News Releases

While Santa is visiting the region, there will be temporary closures and adjustments to municipal services. As the holiday season approaches, people can expect adjusted schedules and temporary changes to some municipal services.

On Dec. 13, the Community Investment Program Approval Committee (CIPAC) approved and allocated grants totaling almost $7.5 million for local non-profit organizations, individual athletes or groups.

Every year, the Community Investment Program provides grant funding to help non-profit organizations deliver community programs, projects and events. The program also supports individual athletes or groups in amateur sport development, competing at a provincial, national or international level. Grant applications can be submitted in the fall for the upcoming year.  

Find a full list of approved grants and additional details at rmwb.ca/CIP. All application packages for approved grants will be available online shortly.

All subzones are relaxed over the holidays from Dec. 22-Jan. 2. Subzones 3 and 4 are expected to be active Jan. 5-9 for snow removal operations.

The Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is opening at noon, Saturday, Dec. 20, to light vehicles less than 5,000 kg in weight.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has been selected to receive $497K in federal grant funding from the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund (HRIF), which is administered from the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH). The HRIF provides one-time grants for community projects aimed at achieving measurable reductions in homelessness.

Two RMWB Transit buses full of toys and gifts arrived at Father Patrick Mercredi High School on Friday, Dec. 12, to support Santas Anonymous.  

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.

Subzones 1 and 2 will be active from Dec. 15–19 for snow removal operations, with on-street parking restrictions in effect. 

At its Dec. 9 meeting, Council approved a $149M 2026 Interim Municipal Budget to fund municipal services for the first quarter of 2026. This interim budget ensures residents continue to receive the services they rely on. The full 2026 operating and capital budgets will be presented to Council through a series of budget meetings scheduled for Feb. 3-5, 2026, with Feb. 6 set aside as an additional day if needed.

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.