Public repair campaign planned for Highway 63, police issue warning to attendees

An RCMP cruiser. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton)

Mounties say they are aware of a social media campaign urging residents to complete highway maintenance work on Highway 63 in Fort McMurray.

The campaign is planned for Friday.

In a news release on Thursday, police say they respect the public’s right to protest but cautioned that being on the roadway can pose significant risks to protestors, drivers, and others using the road.

“Wood Buffalo RCMP will be monitoring this planned protest and will take necessary enforcement action to maintain public safety as required. RCMP encourage the public to report any concerns,” police wrote.

“Wood Buffalo RCMP would like to remind the public that penalties for impeding traffic on the highway may lead to being ticketed under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and charged under the Criminal Code.”

RCMP are asking people not to disrupt or impede traffic, park vehicles on the highway, including the shoulder or the ditch, or interfere with infrastructure.

They’re asking the public to report any unsafe behaviour to Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788‐4000 or 310-RCMP (7267).