Glue laminated timber beams and columns support the roof in this interior view of the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre during a hockey game

B.C. wood arenas

Photo credit: Ema Peter Photography, courtesy of Hemsworth Architecture

Design and construction of wood recreational facilities

Choosing wood for a community construction project creates benefits throughout the local economy. Local materials and local jobs are just a couple of reasons communities are turning to wood as a solution for arenas.

This report by Equilibrium Consulting Inc. and Hemsworth Architecture for BC Wood Specialties Group, FPInnovations and WoodWorks BC contains information and guidelines for stakeholders who plan to build a hockey arena. It is addressed to a wider audience with limited background in construction, architecture and engineering.

The report identifies where a wood solution makes sense and highlights some benefits of choosing wood for a community rink which includes locally built, durable, sustainable and good for the local economy.

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