Contract Awarded For UVic’s First Peoples House

Media Release
Date: April 18, 2008

The University of Victoria is pleased to announce that Knappett Projects Inc. has been awarded the contract for First Peoples House, the university’s newest and most unique capital project.Construction will begin in late April 2008, on a central site inside Ring Road between the Clearihue and Cornett buildings. First Peoples House will create a welcoming and supportive space on campus for Indigenous students and the broader community.

“I am pleased that we have secured a contractor with 25 years experience on Vancouver Island,” says UVic Director of Capital Projects Eugene Heeger. “Knappett’s expertise with West Coast building styles and sustainable construction practices is perfectly suited to the design of this building, which makes extensive use of wood and glass.”

Knappett Projects Inc. built the University of Victoria Faculty of Engineering Office Wing (1990). Other local projects have included Ecole Victor Brodeur (a LEED-certified building), the Victoria Police Facility, Our Place, and the Brentwood Bay Lodge.

First Peoples House was designed by Alfred Waugh Architect and will reflect the modern and traditional values of the Coast and Straits Salish peoples. The building is targeted for completion in June 2009 and is expected to achieve gold-level certification with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating Standards program. Sustainable features will include a green roof, storm retention ponds and natural ventilation. The total project budget is $7 million.

For more information, visit www.uvic.ca/buildings/fph.html or contact Larry Wilkinson, project manager, capital projects at 250-721-7597. Visit www.uvic.ca/sustainability for more information on the university’s sustainability initiatives, including sustainable building practices.

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Media Contacts:
Eugene Heeger (Facilities Management) at 250-721-761 or eheeger@fmgt.uvic.ca
Jim Anglin (Associate Vice-President Academic & Student Affairs) at 250- 721-6421 or avpasa@uvic.ca
Melanie Groves (UVic Communications) at 250-472-4357 or mgroves@uvic.ca