The Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) in Prince George is one step closer to construction today with the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to design and construct the building.

The RFQ seeks eligible firms to design and construct the WIDC with a minimum height of six storeys. It is expected that three firms will be shortlisted and be asked to provide proposals to the government through a collaborative Request for Proposals that will begin in July of this year. Construction is expected to be completed by fall of 2014.

The multi-storey iconic wood building will showcase British Columbia's expertise and global reputation as a leader in wood construction and design, and engineered wood products. Its construction will catalyze new wood product development, commercialization and adoption.

Once complete, the building will house office space for provincial economic development and industry use, as well as academic and research programming with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). It will focus on advancing B.C.'s expertise in wood-related products, and it will highlight new and innovative wood building products and techniques.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation -

"Wood is an extremely important and renewable natural resource for our Province. This project will create jobs and provide a great space for furthering British Columbia's strong connection and history of wood use. I'm very excited to see this project continuing to develop and know it will be outstanding for the City of Prince George and all those involved."

Shari Green, mayor of Prince George -

"The Wood Innovation and Design Centre is an integral component of the City of Prince George's economic development and downtown revitalization strategies. We value the strategic partnerships that have enabled this project to move forward and know that its completion will create many new opportunities and markets for our community."

Quick Facts:

• The WIDC will be built on land once occupied by the Prince George Hotel at the corner of George Street and Fifth Avenue.

• The forest sector is a large contributor to government revenues and enables expenditures on essential public services. Today, this sector continues to be an economic engine of the province, contributing more than 30 per cent of the province's gross domestic product (GDP) and 12.3 per cent of all employment.

• In September, 2011, the Province issued a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) document to get input from the design and construction industries regarding building design, construction and procurement attributes. The Province received 34 responses to the RFEOI from a wide variety of companies, including B.C.-based and international organizations.

Learn More:

Wood First: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/supporting-innovation/wood-first-initiative

Naturally Wood: http://www.naturallywood.com/

B.C. Forestry Innovation Investment (BCFII): http://www.bcfii.ca/

Wood Enterprise Coalition: http://www.wecbc.ca/

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104