As part of her trade mission to Asia, Premier Christy Clark announced yesterday a joint contribution from the federal government and B.C. to help Japan’s efforts to rebuild.
The initiative will provide the Tohoku Reconstruction Project funds to support rebuilding of the Yuriage City Public Market, a first step in helping the local farming and fishing industry.
The market, a popular destination for residents of Natori and Sendai, was destroyed by the 2011 tsunami.
The new market will be built using two-by-four construction and incorporate a wide range of B.C. forest products including western red cedar and coastal hemlock fir.
“By working together with and industry partners, Canada and B.C. have been able to assist our friends in Japan to move past this tragedy,” said Clark.
“And the B.C. wood being used will be a lasting symbol of our province’s close relationship with Japan.”
Joe Oliver, federal minister of natural resources, said, “We are pleased to have an opportunity to extend Canada’s goodwill to the people of Japan, and to demonstrate the many benefits of wood-frame construction that are recognized in Japan and in Canada, and increasingly being accepted globally.”
This will be the first project undertaken by the $4.5 million Tohoku Reconstruction Project, which includes $2 million each from both the federal government and the province of B.C. and a $500,000 donation from Canada’s forest industry.
