Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

05/31/2026

Fort Chipewyan Water Treatment Plant Update - (Fort McMurray, AB – May 31, 2026, 2 p.m.)

The Water Conservation Advisory for the Fort Chipewyan municipal water system remains in effect at this time. Although residents are being asked to limit their water use, water quality has not been affected and there is no active boil water advisory – the municipal water treatment plant continues to produce potable water that meets drinking water standards.

RMWB leadership members remain in close contact with community leadership. Mikisew Cree First Nation has graciously offered the use of the Allison Bay water treatment plant for the truck fill. There is also a water fill station available to community members with 18-liter containers.
The Municipality is providing bottled water (two flats per household) at the municipal building until 5 p.m. today. The enhanced municipal water monitoring program is ongoing, and results continue to be shared with community leadership and posted at https://ow.ly/ANe550Z5XEY

Why is a Water Conservation Advisory still needed?
Changes in raw water quality from the lake, including an increase in fine suspended particles and organic material, are challenging the water treatment process and temporarily reducing the volume of water that can be treated.

The Municipality is actively monitoring the situation and is working with a third-party expert to make water treatment adjustments. The need for the Water Conservation Advisory will be reviewed again on Monday.

Fort Chipewyan residents are asked to temporarily limit showering, laundry and washing dishes to allow for the water treatment plant to rebuild water levels in the reservoir. Do not fill jugs, bathtubs, and other containers with municipal water. Do not shut off bleeders.

For more details go to our website: https://ow.ly/lPRl50Z5XEX

05/31/2026

The Evacuation Alert has been lifted for Conklin. Alberta Wildfire reports that Wildfire LWF-059 is being held and is not expected to grow beyond its current boundaries.

There is also significant rain in the forecast and Alberta Wildfire has adequate resources, including crews, earth moving equipment, helicopters and air tankers working to suppress this wildfire.

Stay informed with trusted sources this wildfire season. See the news release for more:

The Evacuation Alert has been lifted for Conklin. Alberta Wildfire reports that Wildfire MWF-059 is being held and is not expected to grow beyond its current boundaries.

05/30/2026

Conklin Community Update - Wildfire LWF-059
May 30, 2026, 4:30 p.m.

Wildfire LWF-059 remains approximately 10 km southwest of Conklin. Alberta Wildfire reports that firefighters, a night vision equipped helicopter and machines worked on this wildfire overnight.

At the time of this report, the wildfire remained out of control but had not moved closer to the community. Firefighters, airtankers and helicopters with buckets were continuing suppression efforts today. Heavy rain is expected tomorrow which will help firefighters in suppression efforts.

An evacuation alert remains in effect. While there is no immediate danger for the community, people in Conklin should be prepared to leave on short notice. If you are in Conklin area, stay alert and follow instructions from emergency responders. At this time an Evacuation Order has not been issued.

Alberta Wildfire is leading the response and has crews, heavy equipment and helicopters working on this fire. Subscribe to receive Lac La Biche Forest Area Updates for the most recent updates on the fire.

Regional Emergency Services is in close contact with Alberta Wildfire and Conklin community leadership and has resources on standby if needed. Industry partner, Cenovus also has firefighting resources and crews available. RCMP and Bylaw Services presence has been enhanced in the community.

Several other fires are burning in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Wildfire smoke can travel long distances and conditions can change quickly. Anyone experiencing symptoms from smoke should call Health Link at 811. To check where the smoke is coming from, visit https://ow.ly/CbBe50Z5U09

Wildfire smoke may impact driving conditions on Highway 881. Check 511 Alberta to find up-to-date information on the status of Highway 63, 881 and all highways in the province: 511.alberta.ca

The next community update will be issued when there is new information to share.
For questions or further information, call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663. Read the full notice online: https://ow.ly/6QJ550Z5U0b

05/30/2026

(May 30, 2026, 2:30 p.m.) – A Water Conservation Advisory remains in effect at this time but water supply issues at the municipal Fort Chipewyan Water Treatment Plant have improved.

Water quality has not been affected and there is no active boil water advisory – the municipal water treatment plant continues to produce potable water that meets drinking water standards.

