RMWB Bylaw Services ramps up summer enforcement of community standards across the region

(Fort McMurray— July 13, 2026) Everyone in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo has a role in keeping their community safe, clean and welcoming for all. This summer, the Municipality is increasing education and enforcement on the Community Standards Bylaw across the region and residents and businesses are responding. 

So far in 2026, Bylaw officers have investigated 843 Community Standards files. Of those, 44 per cent are related to nuisance property concerns including untidy properties, overgrown grass and weeds, boulevard maintenance, water runoff, and other public nuisance violations.

Increased Bylaw enforcement for commercial properties 

This year, Bylaw Services is increasing education and enforcement of Community Standards for commercial properties and the numbers reflect a significant increase in activity compared to this time last year:

That’s 74 per cent more enforcement actions than the same period in 2025 to address commercial properties not in compliance with the Community Standards Bylaw. These actions were taken to address issues such as potholes and untidy properties. 

Even with the higher volume, voluntary compliance remains Bylaw Services top priority and many property owners are stepping up before a formal order is even needed. In 2025, 17 of 27 properties came into voluntary compliance. This year, 39 of 47 identified properties have already come into compliance, with active outreach continuing.

About the Community Standards Bylaw

The Community Standards Bylaw sets out what property owners and occupants are responsible for to keep their homes, businesses and shared spaces safe and presentable. 

That includes things like keeping grass and weeds below 15 cm (6 inches) in height, including the boulevard strip between the sidewalk and the road, as well as managing waste properly, controlling water runoff and maintaining the general upkeep of both developed and vacant lots.

Whether you own a home, rent, or run a business in the region, the bylaw applies to you. Take a few minutes to read it, you may be surprised by what falls under your responsibility.

Read the Community Standards Bylaw and learn more at rmwb.ca/communitystandards.

See Something? Say Something

Residents play a key role in community standards. If you spot a bylaw concern in your neighbourhood, you can report it through Pulse, either online at rmwb.ca/Pulse or by calling 780-743-7000.

Bylaw Services thanks everyone across Wood Buffalo who has taken steps to comply voluntarily. Your effort makes our communities better for all of us.

-30-