Town of Smithers Municipal Office | Smithers, BC
Mayor and Council | Town of Smithers
The Town of Smithers’ major industrial employers are in the wood industry, including a large, modern sawmill and a particle board (plywood) plant. Therefore, the town encourages the use of wood in all buildings to support the local industry. The wood construction is noted in the Town’s Official Community Plan. In its downtown commercial area, the town has mandated an alpine theme for all buildings, of which wood is an integral design element. The new town hall, constructed in 2003-2004, is an excellent example of the application of the alpine theme design guidelines.
The main floor is 12,500 sq ft. The building is a storey-and-a-half with approximately 4,500 sq ft on the second floor that is unfinished/unused – for future expansion. The use is municipal government office, including Town Council chambers, which also serve as the Emergency Operations center, administration, finance, engineering planning, recreation coordinator and bylaw enforcement. Ceilings in Council Chambers are 11 ft high for a “hall-type” feeling and to showcase the wood ceiling. In addition to the Council meetings in the chambers, there are two rooms available for various meetings and workshops or seminars.
Wood materials used:
Due to the current pine beetle epidemic in the north and the growing use of denim pine in wood construction, the Town “captured the moment” by utilizing the denim pine in the project, both in the large timber construction in the main entry and in the wood ceiling in Council chambers. All the denim pine wood was donated to the project by the local sawmill. The wall framing consists of wood studs and the roof system all wood trusses. All millwork in the Council chambers and kitchen areas is made of solid wood fabricated in a local shop.
Design team:
Architect:
Dan Condon Architect
#201 – 650 Lazelle Ave.
Terrace, BC V8G 1S6
250.635.1578
Ross Steward Architects Inc.
P.O. Box 1804 Stn A
Prince George, BC
250.563.0919
Construction:
R.J. Cooper Construction Ltd.
Prince George, BC
Mulder Construction
Smithers, BC
Other:
Town of Smithers
1027 Aldous Street
PO Box 879
Smithers, BC V0J 2N0
