News Releases

At the April 14 Council meeting, the Abasand Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) pilot project was made a permanent bylaw. OHV use on Municipal roads in Abasand will continue to be permitted when traveling between home and the staging area or gas station.

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.  

Bylaw Services are now using drones to help enforce off-highway vehicle (OHV) laws. This has improved their ability to safely pursue riders illegally operating an OHV within Fort McMurray and lay charges. OHV laws are in place for the safety of everyone and the use of drones will help improve compliance with laws and enhance community safety.

OHV use is not allowed anywhere within Fort McMurray, except for Municipal roads in Abasand. (Fort McMurray, AB – May 9, 2025) – Gearing up for summer?

Provide your feedback. from Feb.

Bylaw Services lay charges for illegal OHV use; Snowmobiles not included in Abasand OHV Pilot Project. Gearing up for winter?

OHV use prohibited on Abasand roads during Fire Ban; Conditions extremely dry. A Fire Ban is now in place for the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray.

OHV riders must review regulations to ensure compliance prior to driving on municipal roads in Abasand. Council approved the Off-Highway Vehicle Pilot Project Bylaw at last night’s meeting, giving the green light for OHVs to travel on municipal roadways in Abasand starting July 1, 2024.

The Fire Ban includes the urban service area of Fort McMurray and is being implemented by the Municipality to mirror the fire ban and OHV restriction enacted within the Forest Protection Area by Alberta Wildfire. All fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.

Work is underway to improve the OHV experience for riders and residents. At Tuesday’s meeting, Council supported the implementation of two new initiatives: an updated Bylaw Services OHV Compliance Strategy and the creation of an inter-departmental OHV Working Group.