Beijing
Room 1507, Kuntai
International Mansion,
No. 12B Chaowai Street,
Beijing 100020
Tel: 86-10-5925-1256
Fax: 86-10-5925-1259
 
FII China Email: info@bcfii.cn
Website: www.bcfii.cn

In June 2008, the Government of British Columbia (BC) and the national Ministry of Natural Resources Canada announced a CDN$8 million project to build wood-frame buildings to help the survivors of China's May 12, 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.

The initiative was a collaborative effort between the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. BC provided CDN$5 million and the Government of Canada contributed CDN$3 million to construct permanent wood-frame public facilities, including schools and a seniors home. Made from 100% Canadian structural lumber and using modern wood frame construction technology, all the structures were designed and assembled locally in China. Research has shown that wood-frame buildings are a highly suitable choice for earthquake-prone regions because of their adaptability and seismic stability. 

The reconstruction project was managed by Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), a BC government agency that promotes BC wood products and technology internationally. Partners included Canadian government officials with the Department of Natural Resources (Canada Wood Export Program) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Embassy staff in China), and Canada Wood China representing Canadian forest companies operating in China. FII China worked with Chinese government officials and local design and construction experts to implement the project, and provided on-the-ground expertise and technical construction training, in order to ensure that the housing units meet local needs. 

The wood-frame construction of the Xiang'e School in Dujiangyan was completed in August 2009. The wood-frame construction of the Mianyang Special Education School for the Disabled was completed in November 2010. The wood-frame construction of Chengdu Market Street was completed in July 2011. The construction of Beichuan Qiang Maple Leaf Seniors Home began in spring 2010 and was completed in November 2011.