Friday, March 22, 2013 12:15 PM

Original Source: British Columbia Newsroom

PRINCE GEORGE – PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. (PCL) has been selected as the preferred proponent to design and build the Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) in downtown Prince George.

The team integrates a number of design and construction companies, including:

PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
Michael Green Architecture Inc.
Equilibrium Consulting Inc.
B.R. Thorson Consulting Ltd.
RDH Building Engineering Ltd.
MMM Group Ltd.
Opus DaytonKnight Consultants Ltd.
Equity Plumbing + Heating Ltd.
Houle Electric Limited

The centre, of which 100 per cent of the primary structure will be wood, is expected to showcase British Columbia’s expertise and global reputation as a leader in wood construction and design and engineered wood products. The preferred proponent team proposed a design that effectively uses a full complement of wood from all corners of British Columbia, including Douglas-fir, cedar, hemlock, pine and spruce. Engineered wood products used in the design, such as glulam columns and beams, cross-laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber, are produced in B.C.

The team focused on creating a repeatable design solution that could be replicated in other building projects. The design is flexible and cost-effective to enhance repeatability and it is expected to expand the market potential for B.C. wood products, both structurally and as a finishing material.

The winning proposal was selected by an evaluation team comprised of leading experts in wood building design and construction, environment, engineering and other technical areas.

The WIDC will be built in downtown Prince George on a site selected and donated by the City of Prince George. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2013 and finish by fall 2014.

Programming provided in the WIDC will advance the Province’s Wood First agenda and bring together professionals such as builders, architects, designers and engineers to advance the commercialization of value-added wood building and design products. The WIDC will house wood-related research facilities and classes with the University of Northern British Columbia or another public post-secondary institution, as well as office space for industry and potentially provincial use.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of a Tall Wood Building Construction chair at the WIDC – it will be working to establish an endowment of $2.25 million to support the chair and their research in development, marketing and commercialization of innovative wood products.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell –

“Our government is very excited to announce the design team who will build the long-awaited Wood Innovation and Design Centre – a building that is not only going to revitalize the downtown area of Prince George downtown, but will showcase B.C.’s wood products to the world.”

MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond –

“The successful proponent will have work underway shortly on an innovative building that utilizes wood products from all around British Columbia. This structure will also help expand market potential for B.C. wood products in other building projects.”

Acting Mayor for the City of Prince George Dave Wilbur –

“Today’s announcement signals an important step towards achievement of our community’s vision for a vibrant downtown that will reflect the spectacular use of wood. The City of Prince George’s donation of the site on which the Wood Innovation and Design Centre will be built, reflects our commitment to strategic partnerships that fuel community growth and development.”

Quick Facts:

In September 2011, the Province issued a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) to solicit input from the design and construction industries on the project’s design, construction and procurement attributes. Thirty-four companies (B.C. and international) responded to that REOI.

In April 2012, the Province issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which closed in June 2012 and received seven responses.

Through the RFQ, three teams were shortlisted – Maple Reinders/Cree, WIC Design + Build, and PCL Westcoast Constructors 1057 Inc. These teams were then invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP), which was issued in September 2012.

An independent Fairness Advisor (Jane Shackell of Miller Thomson LLP) was appointed to monitor the entire competitive selection process. The Fairness Advisor has full access to all documents, meetings and information related to the evaluation processes under the RFP, and will prepare an independent opinion regarding fairness of the process. This report will be made public following contract close.

Construction of the WIDC will cost approximately $25 million.

When it’s complete, the WIDC will stand 27.5 metres (90 feet) tall, making it North America’s tallest contemporary wood structure.