B.C. WOOD TO BUILD VANCOUVER VILLAGE IN CHINA

QINGCHUAN, CHINA – B.C. wood products will be used in “Vancouver Village,” a new project to develop rural housing in an area of China that is recovering from heavy earthquake damage, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today.

“Vancouver Village will showcase the durability and style of building with B.C. wood to the Chinese people and construction sector,” said Bell. “The Qingchuan government is encouraging wood-frame construction as a safe and affordable means for rebuilding their community. This is an excellent opportunity to further increase our annual softwood lumber exports to China.”

Under a memorandum of understanding between Canada Wood Group, with support from the B.C. government, and the Qingchuan County government, Vancouver Village will be a three-phase project in the Chinese Province of Sichuan. The project is a result of the growing relationship between the B.C. forest sector and local governments in China. It originated through discussions between Canfor and the Qingchuan government.

“It is through our combined efforts, expertise and co-operation that we are making possible the development of a wood-frame construction market in China,” said Canfor president and CEO James Shepard. “We understand what a huge privilege it is for Canada to have the opportunity to participate in this vitally important undertaking for increased use of wood-frame construction, offering the advantages of seismic safety.”

The first phase of the project involves the rural design and construction of three wood-frame demonstration homes this winter. The homes, funded by a $100,000 contribution from Forestry Innovation Investment, will range from a 950-square-foot, single-storey to a 2,500-square-foot, two-storey low-cost rural home.

“These homes will form the blueprint for hundreds of families’ lives and are designed to meet rural lifestyles and needs across China,” said Bell. “Vancouver Village is a wonderful example of how forestry succeeds when we all work together.”

The Canada Wood Group will create the rural house design for the three demonstration homes and provide technical support for the next two phases; the construction of 300 to 500 wood-frame houses as well as the construction of multi-family and public buildings after the success of the demonstration homes is recognized.

Qingchuan County is in north Sichuan with a population of 250,000. Qingchuan suffered heavy earthquake damage earlier this year, with nearly 50,000 homes destroyed.

Photos from the China trade mission are available online in the Ministry of Forests and Range media room http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/media/.

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Media contact:	Sophia Proctor Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592

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