Crews have worked around-the-clock to resolve the process issue that has temporarily reduced the volume of treatable water. Treatment plant reservoirs are refilling but it is important for everyone in the community to continue to conserve water to ensure supply is available for essential needs. More work will be needed to keep treated water levels in a sustainable range.

RMWB leadership, including the CAO and representatives from Environmental Services and Indigenous & Rural Relations, met with several community leaders today to answer questions.

Fort Chipewyan residents are asked to temporarily limit showering, laundry and washing dishes to allow for the water treatment plant to rebuild water levels in the reservoir. With community support, we can help ensure enough water is available for essential needs at this time. Do not fill jugs, bathtubs, and other containers with municipal water.

At this time, do not shut off bleeders. The underground is still frozen in many areas and pipes could freeze, causing more problems.
Regular updates and more information can be found on our website: https://ow.ly/t27750Z5TIw

05/30/2026

(May 29, 11 p.m.) A Water Conservation Advisory is in effect for Fort Chipewyan. Everyone in the community must conserve water to ensure supply is available for essential needs.

At this time, water quality is not affected. Further water advisories may be issued but are not in effect now. These measures are temporary as crews work around-the-clock to resolve the issue.

Emergency Management teams have plans in place to support the community if additional water advisories are issued. The Municipal truck fill is temporarily closed.

Fort Chipewyan residents are asked to temporarily avoid showering, doing laundry and washing dishes to allow for the water treatment plant to rebuild water levels in the reservoir.

With community support, we can help ensure enough water is available for essential needs at this time. Do not fill jugs, bathtubs, and other containers with municipal water. This may significantly impact the availability of water for the entire community.

At this time, do not shut off bleeders. The underground is still frozen in many areas and pipes could freeze, causing more problems.

Details on water distribution to be shared tomorrow. Watch for future updates.

Regular updates and more information can be found on our website: https://ow.ly/o4wm50Z5QEe

05/30/2026

Given the Evacuation Alert now in place for Conklin, we have chosen to postpone tomorrow’s wildfire commemoration events in Conklin and Janvier.

We understand that many residents are concentrating on readiness and supporting their community, and we want to respect that focus. We will look ahead to rescheduling with our partners and reconnecting when it is more suitable for everyone.

05/30/2026

An Evacuation Alert has been issued for Conklin due to the potential of the wildfire LWF059 spreading towards the community. If you are in Conklin area stay alert and follow instructions from emergency responders.

At this time an Evacuation Order has not been issued. Residents in the affected area should be ready to leave on short notice.

Read the release for more:

An Evacuation Alert has been issued for Conklin due to the potential of the wildfire LWF059 spreading towards the community. If you are in Conklin area stay alert and follow instructions from emergency responders.

05/30/2026

Alberta Wildfire is responding to Wildfire LWF 059 currently six kilometres southwest of Conklin. Alberta Wildfire is prioritizing resources for this wildfire and report that the wildfire may impact Highway 881 north of the community. An Evacuation Alert has been issued for Conklin. At this time, an Evacuation Order has not been issued.

Regional Emergency Services is supporting with firefighting resources and municipal officials remain in close contact with Alberta Wildfire. Find up-to-date information on the status of this wildfire by downloading the Alberta Wildfire app and subscribe to receive Lac LaBiche Forest Area Updates. To report wildfires in the forested area, call 310-FIRE (3473)

05/29/2026

📣Attention Social Service and Youth Groups, let your mission shine bright at the Canada Day Parade! 🎉

🍁We invite you to register a float to showcase your mission, engage with residents, and bring your passion to center stage—all while celebrating this great nation!

🏆Your float could be the highlight of the parade! If you are voted by the community as the best float in one of four categories, you win $1000 towards your non-profit!

🔗Register today at https://ow.ly/pnH850Z5qz9

05/29/2026

Yard Waste Collection Update

If your yard waste has not yet been collected, please leave your bags at the curb. Crews are continuing collections through the weekend and will be working to complete pickups as quickly as possible.

For information on yard waste collection, accepted materials, and free landfill drop-off options, visit https://ow.ly/6KMF50Z5LNF.

Thank you for your patience.