Help shape the potential expansion of OHV Pilot Project Bylaw

Building on the permanent Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Pilot Project Bylaw in Abasand, the RMWB is exploring whether designated OHV routes could improve safety and reduce illegal activity in additional Fort McMurray neighbourhoods. Areas being considered include a portion of Timberlea, Parsons Creek North, Waterways and Wood Buffalo with access in Wood Buffalo limited to the winter season.

The proposed neighbourhood expansion would provide designated roadway connections to the provincial trail network, with the goal of providing OHV users with a safe, legal and controlled way to access trails while reducing illegal driving on multi-use trails, damage to municipal green spaces and improving the overall OHV user experience.

Potential routes, impacts on the environment, access to land, operational needs and other factors are being reviewed to understand what might work in each area.

A focus on safe and responsible OHV use

The existing OHV Pilot Project Bylaw governing OHV use in Abasand includes strict requirements for OHV use on designated municipal roads. These include a maximum speed of 30 km/h, helmet requirements, a valid Class 5 driver’s license, registration and insurance, signal lights, and requirements to obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.

OHVs are restricted to approved routes and purposes, with rules designed to prevent riding in areas such as sidewalks, parks, greenspaces and neighbourhood trails.

Input from residents and OHV users will help identify safety concerns, opportunities and neighbourhood-specific considerations before recommendations are brought forward to Council.

Share your feedback by Oct. 31

There are several ways to learn more and share your thoughts on the potential OHV Pilot Project Bylaw expansion. Choose an option that works best for you:

• Complete the survey: Take the survey online, call Pulse or pick up a printed copy at the Jubilee Building (9909 Franklin Ave.).
• Join us in person: Attend a neighbourhood workshop to learn more and share your feedback with the project team.
• Share feedback online: Take the Quick Poll or Map Your Feedback to tell us what you think about potential OHV routes.

Learn more at rmwb.ca/ohvexpansion.

About the current OHV Pilot Project Bylaw in Abasand

The Abasand OHV Pilot Project was first introduced as a pilot in 2024 to test whether designated roadway connections could provide safer, more controlled access to the provincial trail network while reducing illegal OHV use on municipal trails and green spaces.

The bylaw establishes where and why OHVs can travel on designated municipal roads and includes safety, enforcement and wildfire prevention requirements. Following a successful two-year pilot and public engagement, the bylaw was made permanent on April 14, 2026.

Review the Abasand OHV Pilot Project public engagement findings at rmwb.ca/ohvpilot and visit rmwb.ca/ohv for more information about OHV bylaws across the region.

If you would like more information on this project, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-973-9663.

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