The past two years have been a challenging period for the entire world, including GAER. With an industry driven by natural resources, we are as vulnerable to economic downturn as any region, although our forward thinking and adaptive spirit have insulated us from the worst of it.
Downsizing
Oil and Gas
Dropping oil prices made it difficult for some GAER businesses in our area to continue running at 100%. Some slow-downs were experienced at all levels, bringing about temporary layoffs.
Some Oil and Gas service companies have closed or reduced their workforce within the past year (trucking; oilfield service, etc).
Forestry
Mountain Pine Beetle and fluctuations in the soft lumber industry required that some mills and service companies downsize between 2007-2009.
Expansion
Drayton Valley's Bio-Mile
Rather than view the closure of the Weyerhaeuser's Drayton Valley OSB facility as a detriment, the Town of Drayton Valley worked hard to create new opportunities. Working together with local entrepreneurs, a proposal was made to use bio-waste from existing industry to create new products, and along with it new jobs and opportunities.
Announced in January 2009, this project has already gained strong footing and is attracting like-minded businesses and industry to the area.
See Success Stories
See Shaping Innovation in the Fibre Industry
Learn More
Obed Mountain Mine Re-Opens
Slow economic times closed down this mine just east of Hinton several years ago, but it's doors re-opened in 2009 bringing with it an influx of more than $10 million and 115 jobs. This announcement by Obed Mountain Mine's new owner Sherritt Coal struck a chord of optimism throughout the region. The Obed mine produces thermal coal, which is used for heating and energy production.