Canada is to provide C$8m of funding to help provide temporary and permanent timber frame buildings for those affected by the recent earthquake in China.
The two-phase project is a collaborative effort between the government of Canada and the government of British Columbia (BC), which will contribute C$3m and C$5m respectively.
Phase one will provide temporary homes to alleviate the immediate housing crisis caused by the earthquake, which struck the south-west of the country on May 12. In phase two, permanent homes, schools and other community facilities will be constructed.
Initial construction is to start immediately, with the second phase due for completion in spring 2009.
“Millions of people in China have seen their homes and much of their critical infrastructure devastated by the earthquake and the subsequent aftershocks,” said BC premier Gordon Campbell.
“This collaborative project will provide support to address both the immediate and long-term housing needs of the Chinese people while demonstrating the quality of BC wood products.”
The structures are to be made from wood due to its adaptability and seismic stability, and will be made entirely from Canadian wood and assembled in China.