investigations.
The corporation further stated they have directed media inquiries to the RCMP, though it remains unclear what role the RCMP plays in the RRC’s internal policies and procedures or structural changes to change rooms as asked by Harvard Media News.
Staff Sergeant Sabrina Clayton of the RCMP noted that the force does provide training and assistance to organizations seeking to improve security and safety protocols.
This marks the second major criminal incident at the facility in 2025. On January 5, a 41-year-old man was hospitalized after being stabbed by a youth outside the weightlifting area on the park’s second floor. When asked about that incident, the RRC similarly declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation continues, concerns about public safety and security at MacDonald Island Park, and their response to recent alleged criminal activity remain unresolved.
