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Bylaw Services lay charges for illegal OHV use; Snowmobiles not included in Abasand OHV Pilot Project
Gearing up for winter? As the seasons change, so do trail conditions and off-highway vehicles (OHV). Ride safely and responsibly this winter by following all OHV laws and safety tips.
Where you can and can’t operate an OHV
OHV use is not allowed anywhere in the Fort McMurray Urban Service Area with the exception of Municipal roads in the Abasand neighbourhood. This includes the greenbelt between homes and forested areas, urban trails and parks.
OHVs are strictly prohibited from being driven from homes to trails and crown land outside of the Urban Service Area. There are numerous OHV staging areas with access to the backcountry.
OHVs can be used on crown land, OHV trails in the backcountry and in certain areas in the rural hamlets. OHVs cannot operate on private land unless permission has been granted.
The McMurray Snow Drifters maintain and operate snowmobile trails in the region. To view trail maps, purchase a pass once available for the season and learn more, visit snodrifters.ca
The rural communities have different OHV bylaws in place than Fort McMurray. To learn more about OHV use outside of Fort McMurray, visit the RMWB OHV webpage and the Government of Alberta website.
Serious fines and penalties for illegal OHV use
Illegal OHV use in Fort McMurray is a serious safety concern, causes considerable damage to Municipal and private property and can be disruptive to neighbours. There are significant fines and penalties for not following OHV laws, including impoundment of OHVs and the full repair cost for damaged property.
On Oct. 27, 2024, Bylaw Services responded to a complaint of an OHV operating in Municipal greenspace in Abasand behind Atkinson Lane. Through collaboration with the RCMP, the individual was identified and charged with:
- $567 - Carelessly driving an OHV on property accessible to the public. (Traffic Safety Act)
- $400 - Operating an OHV on Municipal property. (OHV Pilot Project Bylaw)
- $300 - Operating an OHV without a helmet. (OHV Pilot Project Bylaw)
Bylaw and RCMP officers do regular patrols and checks for safe OHV use, which may include the use of cameras and aerial reconnaissance.
To report illegal or unsafe OHV use, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or the RCMP non-emergency line at 780-788-4000.
Find more information about OHV laws and safety, including a list of fines and penalties at rmwb.ca/ohv
Snowmobiles not part of Abasand OHV Pilot Project
With sledding season right-around the corner, residents are reminded that snowmobiles are not allowed to be driven on Municipal roads in Abasand and are not included in the OHV Pilot Project.
The Abasand OHV Pilot Project will continue over the winter with all current laws and regulations remaining in place. Review the Abasand OHV brochure, the signs at the staging area or visit the RMWB OHV webpage to learn more about safe, responsible OHV use in Abasand.
Winter OHV safety
Before heading out to explore the outdoors, OHV riders should take extra precautions in the winter to keep themselves and others safe.
- Prepare for the trip. Get familiar with the route/location. Always check the weather before departing and avoid using OHVs during blizzards, extreme temperatures and late at night.
- Travel in a group, if possible. Riders should always inform someone of where they’re going and check-in regularly.
- Wear proper gear. Helmets are required and riders should dress in layers of clothing to keep warm and dry. Padded warm gloves and lined waterproof boots with grips on the heel are recommended.
- Bring an emergency kit, with first aid supplies, flashlight/head lamp, food, water, blanket, etc.
- Ensure all lights are working and the machine is running properly. Bring a tool kit.
Learn more about the Abasand OHV Pilot Project and OHV bylaws for the entire region at rmwb.ca/ohv.
For questions and to file a report, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or rmwb.ca/pulse
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