Council makes Abasand OHV pilot project permanent

 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 from home to and from the staging area or gas station.

"This is a great example of what happens when we enable the community and let residents themselves take the lead in seeing what is possible," said Mayor Sandy Bowman. "The OHV pilot project in Abasand increased responsible OHV use and recreational opportunities, while also improving overall public safety. It's great to see it become permanent in a way that enhances quality of life and sets the foundation to engage with the community on what can happen in other neighbourhoods."

The Municipality introduced the pilot in 2024 to improve rider experience, increase safety on neighbourhood trails, and reduce damage to greenspaces through controlled OHV use on municipal roads in Abasand. Council’s decision reflects what was heard from residents and community partners throughout the pilot. Mayor Bowman also served a notice of motion for the May 12 meeting to consider developing a new OHV pilot program in other neighbourhoods in Fort McMurray.

New OHV signal light requirement in Abasand

All OHVs operating on Abasand roads will now be required to have signal lights. Council amended the bylaw to add this requirement at the April 14 meeting. Signal light enforcement will begin October 2026 after a six-month transition period.   

Signal light kits can be purchased for machines that do not have existing signal lights.

Community input informed the decision

Public input was gathered at multiple points throughout the project to inform recommendations and three bylaw amendments. The majority of participants supported the pilot throughout all phases of engagement, which included:

• Pre-launch engagement
• A one-year check-in engagement
• A two-year check-in engagement

Pulse also collected resident feedback throughout the pilot and shared it with the OHV Working Group. Read the most recent What We Heard Report and find all engagement reports at rmwb.ca/ohvpilot.

OHV laws in the region

This bylaw applies only to municipal roads in Abasand and riders are responsible for knowing and following all laws. To learn the laws for riding an OHV in Abasand, read the Abasand OHV Pilot Project brochure or visit rmwb.ca/ohv.

OHV use across the region remains regulated, and riders must follow all applicable laws. To learn more about OHV laws in Fort McMurray and the rural communities, visit rmwb.ca/ohv.

Enforcement will continue in Abasand and throughout the region, including the use of drones, to support community safety and keep OHVs off neighbourhood trails, greenspaces and roads outside of Abasand.

Irresponsible or dangerous riding creates serious safety risks and hurts the reputation of the entire OHV community. Report illegal use to 310-RCMP or Pulse at 780-743-7000.