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FORT MCMURRAY — Wood Buffalo is considering expanding designated off-highway vehicle routes into several Fort McMurray neighbourhoods and is asking residents for feedback before recommendations are brought to council.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is exploring potential OHV route connections in portions of Timberlea, Parsons Creek North, Waterways and Wood Buffalo. Access in the Wood Buffalo neighbourhood would be limited to the winter season.
The proposed routes would provide designated roadway connections between neighbourhoods and the provincial trail network.
The municipality says the goal is to give OHV users a safe, legal and controlled way to reach trails while reducing illegal riding on multi-use trails and damage to municipal green spaces.
Potential routes, environmental impacts, land access and operational requirements are among the factors being considered.
The proposed expansion builds on the municipality’s OHV Pilot Project Bylaw in Abasand.
Under the existing rules, OHVs can travel on designated municipal roads subject to several requirements, including a maximum speed of 30 kilometres per hour. Riders must have a valid Class 5 driver’s licence, registration and insurance and must wear a helmet.
OHVs are restricted to approved routes and purposes and cannot be ridden on areas including sidewalks, parks, green spaces and neighbourhood trails.
The Abasand project was introduced as a pilot in 2024 to test designated roadway connections to the provincial trail network. Following two years of the pilot and public engagement, the bylaw was made permanent April 14.
The municipality says feedback from residents and OHV users will help identify safety concerns and neighbourhood-specific considerations before recommendations are presented to council.
Residents can provide feedback through an online survey, neighbourhood workshops, a quick poll or an online mapping tool. Printed surveys are also available at the Jubilee Building.
Public feedback is being accepted until Oct. 31.
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