The Comox Valley Economic Development Society Vancouver Island Visitor Centre was recognized for its use of wood Wednesday at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Whistler.
Wood WORKS! BC presented the 2014 Community Recognition Awards to elected officials from five local government associations, including the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities.
The awards recognize communities that have been exemplary advocates for wood use in public structures. This may be demonstrated through the specification of wood in a community project and/or through visionary initiatives that work toward building a community culture of wood.
“We congratulate these local governments for their vision and leadership by choosing wood for design and construction of their civic projects,” Wood WORKS! BC executive director Lynn Embury-Williams said. “These projects truly showcase the many attributes of wood, while connecting us with our province’s past and moving us toward a more sustainable future. Wood use in public buildings brings pride to B.C. towns and cities, and leaves a lasting legacy, which is an enduring celebration of our culture of wood.
“Local governments want a lower carbon footprint, lower building costs, and warm, beautiful and human-centred environments that British Columbians love,” she added. “Wood provides those benefits while telling a community’s story and making a positive statement about its values.”
Wood WORKS! is an industry-led initiative of the Canadian Wood Council.
Other honorees include Kimberley’s Mark Creek Bridge, Smithers’ Bovill Square, Summerland’s RCMP detachment and Pemberton’s downtown community barn.