RCMP said filling the potholes on Highway 63 was a planned protest and officers were in contact with the protest leader, who “understood that they would be liable for any subsequent damage their road work might cause.”

Mounties said in a email Tuesday that they were satisfied it was a legitimate protest.

“RCMP consulted with the province about an injunction, as we would with other demonstrations, and ultimately no injunction was sought.”

RCMP said officers monitored the protest throughout the day.

“There were a few minor traffic-related issues noted at the beginning, but that was quickly addressed and resolved.”

RCMP said no complaints were received and no charges were laid.

Wood Buffalo Mayor Sandy Bowman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment but said in a social media post that he met with Dreeshen a day before the demonstration.

“As a result of our discussions, Alberta Transportation has committed to accelerating maintenance activities, including pothole repairs, road repairs, highway cleaning and line painting,” the post said.

“The department has also committed to providing public updates every two weeks outlining planned maintenance work, so residents can stay informed.”

Bowman said he and the minister also explored the possibility of Wood Buffalo taking over responsibility of maintaining the highway.

“This could include road repairs, pothole maintenance, cleaning, line painting, and beautification of this important gateway corridor,” he said.

Tarrabin said he got the idea to fill the potholes after his large Hummer and Denali SUVs recently hit some of the craters. He said the cost of fixing one of the vehicles was about $10,000.

He shared his experience on social media, and hundreds of others responded with similar stories. He said the demonstration began with a ceremony led by Indigenous leaders and that about 400 people attended.

“Everyone who was passing by were waving for us, honking for us, dropping water, or dropping doughnuts, coffee, food,” he said.

He said RCMP helped shut a southbound lane on the highway and monitored traffic moving in the second lane.

Once potholes were filled, Tarrabin said officers swapped the lane closure so volunteers could get to the other side.

“We got all the equipment, the waivers, the cones, the lights, the signs, everything,” he said.

And he’s prepared to do it again.

“(Dreeshen) has to listen, or otherwise we can make some noise that he cannot ignore.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2026.

— By Fakiha Baig in Edmonton

The Canadian Press