Submitted by Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce
The highly-anticipated Castlegar Confluence building is approaching substantial completion in spring 2024, marking a significant milestone since breaking ground in August 2023.
With a grand opening slated for fall 2024, this innovative space, distinguished as one of the first Passive House certified, Mass Timber public spaces of its kind in Canada, is poised to become a cornerstone for sustainability and community development in Castlegar and the Regional District.
In an era where sustainability reigns supreme, this 8,700-square-foot building sets a new standard for eco-conscious design in Castlegar while reducing the environmental footprint and fostering long-term energy savings.
Through Kalesnikoff Mass Timber construction, using sustainable wood to store carbon, and Passive House certification, employing techniques for superior insulation and airflow control, the Confluence boasts an impressive reduction of up to 85 per cent in carbon emissions.
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Beyond serving as the future home of the iconic West Kootenay Gateway Visitor’s Centre public space, the Confluence features two wings, North and South, stemming from the 1,700-square-foot Visitor’s Centre, that offer distinct spaces tailored to community need.
The North Wing will house the following programs: the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Destination Castlegar. It also features the Mercer Celgar boardroom, accommodating up to 50 people and is equipped with cutting-edge technology, fostering significant collaboration on a larger scale.
Additionally, the South Wing offers 24/7 access to specialized public-use spaces, including a vibrant co-working area, kitchen lounge, six leased office spaces catering to local businesses seeking dedicated workspace, and meeting room, where regional citizens and visitors alike can converge, co-create, and innovate.
The featured sliding wall of the Mercer Celgar boardroom, when opened, creates a capacious collective space for hosting large gatherings and events, bringing the community together in significant and impactful ways.
“This project has been an incredible 12-year journey that the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce not-for-profit organization undertook, commencing in 2012 due to irreparable foundation issues in our former building,” says Tammy Verigin-Burk, executive director of the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce.
“The building grew in nature based on assessed need for a regional visitor’s centre, indoor public gathering, meeting, and co-working spaces. We are incredibly thrilled to be offering this multi-use public space to the community, region and visitors and look forward to the positive impacts it will have on tourism, economic sustainability and growth, and community vibrancy.”
Verigin-Burk says that without the support and immense generosity of the provincial and federal governments, City of Castlegar, RDCK Areas I and J Directors, Mercer Celgar, Trowelex Rentals and Sales, Columbia Basin Trust, local businesses, and community members, this new sustainable legacy would not be possible.
In recognition of the valuable support, the Confluence will feature a state-of-the-art donor wall, featuring a river design and individualized bubbles, acknowledging each donor and their impact for generations to come.
For more information about the Castlegar Confluence building, and to discover how you can be featured on the donor wall, visit castlegarconfluence.com.
Founded in 1946, the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization of members (businesses) supporting local business expansion and community prosperity that enhances the quality of life in Castlegar, Regional District I & J and its surrounding regions. The Chamber also oversees activities from Destination Castlegar and the West Kootenay Visitors Centre, fostering vibrant, healthy tourism in the Kootenays.
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