$50,000 Timberwest Donation Helps Build New Malaspina Library

TimberWest, the largest owner of private forest lands on Vancouver Island, has made a major contribution to Malaspina University-College campaign to build a new library at the Nanaimo campus.

TimberWest President Paul McElligott has confirmed a pledge of $50,000 to the New Library campaign.

"We understand how important Malaspina University-College is to the people of Vancouver Island, and want to be a partner with Malaspina in giving students a robust learning environment that is comparable to other BC and Canadian institutions," he said.

The gift boosts Malaspina's current fundraising program to more than $1.2 million and places TimberWest among the top supporters of the campaign.

"This is a wonderful demonstration of support from a great community partner," said Malaspina President Rich Johnston. "TimberWest employs Malaspina graduates and supports us with the private forest land component for our woodlot. This is a further example of a positive relationship which will benefit our region."

When complete late in 2004, the New Library will be almost double in size and will have greatly enhanced research and technology facilities for students. Fundraising is a vital element of the $10 million project, with less than a third of the funding coming from government.

TimberWest's 334,000 hectares of private land are largely located on Vancouver Island and can sustain a long-term harvest of 2.1 million to 2.5 million cubic metres of logs per year. TimberWest also holds two renewable public Tree Farm Licences that provide the right to harvest 1.2 million cubic metres of logs per year and operates a sawmill near Campbell River, BC.