News | April 2, 2026

For Immediate Release

Statement in response to “Court injunction stops bulldozer use on winter roads in Dene Tha” from Mackenzie County Reeve, Josh Knelsen

There was no court injunction to stop bulldozer use, Mackenzie County agreed to a Consent Order in good faith to stop works until the matter is heard by the Court.

Mackenzie County received approved dispositions for winter trail use. All Albertans are free to travel on Crown lands without prior approval, Mackenzie County applied for the ability to maintain the trail to public lakes for the enjoyment of all Albertans.

All activities on the landscape have been through the appropriate channels. The opening of the trail was done to remove debris, and deadfall such as burn from fires on existing cutlines.

Mackenzie County was in active consultation with Dene Tha First Nation (DTFN) and other local nations regarding the winter trail since 2023, which was concluded in 2025.

The Aboriginal Consultation Office deemed adequacy on all records of consultation. DTFN did not identify any specific areas of significance or suggest alternative routes. Their only offered mitigation was the removal of all Albertans off the landscape other than their band members. DTFN did not accept offers to meet Council to Council, or to work together on a solution.

The existing winter road to Bistcho Lake was in receivership and was fairly sold to Mackenzie County in public auction. The construction of the winter road to Bistcho Lake has been conducted solely by Dene Tha First Nation, without notification to Mackenzie County or approval from Mackenzie County.

Josh Knelsen

Reeve, Mackenzie County