RMWB Seeks Public Input on Abasand OHV Pilot Project
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is calling on residents to share their thoughts on the Abasand Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Pilot Project as it nears its one-year mark. The pilot project, which allows OHV users to drive on designated roadways within the Abasand subdivision to access staging areas, was introduced to improve the OHV user experience, enhance safety on multi-use trails, and reduce damage to municipal greenspaces. In other neighborhoods, the use of recreational vehicles on roadways remains prohibited.
The municipality is now seeking public feedback to evaluate the project’s effectiveness and determine whether its goals have been met. Residents can share their opinions and experiences through online surveys, by phone, or in person at a community open house on March 6 at Father Beauregard School from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The feedback period runs until March 12.
The Abasand OHV Pilot Project Bylaw was designed to address several key issues, including improving the experience for OHV users, increasing safety on shared trails, and minimizing damage to local greenspaces. The RMWB is asking residents whether these objectives have been achieved and how the project has impacted the community.
Feedback collected during this period will be reviewed by the municipality and presented to Council for consideration. Based on input received so far, a recommendation to improve the bylaw will be presented this spring, including potential adjustments to better align provincial and municipal fire bans.
Residents can participate in several ways. Online, they can complete a quick poll or survey and explore a virtual open house at rmwb.ca/ohvpilot. To stay informed, residents can click “+Follow” on the project page. By phone, they can call Pulse at 780-743-7000 to complete the survey. In person, they can attend the community open house on March 6 at Father Beauregard School to speak directly with the OHV Working Group.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to register as delegates to speak at the bylaw’s second reading. Information on how to register is available at rmwb.ca/council.
For more information or questions, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or visit rmwb.ca/pulse.
The RMWB emphasizes that public feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of OHV use in the region, urging residents to make their voices heard before the March 12 deadline.
