Kimberley’s Mark Creek Bridge wins Wood Works! BC Award

One of three wooden bridges purchased to enhance Kimberley's streetscapes.

Elected officials from five B.C. local government associations were honoured recently at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention in Whistler, as Wood WORKS! BC presented the 2014 Community Recognition Awards. The awards are presented annually to 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.

Among the 2014 recipients was: The City of Kimberley for the Mark Creek Bridge

“The City purchased the three wooden bridges to enhance Kimberley’s streetscapes, and as part of a $50,000 Enabling Accessibility Fund grant to improve accessibility for people with disabilities,” Mayor Ron McRae said in a City press release.

Kimberley's Tyee Log Homes was awarded the contract for $136,761 to build the bridges and the City spent another $3,977 in labour and materials on the accessible approaches. The end result was $30,246 for each bridge located over Mark Creek at St. Mary’s Avenue, Marysville Falls and McKenzie Street.

"We congratulate local governments for their vision and leadership by choosing wood for design and construction of their civic projects," stated Lynn Embury-Williams, Executive Director, Wood WORKS! BC.

"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."

William Billups, Technical Advisor, Wood WORKS! BC has worked extensively with local governments on projects ranging from fire halls to arenas to recreation centres. He noted the extensive use of technologically advanced wood products and systems in the projects of the 2014 award-winning communities, and explains the reason. "Local governments want the beauty and versatility of these wood products and systems which make it possible to create distinctive and innovative projects to enhance their streetscapes. The significant advantages from fire and seismic hazards are also a major consideration as well as the potential for retrofitting for future needs. Affordability of wood is very appealing to local governments as well, as they must make the most of thin capital project budgets," he explained.

Mary Sjostrom is mayor of the City of Quesnel, past president of UBCM, and her community was a recipient of a Community Recognition Award in 2012. "These Community Recognition Awards are a highlight of our association meetings at UBCM. They have been presented to large and small communities throughout B.C. Every community can and should build with wood first, and use it wherever possible, including accenting with wood products." She added, "Building with wood is good, and being recognized with a Community Recognition Award is icing on the cake." 

"In summary, local governments want a lower carbon footprint, lower building costs, and warm, beautiful and human-centred environments that British Columbians love. Wood provides those benefits while telling a community's story and making a positive statement about its values," concluded Lynn Embury-Williams.