Media Contacts

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Media Relations
250 952-0628

Backgrounders

What people are saying about the CleanBC Building Innovation Fund

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –

“Innovation in B.C.’s clean building sector represents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity to support good-paying, clean jobs for people and local communities. Through our CleanBC Building Innovation Fund, we are forging a modern building sector in British Columbia with new skills that will transition our homes and offices from fossil fuels towards new low-carbon, energy-efficient technologies.”

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation –

“In addition to strengthening economic recovery and job creation in B.C., our StrongerBC plan is promoting the development of new, clean technology for the building sector. We’ve added $8 million to CleanBC’s Building Innovation Fund, helping more people and businesses conserve energy and reduce power bills. Innovation, inclusiveness and sustainability are the pillars of our economic recovery.'

Katrine Conroy, MLA for West Kootenays –

‘Even amidst the pandemic, climate change is still something we are all concerned about. It’s important that we support and foster innovation, like finding new ways to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. Companies across the Kootenays are doing this incredible work already, and these grants will allow them to take the next step.’

Jan Pratschke, chief executive officer, Collective Carpentry –

“CleanBC funding will support Collective Carpentry's investment in advanced manufacturing equipment, which will coincide with our move to a new, larger facility in 2022. This investment will increase our prefab insulated panel production quality, efficiency and capacity, while contributing to greenhouse gas reductions and providing employment opportunities in highly skilled trades in our small Columbia Valley community of Invermere.”

Sigi Liebmann, founder, International Timberframes –

“At a pivotal time for the growth of mass timber in B.C., we are delighted and excited by the opportunities presented to us through the receipt of this CleanBC funding. It will allow us to expand our 100% wood-dowel laminated-timber production line. This will accelerate the availability and affordability of our low-carbon-emitting building solution and, at the same time, create jobs for the future in our rural area.”

Ken Kalesnikoff, president and chief executive officer, Kalesnikoff –

“As a fourth-generation family company founded on environmental values, Kalesnikoff is proud to be a leader in green building options and is pleased to receive provincial support for our continued expansion into mass timber. Mass timber is poised to revolutionize construction across the continent because it keeps carbon sequestered, comes from a renewable resource and results in stunning, sustainable buildings.”

Joe Pierre, ʔaq'am Nasuʔkin Chief –

“Exploring innovative building techniques that utilize local resources and are inclusive of training and capacity opportunities for members are all important goals in the ʔaq̓am community strategic plan ka kniⱡwi·tiyaⱡa. The community is grateful for the support of CleanBC Building Innovation Fund.”

Larissa Stendie, engagement and communications director, Roots to Roofs Community Development Society –

“Roots to Roofs Community Development Society appreciates the support of the CleanBC Building Innovation Fund for the Stackwall Masonry Capacity Building Project, in partnership with the ʔaq'am community of Ktunaxa Nation. We hope to refine the use of Stackwall (cordwood) design for locally sourced, innovative, affordable housing that also builds community-wide capacity.”

Logan Ashley, Adaptive Homes –

“It is with great pleasure to announce our gratitude to the British Columbia provincial government for their support. The Province's support is helping us reach our environmental sustainability and home affordability goals in order to provide high-performance homes for British Columbians.”