Posts by Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Good progress is being made now on safely opening the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road, but early warm weather and low snowfall delayed construction timelines. It is still too early to say when the winter road will open.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is moving forward with an updated approach to this year’s Santa Claus Parade and Council’s Starry Night to ensure residents can continue to enjoy these cherished traditions despite the extreme cold.

Since the safety of volunteers, contractors, participants, spectators and RMWB staff is the top priority, the Santa Claus Parade will shift to a drive-thru parade on Sunday, December 7. Floats will be staged along Clearwater Drive from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., allowing residents to take in the festive displays from the comfort and warmth of their vehicles.

Spectators are encouraged to enter the parade route at the intersection of Franklin Ave. and Clearwater Dr., near Home Hardware. Spectators cannot enter the drive-thru parade from the intersection of Riedel St. and Clearwater Dr. Businesses along Riedel St. will continue to be accessible.

The Santa Claus Parade comes to town on Dec. 6! Gather your family and friends for the festivities beginning at 5 p.m. in kiyam Community Park for Council's Starry Night and then the parade begins at 6 p.m. on Main St., heading south on Franklin Ave.

Stay tuned for road closure and transit impacts by going to rmwb.ca/santa.

Municipal contractors are building the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road, despite delays caused by warm weather.

Construction work will continue in December, with a target opening date before Dec. 25. As always, the opening of the winter road is dependent on weather and the progress crews make in ensuring the road is safe for vehicles.

Nominate your neighbour with the best festive displays today on rmwb.ca/NYN. 

All nominees will receive a recognition lawn sign and a certificate from the Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom committee.

A new exhibition, Art for Social Change, is coming to Keyano College from Dec. 3 to 10, showcasing seven multidisciplinary artists whose installations explore the theme of accessibility. These artworks will be displayed within the hallways of Keyano Theatre and the Clearwater Campus from December 3, International Day for Persons with Disabilities, until December 10, International Human Rights Day.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has received $260,000 in funding from the Government of Alberta through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s (MCCAC) Community Energy Conservation Program (CEC Program).

The funding will support a retrofit lighting project at Vista Ridge All Seasons Park to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The RMWB joined several municipalities from across Canada, Ireland, Italy, and Slovenia on stage at the 2025 Communities in Bloom (CiB) National and International Awards Ceremonies on Oct. 18, 2025. The RMWB won three awards: Community Appearance Award, landscape Award, and the Best Downtown Area Award.

The election may be over, but residents have a chance to help their community by advising the new Mayor and Council on a board or committee.

Get involved, gain valuable experience and network with like-minded residents by applying to join a Council-appointed board or committee. There are more than 35 vacancies among nine Municipal boards and committees. Apply for an open position at rmwb.ca/boards, or at your local municipal office.