Holiday Service Updates: Transit, garbage, closures and more

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.

WMZs and snow removal

All subzones are relaxed Dec. 22- Jan. 2. Snow removal on the busier streets (primary, secondary and tertiary routes) will continue over the holidays. Crews will be prioritizing snow removal from school zones while there is less traffic. Watch for temporary no parking signs in these areas. Subzones 3 and 4 are expected to be active Jan. 5-9 for snow removal operations. 

Waste collection and disposal

Curbside Collection

Curbside collection on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), Boxing Day (Dec. 26), and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) are rescheduled to the days below:

Please place your bins at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on collection days. You can confirm collection dates throughout the year using the collection calendar and reminder subscriptions at rmwb.ca/calendar.

Municipal landfill

The municipal landfill, including the public drop-off area, will be closed on:

• Dec. 25 - 26, and Jan. 1
• The landfill is open during regular business hours for the rest of the holiday season.
• Regular hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• Details on accepted materials at the landfill and public drop off area are available at rmwb.ca/landfill.

Rural transfer stations

The Conklin and Janvier transfer stations will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Getting around

Transit

Transit will follow the Statutory holiday schedule with routes 1, 2 and 6 and Transit On Demand available on Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1. Find all route information at rmwb.ca/transit.

Winter roads

The Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is open to light vehicles, less than 5,000 kg in weight. Drivers should watch for equipment and crews on the road and expect rough spots. High clearance 4x4 vehicles are highly recommended.

Remember to drive to conditions and follow all signage. The latest updates are available at rmwb.ca/winterroads or by calling the Winter Road Hotline at 1-866-743-6111.

Crews are making good progress, but the La Loche Winter Trail remains closed at this time. 

Drop off your Christmas Tree

Have a real Christmas tree that needs to be disposed of? Christmas tree drop-off locations in Fort McMurray will be open Dec. 26-Jan.15 at the following locations (where signage indicates):

·       Thickwood – Sobey’s

·       Timberlea – Your Independent Grocer

·       Beacon Hill – Frank Lacroix Arena

·       Downtown – Clearwater Drive municipal parking lot at the end of Father Mercredi Street (Parking Lot South of Surekas)

·       Timberlea – Syncrude Athletic Park northeast parking lot (by the outdoor rink)

·       North Parson’s Creek – Heritage Drive parking lot by the skate and spray park

·      Waterways – Howard Pew Park

Office closures

All municipal offices will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1

RCMP and Bylaw

The Timberlea RCMP Detachment front counter will be closed from Dec. 24 to 28, reopening Dec. 29. 

Bylaw Services is closed Dec. 25-26.

Please call Pulse during this time, or if it’s an emergency, call 911.

Enjoy winter fun

There are many free ways to get outside and enjoy winter across the region, including outdoor rinks, skating trails, sliding hills and other seasonal amenities. If you want to get into the holiday spirit, take a walk through Candy Cane Lane at Borealis Park, visit the community Christmas tree, tipi and festive displays at kiyām Community Park or check out one of the other seasonal light displays in the region.  

Municipal Parks staff continue preparing and maintaining winter recreation spaces to ensure they are ready for use throughout the holiday season and the months ahead.

Find more information on outdoor recreation activities at rmwb.ca/parks.

Stay fire safe this Holiday

Make fire safety a priority this holiday season. Regularly check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and be careful not to overload electrical outlets with lights, decorations and appliances.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop and never leave candles unattended! And, if you have a real tree, make sure it’s well watered.

For more holiday fire safety tips visit rmwb.ca/fireprevention. 

For more information on holiday service in the region, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or online Pulse.