By Shelley Winger
Residents of Swan Hills will have an opportunity to learn more about forestry activity
planned for the upcoming season when West Fraser (Blue Ridge Lumber), ANC Timber
(Alberta Newsprint Company) and Canfor host a joint open house in the community on
May 7.
The event is part of a regional series of public sessions being held to share forestry
operating plans for the 2026–2027 season and to give residents, land users and
stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback before work begins.
The Swan Hills open house will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Keyano Centre
meeting room, 5632 Main St.
Representatives from the forestry companies will be available throughout the evening to
discuss planned road development, harvesting areas, hauling routes, reforestation
efforts and herbicide treatment programs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to
review maps and speak directly with planners about how operations may affect specific
locations.
Organizers are encouraging residents to attend, particularly those who use local trails,
camping areas and other recreation spaces that may be affected by forestry operations
in the coming year. Community input is welcomed on any site-specific concerns,
including access routes, land use and recreational areas.
Public open houses such as this play an important role in Alberta’s forest management
process, providing a space for two-way communication between industry and the
communities that live and work on the land. Local knowledge from residents—such as
commonly used trails, hunting areas or seasonal access concerns—can help inform
planning and reduce potential conflicts.
Forestry remains a key part of the regional economy, supporting jobs and contributing to
local communities. At the same time, companies are required to operate within
provincial regulations that focus on sustainable practices, including reforestation, wildlife
habitat protection and long-term forest health.
The joint open houses are intended to provide the public with a clearer understanding of
how forestry operations are planned and managed across the region, while also
allowing companies to gather local knowledge from residents who regularly use the
land. The sessions also give companies an opportunity to explain how harvested areas
are regenerated and how planning decisions are made over multiple years.
Additional open houses will be held in Fox Creek on May 4, Whitecourt on May 5 and
Edson on May 6, offering similar opportunities for residents in those communities to
learn about forestry activity in their areas.
For those unable to attend in person, forestry plans will also be available online through
the participating companies’ websites, allowing residents to review information and stay
informed even if they cannot attend the sessions.
The upcoming session offers Swan Hills residents an opportunity to stay informed about
work taking place in the surrounding forest areas and to share feedback on issues
important to the community before plans move ahead.