Page 3 - WRLA

Photo Credit - Burrows Lumber
They’ve gone through a lot of adjustments. I’m
grateful for the way they continue to support the
work we are doing, contributing to our advocacy
efforts and even just calling from time-to-time to
share their challenges. We may not have been able
to see each other but we were still able to work
together and accomplish some really great things in
a really tough year.”
A 130-YEAR HISTORY
Facing challenges is nothing new for the WRLA and
its members. Founded in 1890 by Theo A. Burrows,
who started his first lumber company in 1879 in
Winnipeg, the Association’s inception was rooted
in the belief that companies within the lumber and
building supply chain could better succeed if they
shared business experiences. At the time, there was
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a large influx of families coming from the United
States and Europe to settle in Western Canada, and
these families needed homes, schools, barns, stores
and hospitals to be built. The Association served as
a valuable resource for the very specific challenges
and opportunities of the lumber industry.
ADVOCATING FOR THE
INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT
Staying true to its roots, the Association continues
to serve its ever-growing membership by bringing
lumber retailers and other participants in the
building supply industry together in a learning
environment. But going one step further, the WRLA
of today is working to position itself as an advocate
to bridge the gap between its member companies
and their respective provincial governments as well