Wood not always the answer

I would like to take this opportunity to share the importance of the concrete industry and our investment in new infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects that utilize concrete as a prominent building material. The concrete industry contributes to the local economy and job creation, as well as supports infrastructure development in our community and across the province. Every construction project – houses, high-rises, schools, hospitals, highways, bridges and sidewalks – relies on the materials supplied by our industry. Concrete builds the communities where we live, work, and play.

By supporting local concrete businesses and using local suppliers, you are helping reduce transport costs and emissions, creating local jobs and attracting investment. I encourage you to recognize the critical role the concrete sector plays in supporting economic growth and job creation in our community, and across BC.

Recently, it seems that the Canadian Wood Council is taking a stance that alternative construction materials (including concrete) are not only sub-par to wood, but also bad for the economy and environment. This is not only unfair towards other industries; it is also unfounded. As a concrete ready-mix supplier, we don’t look down upon the wood industry, rather, we recognize the important role wood plays in the success of the construction industry.

The intent of this letter is not to dispel the myths between different building products or take a stance against the wood industry, but rather to suggest that wood, concrete, steel, etc. all play important roles in the construction industry. We want to support our local suppliers and natural resources as well as celebrate economic vitality and stability in our province and country.

It is our hope that as a province we will recognize the importance of every aspect of the construction industry and the vital role it plays in strengthening our economy and growing our communities.

Dean Neufeld, Kelowna Ready Mix