Wood Buffalo RCMP pilot change delivery to help southern community residents

May 1, 2026 - Fort McMurray, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Fort McMurray, Alta. – Wood Buffalo RCMP have made some significant changes in service delivery to better serve southern detachment area residents. Beginning Apr. 20, 2026, Wood Buffalo RCMP members returned to residing in the communities where they work as part of a six-month pilot project. RCMP members last lived in the area prior to 2009 and since then, have commuted from Fort McMurray into Janvier, Chard, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation and Conklin daily to address calls for service. While these communities always had access to policing services 24/7, there were times when delays in response were noted. 

With support from the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee (CRDAC), Eastern Alberta District Officer Chief Superintendent Mark Hancock, Acting Officer in Charge of Wood Buffalo, Inspector Troy Switzer and K Division Real Property Asset Management, RCMP members are now residing full-time in the community. This change was made with the hope that there will be a noticeable change in response times to calls for service, increased Police visibility, all while working to build on our valuable relationships in both the Indigenous and rural communities throughout the area. Following the six-month pilot, information will be gathered from the community members and the RCMP. This will assist in determining if this change in service delivery will be made permanent. 

In the first nine days since the change in delivery, RCMP members have responded to 52 calls for service ranging from general assistance files, a break and enter and two reported arsons. During this past week’s heavy snowfall, RCMP members stepped up to assist a resident of Chipewyan Prairie First Nation when they were unable to get into their residence due to the snow. Other members are actively engaged in discussions with Regional Emergency Services to participate in joint training in the area and are working on a program to deliver sports at the schools. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the RCMP for establishing a presence in Conklin. This is a significant and long-awaited step forward for our community. For years, our residents have expressed the need for better local policing and faster response times. Today, that request has been answered. We look forward to building a close and collaborative relationship with the officers who will serve here. On behalf of the entire CRDAC and all residents of Conklin, I want to sincerely thank the RCMP for making this happen,” said Scott Duguid, CEO of CRDAC.

“We are thankful for the support from the community to return to living in the area. Our members have reported how welcome they feel and are excited to join the community. We are hopeful this change in service delivery will help to re-establish community connections, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and increase confidence and trust in the RCMP. “says Inspector Troy Switzer, Acting Officer in charge of Wood Buffalo. 

To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. 

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