The Town of Drayton Valley has adopted a new “Wood First” policy that will make wood the preferred material for construction in all town-funded building projects.
Town council approved the policy on May 7, following a recommendation from its Economic Development and Education Advocacy Committee. The move aligns with the town’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and economic support for Alberta’s forestry sector.
The policy, known officially as C-03-25, requires that wood be considered as the primary building or energy production material in the design and construction of any municipal building or major addition — wherever practical and consistent with Alberta’s building codes.
The goal, according to a package presented to town council, is to promote the use of wood in local construction, support nearby sawmills, and foster a “community culture of wood.”
Under the new rules, companies bidding on town-funded projects will need to outline how they plan to use wood in their proposals. Projects that maximize or demonstrate innovative use of wood, or show a higher level of expertise in wood construction, may receive favourable consideration.
The package also states that failure of a proponent to provide a detailed description of how wood will be used in the design of a town-funded project may result in a proposal not being considered.
The policy was developed after a presentation to council by the Alberta Forest Products Association earlier this year.
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