Premier Christy Clark is expected to announce plans for the creation of the proposed Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George today.
Clark will give an opening address to the Council of Forest Industries annual convention at the Civic Centre at 12:45 p.m. today. Several inside sources have suggested Clark will reveal plans for the long-promised development in the downtown today.
Engineer and centre advocate Albert Koehler said he hasn't heard anything about the announcement, but said it's time for a concrete commitment from the provincial government.
"We've had lots of announcements, but no commitment," Koehler said. "Everybody is hoping there will be an announcement with a bit more commitment."
Prince George MLAs Pat Bell and Shirley Bond could not be reached for comment on Wednesday, and a spokesperson for the premier's office declined to comment.
However in August, Bell told the Citizen he anticipated a significant announcement about the centre by the end of September. No B.C. building code exists for the type of building planned for the centre, he added.
Creation of a Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George was first promised in the provincial Throne speech in February, 2008. The commitment was repeated in two more Throne speeches and former premier Gordon Campbell renewed the commitment in 2010.
Bell said the centre would fill three roles: provide an iconic demonstration of wood construction, fill a gap in engineering and design, and develop software for drafting and engineering large wood structures.
No site has been designated for the Wood Innovation and Design Centre, although the provincial Throne speeches said the centre would be in, 'the heart of Prince George."
On possible site for the centre is the former Prince George Hotel in the 400 block of George Street.
The city purchased the closed hotel from a group of investors in April, 2010 for $2.5 million. Removal of hazardous materials from the building was scheduled to begin this week, with demolition to follow.
The City of Prince George has never stated its intentions for the site, beyond readying it for market.
