Fort McMurray Residents Take Matters into Their Own Hands Amid Pothole Crisis

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Frustrated by the deteriorating condition of Highway 63, a group of Fort McMurray residents led by businessman Mohamed Tarrabin took to the streets to fill potholes, threatening further civil disobedience if government action is not taken.

FORT MCMURRAY, ALTA. — A local businessman has taken a stand against the worsening conditions of a vital Alberta highway, initiating a protest that involved volunteers filling potholes. Mohamed Tarrabin, a resident of Fort McMurray, expressed his frustration over Highway 63, the primary route linking the northeastern oilsands city to Edmonton, stating that the potholes are in a dire state. With some describing the road as resembling a war zone, the depths of the holes reach up to 15 centimeters. On June 12, Tarrabin, along with approximately 80 volunteers skilled in construction, filled around 200 potholes along a two-kilometer stretch of the highway. The protest was conducted with the supervision of the RCMP, who managed traffic during the event.
"People are fed up with this," Tarrabin stated during a phone interview. He emphasized the importance of Fort McMurray to the Canadian economy, referring to it as the "heart and engine of the economy in Canada," and criticized the government for neglecting the road. He highlighted the economic significance of Highway 63, noting that it handles billions of dollars in traffic daily. "(Alberta is) taking taxpayer money, and we are funding the government. We are paying the salary of this minister. He’s only good at lip services and empty promises," Tarrabin added.
In response, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen’s office acknowledged that Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors has been actively working on pothole repairs along Highway 63. They mentioned that since April 1, approximately 120,000 kilograms of pothole repairs have been completed within the urban service area, much of which was done overnight to limit traffic disruptions. More extensive paving work is anticipated throughout the summer.
However, Tarrabin remains unsatisfied with the government's response, stating that if the remaining potholes along the 200-kilometer stretch to Wandering River are not addressed by July, he is prepared to organize further protests. He cited the long-standing appeals from residents to the government, which he feels have gone unanswered.
The Alberta Highways Development and Protection Act stipulates that obstructing or depositing materials on a highway without justification is an offense. RCMP clarified that the filling of potholes was a planned protest, and while they had considered an injunction, none was pursued. Officers monitored the event, which was largely peaceful, with no charges filed.
Wood Buffalo Mayor Sandy Bowman did not immediately provide comments but indicated on social media that he had met with Dreeshen prior to the protest. Following their discussions, Alberta Transportation agreed to accelerate maintenance activities, including pothole repairs and road cleaning. The department has also committed to providing bi-weekly updates on ongoing maintenance work.
Tarrabin’s initiative was inspired by personal experiences with damage to his vehicles, including a repair cost of approximately $10,000 after hitting potholes. His call to action resonated with many, as hundreds shared similar grievances online. The demonstration included a ceremonial aspect led by Indigenous leaders, attracting about 400 attendees. Participants received support from passersby, who offered refreshments and encouragement.
With the RCMP’s assistance, a southbound lane on the highway was closed to facilitate the repair work while ensuring traffic could still flow on the remaining lane. Tarrabin expressed his determination to continue advocating for change, stating, "(Dreeshen) has to listen, or otherwise we can make some noise that he cannot ignore."

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