RCMP Cruiser, photo taken Sept 11, 2025 by Jon Tupper
FORT McMURRAY — Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Wood Buffalo have launched a pilot project aimed at improving service in southern communities by having officers live where they work.
Beginning April 20, officers returned to residing full-time in communities including Janvier, Chard, Conklin and Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, marking a shift from years of commuting from Fort McMurray.
Police say the six-month pilot is intended to improve response times, increase visibility and strengthen relationships in rural and Indigenous communities.
Officials note that while policing services were available around the clock, response delays were sometimes reported due to travel distances.
In the first nine days of the pilot, officers responded to 52 calls for service, including general assistance, a break and enter and two reported arsons.
RCMP members also assisted residents during a recent snowfall and are working with regional emergency services on joint training, along with exploring new community programming such as school sports initiatives.
Inspector Troy Switzer says officers have been welcomed by residents and the initiative is expected to help rebuild trust and strengthen community connections.
Scott Duguid, chief executive of the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee, says the move addresses long-standing concerns about local policing and response times.
The RCMP say feedback from communities and officers will be gathered over the course of the pilot to determine whether the changes should be made permanent.
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