News

This winter has brought much heavier snowfall than usual, and this week’s warm temperatures have made road conditions especially difficult for residents and winter maintenance operations.

Whether you are an off-highway vehicle (OHV) user or not, we want to hear about your experience with the Abasand OHV Pilot Project and thoughts on next steps. The pilot is currently scheduled to end May 1, 2026 and the Municipality has begun a two-year review and public check-in to help determine next steps. Your feedback will help inform whether the pilot should be adjusted, ended, or made permanent.  

Unusually warm weather will see weight restrictions and temporary road closures affecting winter roads in the region this week. These restrictions are needed to limit damage to the roads.

Subzones 1 and 2 will be active from Jan.12-16 for snow removal operations, with on-street parking restrictions in effect 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Subzones 3 and 4 are expected to be activated Jan.19-23.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RWMB) has released its proposed 2026 budget of $661 million. The proposed budget is focused on sustainable management of municipal assets, strengthening partnerships and building meaningful connections with Indigenous communities, local business and non-profits while positioning the region for emerging opportunities.

Starting today Friday, Jan. 9 at noon, the vehicle load limit for the La Loche Winter Trail is increasing to 27,500 kg.

Shootout on the Snye returns to WinterPLAY Feb. 20-22! Register before Jan. 21 and save $10! Final registration deadline is Feb. 2.

Help make Shootout on the Snye a success by signing up as a referee!

Referees are compensated $25 per 35-minute game.

Additional fundraising opportunities for groups and organizations will also be available throughout WinterPLAY with more details to be shared mid-January.

The Shootout on the Snye is part of the annual WinterPLAY event, which is one of the biggest community events of the year! There will be all kinds of free family-friendly activities, including fireworks, ice sculptures, horse drawn wagon rides, cultural programming and more!

Celebrate our northern spirit and enjoy outdoor activities at WinterPLAY from Feb. 20 – 24.

Learn more at rmwb.ca/WinterPLAY

The Wood Buffalo RCMP invites you to help shape its priorities for the region in 2026-27. Your feedback will help ensure that the RCMP are aware of and focus on issues that are the highest concerns for residents, in addition to responding to calls for service.

The La Loche Winter Trail is opening to light vehicles less than 5,000 kg at noon today.

Load limits will be increased as soon as it is safe to do so, and all changes will be formally announced. Vehicles heavier than the posted load limit using the winter road will be subject to serious fines and penalties.