A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to build a support centre with BC wood products in Japan    photo courtesy BC Gov

Iwaki City, Japan – BC’s Minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources has announced plans to build a $1.7-million dollar support centre for children with disabilities during a forestry trade mission to Japan and China.

The Jericho Support Centre will be built with BC wood products.  The one-storey, hybrid post and beam building will feature a rehabilitation room, doctors’ offices and exam rooms, along with family visitation area.  The centre is part of an almost $5-million dollar BC-Canada effort to aid in post-2011 tsunami reconstruction in the Tohoku region of Japan.  The BC government’s share is $2-million dollars, while Canadian forest companies have contributed $460-thousand dollars. (photo courtesy BC Gov)

Thomson announced the project yesterday while leading 25 senior forestry executives on a trade mission to Asia.  "I am amazed at the resiliency of the Japanese people and proud we are able to play a small role in helping the Tohoku region recover from the tragic events of 2011," said the minister.

The design of the building is currently being finalized, but construction is expected to begin next spring and be complete by next fall.