Grande Prairie’s forests have fueled economic growth for generations, and at the heart of this success is Canadian Forest Products (Canfor). From establishing Alberta’s first plywood mill in the 1950s to operating a state-of-the-art sawmill today, Canfor’s presence in Grande Prairie exemplifies how sustainable forestry drives the local economy. Now, during National Forest Week, Canfor’s story in Grande Prairie stands as a testament to innovation and community partnership.
Deep Roots in Grande Prairie
Canfor began as a small family-run mill in British Columbia in the late 1930s. The company’s venture beyond B.C. brought it to Grande Prairie in 1955, when Canfor acquired Northern Plywood Ltd. – Alberta’s first plywood plant. By the early 1960s, Canfor had merged its Alberta operations (including a local lumber company) into North Canadian Forest Industries.
In 1965, Canfor took the innovative step of centralizing its sawmill and plywood facilities in Grande Prairie. This move improved efficiency by using sawmill waste to produce pulp chips, and it set the stage for decades of expansion. Through the 1970s and beyond, continuous upgrades and investments in the mill secured Canfor’s role as a cornerstone of the region’s forest industry.
This year, Canfor is celebrating 60 years in Grande Prairie, a milestone that reflects the company’s lasting presence in the community and its ongoing role as a leader in forestry. For six decades, Canfor has been part of the city’s growth story, creating jobs, advancing sustainability, and investing in the people and places that make Grande Prairie strong.
Why Grande Prairie?
Grande Prairie offered Canfor a strategic location with rich forest resources and strong community support. The surrounding boreal forest provides abundant spruce and pine – ideal for lumber production – and the city emerged as an industrial hub with transportation links and a skilled workforce. Early on, the Alberta government supported sustainable forestry here through a long-term Forest Management Agreement in 1964, ensuring Canfor’s access to timber for the long term. These factors made Grande Prairie an ideal base for Canfor’s operations.
The company and the city grew together, with Canfor benefiting from the region’s resources and infrastructure while Grande Prairie gained jobs and investment from the forestry sector.
Innovation and Sustainability
Canfor has consistently invested in innovation to remain at the forefront of the industry. The Grande Prairie mill today is highly automated – local students who toured the facility “saw firsthand how technology transforms logs into various types of boards” with precision. Company-wide, “innovation drives everything we do,” from advanced milling techniques to new product development. For example, Canfor’s research teams are developing wood-based alternatives to plastic and turning wood waste into biochar – initiatives that reduce waste and open new markets.
Sustainability is equally paramount. Canfor replants every tree it harvests; in 2024 alone, it planted 62 million seedlings (over 1 billion in the past 20 years). All forests under Canfor’s management are certified to rigorous sustainable forestry standards. The company also uses renewable bioenergy for much of its power – about 80% of energy in its operations comes from wood residuals and other renewable sources. In 2022, Canfor went further by pledging net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. These efforts position Canfor as a leader in climate-smart forestry and help ensure the long-term health of local forests.
Community Impact and Partnership
Canfor’s Grande Prairie operations are a major driver of the local economy. The mill directly employs nearly 200 people and supports many more jobs in logging and trucking. Forestry remains a cornerstone of the area’s economy – roughly 2,500 jobs in the region are tied to the forest sector. These jobs have helped diversify the local economy.
Beyond employment, Canfor strives to be a good neighbour in Grande Prairie. Through its Good Things Come From Trees program, the company invests in local charities and initiatives, targeting about $2 million in community donations annually. Canfor has supported educational programs, recreational facilities, and environmental projects. Many Canfor employees volunteer in local causes and stewardship efforts. This community-minded approach has strengthened the bond between Canfor and the city.
This year’s 60th anniversary of Canfor’s operations in Grande Prairie is more than just a company milestone — it’s a community one. It reflects the lasting partnership between Canfor and the City of Grande Prairie, built on shared values of sustainability, innovation, and resilience. As National Forest Week highlights the importance of forests to our lives, Canfor’s six decades here stand as a proud example of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship – ensuring that the forests of Grande Prairie will continue to support jobs, innovation, and a vibrant community for generations to come.