The log home and timber frame construction sector is building more than homes - it's creating a stronger, more diversified economy. The new Log Home and Timber Frame Business and Market Expansion Initiative will continue this progress by capitalizing on the international market expansion potential of the industry.

This $263,000 initiative will identify ways that governments, the industry and B.C. builders can continue to work together to encourage growth and expansion into international markets. It is a funding partnership between the federal and provincial governments through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement, the Cariboo-Chilcotin and Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalitions and the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust.

Many of B.C.'s log home and timber building businesses are located in the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic area, and this industry is one way Interior communities are working to expand their economies and adjust to the socio-economic impacts of the epidemic. Several log home and timber frame builders actually use dead pine in the construction of their buildings.

Quotes:

Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification:

"Today's investment will advance support for expanding B.C. forestry businesses and their export opportunities. Our Government is committed to ensuring Canada's continued success in this time of global economic recovery."

Donna Barnett, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Economic Development:

"Our log home industry has for years been a major employer. The opportunities for expansion of this sector as our global economy comes out of the recession are many. Some of B.C.'s hardest-hit communities in the mountain pine beetle areas will be able to take advantage of the expansion of this sector and build their economic diversity."

Quick Facts:

• Log home and timber frame building are among the province's marquee value-added wood products.
• This sector employs over 1,800 people in B.C. and generates over $114 million in sales each year.
• Eighty-three per cent of sales each year are through exports.
• The mountain pine beetle is estimated to have killed more than 13 million hectares of pine forest.

Background:

The Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) is a $50-million joint federal/provincial program that supports economic development in British Columbia. WEPA is equally funded by both partners, with each contributing $25 million over five years (2008-09 - 2013-14). All proposals submitted for funding under this agreement must identify a secured source of funding and demonstrate broad benefits to an industry, sector or region.

Learn More:

For more information on the Western Economic Partnership Agreement, go to: www.wd.gc.ca

Contacts:

Jeff Groot
Communications Manager
Public Affairs Bureau
250 952-6400

Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager - B.C.
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604 666-1318