THE TURNING POINTS OF BUSINESS

ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCTER & GAMBLE PULP MILL

With the establishment of the pulp and paper mill in 1971, business in Grande Prairie and area seemed to be elevated to another level.  Complimenting the Canfor lumber mill, many people from outside the region relocated to Grande Prairie as a result, and the industry as a whole has since provided a footing for spin-off business and economic development. The mill was sold to Weyerhaeuser in 1991 and together with Canfor and Ainsworth, which was established in 1995, the industry in the region employs up to 2,400 people both directly and indirectly through contract work.

OPENING OF THE PRAIRIE MALL

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GRANDE PRAIRIE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Established in September of 1967, the Commission was made up of Chamber, City, and County representatives. Operating through the late sixties and early seventies, the IDC spearheaded many initiatives through letter-writing campaigns, personal lobbying efforts, and trade missions. Some examples of efforts included lobbying for a roadway south of Grande Prairie to Grande Cache (now Highway 40), supporting Time Air’s application to begin flying to and from Grande Prairie in 1972, and working to enhance agricultural opportunities in the area through construction of a storage and drying facility and a meat-packing plant in 1969.