FORT McMURRAY — Frustrated by deteriorating road conditions, potholes and what organizers describe as a lack of timely action from the province, residents and local businesses are planning a community-led effort Friday to address hazards along sections of Highway 63.
The volunteer initiative will target stretches of Highway 63 between the Athabasca River bridge and Beacon Hill, including the hospital corridor, before continuing north along Confederation Way.
Highway 63 and Highway 881 are provincially owned and operated highways, with maintenance and repairs falling under the responsibility of the Alberta government.
Greg Bennett, strategic communications specialist with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, said the municipality understands community frustration with conditions on Highway 63 but is not overseeing or directly involved in the event.
Bennett noted Mayor Sandy Bowman and members of council met with Alberta Transportation Minister and Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Brian Jean at the Alberta legislature in May to discuss concerns about Highway 63 and the importance of reliable transportation infrastructure in northern Alberta.
He also said municipal crews removed hundreds of pounds of litter and debris from ditches and green spaces along Highway 63 during the first week of June.
Organizers say residents, contractors, businesses and community groups have committed equipment, materials, food and volunteer support for Friday’s project.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. across from Earls Restaurant with an opening prayer led by Elder Shirley Klassen of 468 First Nation.
Organizers say four Treaty 8 Nations have endorsed the initiative, with three chiefs and one Indigenous councillor expected to attend.
Volker Stevin has agreed to supply asphalt, while a locally developed tracking application will be used to document repair locations, volunteer participation and project progress.
RCMP have been notified and are expected to assist with traffic safety during the event.
Organizers say the effort is intended to improve road safety, highlight ongoing concerns about the condition of one of northern Alberta’s busiest transportation corridors and demonstrate what can be accomplished through community collaboration.
Comments