Minister Pat Bell Shows Support for Construction of the Wood Innovation and Design Centre

Friday, March 22, 2013 (Ottawa)

Original Source: Canadian Wood Council Press Release

The Canadian Wood Council and Wood WORKS! British Columbia are elated with the announcement made earlier today by Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Pat Bell, regarding the selection of PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. as the preferred proponent to design and build the Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) in Prince George.

The WIDC, a high-rise wood building, will house academic and research programs focused on advancing British Columbia’s leading-edge commitment to innovative wood construction. “This project will promote the advancement of groundbreaking wood building systems, ultimately serving as a catalyst for the application of wood throughout various commercial applications as people witness first-hand the benefits of building with this renewable building material.” says Mary Tracey, executive director for Wood WORKS! British Columbia.

Also announced as part of the design and construction team for WIDC are Michael Green, Principal of Michael Green Architecture Inc., and Eric Karsh, Principal of Equilibrium Consulting Inc., “Through their authorship of The Case for Tall Buildings in 2011, both Michael Green and Erik Karsh have been instrumental in establishing the possibility of such buildings and inspiring other architects and engineers throughout North America to work with wood.” says Michael Giroux, president of the Canadian Wood Council.

Giroux also added, “It is only fitting that a building with programs exploring wood design and construction would be made of wood and housed within a project that dares to push the boundaries of innovative construction.”

For more information please contact:
Natalie Tarini
Communication Manager and Association Secretary Canadian Wood Council
ntarini@cwc.ca
613.747.5544 ext. 225