Following the May 29 crash on O’Chiese Road that claimed four lives, Yellowhead MP William Stevenson is calling on the federal government to immediately fund long-requested improvements.
Speaking in the House of Commons on June 3, Stevenson said he travelled the road earlier this spring and described its condition as atrocious.
“No more procrastination — I call on this Liberal government to work with Clearwater County and the province of Alberta to finally provide its share of funding to make O’Chiese Road safe,” he said.
Stevenson said he previously delivered a binder to the federal government, at the request of O’Chiese First Nation, outlining concerns and hazards on the road. He said no action was taken.
The two-vehicle collision claimed the lives of a 74-year-old man and a 51-year-old man from Rocky Mountain House, as well as two girls aged five and six from O’Chiese First Nation. Several other people were taken to hospital with injuries.
Requests for road improvements date back years
In 2023, Clearwater County reached an agreement with the Alberta government to pave O’Chiese Road, with the expectation costs would be split three ways among the county, provincial and federal governments.
Three years ago, paving the entire 16.7-kilometre stretch was estimated to cost $24 million.
Since then, however, estimates for improving the road have increased steadily with costs pegged at $25 million in 2025 and $26.4 million in 2026.
The ballooning costs prompted Clearwater County to decide in March to cap its contribution at $8 million.
In his remarks, Stevenson echoed local frustrations, saying repeated requests for assistance have fallen on deaf ears through the tenures of multiple federal ministers.
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Federal government response
In an emailed response, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) expressed condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the recent crash in Clearwater County.
The department said the federal government takes road safety seriously and is committed to working with its partners to help prevent tragedies like those that have occurred on O’Chiese Road.
HICC said funding programs are available to support priorities such as critical rural roads and highway infrastructure projects. The department added it will continue working with provinces, territories and municipalities to support infrastructure improvements.
The department also highlighted recent investments in O’Chiese First Nation, including more than $12 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to build a new bridge serving the community.
The project, announced in 2024, aimed to replace the century-old single lane Baptiste River bridge with a two-lane road. It also included the realignment of two 500-metre sections of Range Road 94A leading to and from the new crossing. Officials say the work is intended to help maintain access during increasingly frequent and severe flooding events.
According to HICC, the new bridge will also be capable of supporting heavier vehicles and equipment during flood conditions.
The department noted it is also providing $50,000 to O’Chiese First Nation through the Active Transportation Fund under the Canada Public Transit Fund to help improve pedestrian safety within the community.
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RELATED
- O’Chiese First Nation, feds combine for $17.1 million infrastructure investment
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O’Chiese First Nation Chief Phyllis Whitford has previously said the road is critical because it provides residents with access to Rocky Mountain House for groceries, medical appointments and other essential services.
Calls for improvements intensified after heavy rains in July 2025 left portions of the road nearly impassable.
The May 29 collision remains under investigation.
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