Drayton Valley – September 21, 2026 -- Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) has committed $1 million in multi-year investment to Drayton Valley, Alberta, marking the first Canadian community selected for its Thrive rural-development program.
Weyerhaeuser designates Drayton Valley as first Canadian Thrive community
The investment will be deployed over several years with input from local officials, business leaders, nonprofits and employees. Weyerhaeuser has operated a sawmill in the town of roughly 8,000 people, located 90 minutes southwest of Edmonton, for nearly 40 years, following a $23 million production-upgrade investment announced in 2013.
Sawmill and forestry operations employ 450, making Weyerhaeuser the region's top employer
The company operates six manufacturing facilities across Canada and employs approximately 450 people through the Drayton Valley sawmill and surrounding forestry operations. CEO Devin W. Stockfish said the company has a responsibility to help rural operating communities remain viable places to live and work for generations.
Drayton Valley Mayor Nancy Dodds called the selection a reflection of a trusted, long-term partnership and said the town will work with Weyerhaeuser leaders to identify priority needs.
Thrive investments in prior communities targeted infrastructure, housing and education
Weyerhaeuser launched Thrive in 2023 to support five rural operating communities across North America, with Drayton Valley marking the fourth selection. In Zwolle, Louisiana (2023), ballfield improvements have been completed and water infrastructure upgrades are progressing. Raymond, Washington (2024), launched a workforce housing initiative earlier this year, while Buckhannon, West Virginia (2025), is in early discussions on STEAM education opportunities.
Nancy Thompson, senior director of Advocacy and Philanthropy, said the company will engage community organizations and partners in the coming weeks to determine where the Drayton Valley investment can have the greatest impact. Weyerhaeuser plans to name its fifth and final initial Thrive community later this year.