Hello readers!
Today I wanted to give you some insight about how forestry has been a part of my life while living in Whitecourt, Alberta. I was born and raised here so I know the ins and outs of this forest town pretty well. Whitecourt is known for its forests and the jobs they provide here. Millar Western and ANC are both longstanding successful pulp mills which provide many jobs to the community.
My father has worked for Millar Western for 21 years so I have been involved with many of their events throughout my lifetime. I remember attending the annual Millar BBQ when I was just nine years old, and now that I work for Millar, I help set up and work the BBQ! I also remember touring the mill many times as a child, so now, working there myself is a pretty cool full circle moment. The forestry industry has provided a stable career for my father for the past 21 years. It is exciting that the industry is now able to help me provide for myself as a young adult attending university.
I grew up playing hockey, and for many years my local team, along with others, would be sponsored by the various forestry companies in our area. Millar Western sponsors many activities and events as a way to help positively impact the community and give back. My mother and I work at the Allan and Jean Millar centre, which was named after the Millars due to their many contributions to the community. Millar Western is very involved in both the community and my own personal life.
Whitecourt is also known as the place “where the rivers meet” because the McLeod flows into the Athabasca river and becomes one here. The pulp mill uses river water to create pulp and then we release treated effluent back into the river to reduce the mill's environmental impact. The river provides many fun activities for hot summer days like tubing, boating, and fishing.
Living in a small forestry town provides many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and experience unique activities that you wouldn’t be able to experience elsewhere. I provided a short clip of my summer so far in nature and at work. I am very excited to document my summer and some fun Whitecourt activities that I partake in!
See you next time!
%2C%20Percy%20Guichon%20(right).JPG)
