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Q M’Green’ bunldmg gunderway 'lhe Hollidge Tract closed to vis- itors ()cl. 1? to pwpam the site for construction. full slmlunww'rmg I nm The reginn is constructing a new forest stewardship and education venue in the Hollidge 'Iiaci ,thai itself will provide visim‘rs a lesson in how to build with environmen- tal sustainability in mind. "I have a date in mind. but wv'll we whal tlw winter brings." said Ian Buchanan. manager of natu- ral- hen‘tage and fomstry for York Region. The new facility is expected to cost $2.5 million. however. Mr. Buchanan nmed it has vet to be II is expected to nunpen next BY SANDRA DOIAN will nut for u-ndvr, Bu! "wv're mn- fidcm we'll come in on budget." 'lhe new 3.897csquare-fmt facil- ity will be built to LEED platinum standards. The region rcquirvs a minimum of silver on all new build- ings. according to Mr. Buchanan. The regi‘on is also waking living Building (Ihallcngv certification. which consists of seven petals ~â€" beauty. energy use. equity. health. materials. the silo and water use. Pan of why men? arr so few is the program began in 2006 and 12 months of occupancy and opera- liun Ls required before rvnifiration can be obmim-d. ' 'lhere are currently only l’nur projects in the United States with ljving Buil‘ding ( Thalh'ngv cvnificzr lion. according to its website. ‘Ihc plan is for the forest facilitv m be not mm for water as it will rely on an (m-silc well. catch smrm water and ulilize low-flow toilets. It will also be net zero energy mmd. which Mr. Buchanan admit- ted will be more challenging to achieve and require high efficiency [H'hnnlugil's along with §olar pan- cls. the building will be connected to a power line for security and emergencies. he said. Some of the construction mate- rials will include cross-laminated timber and douglas firs. reclaimed from old Toronto buildings. Other trees harvested from the Hwy. 43 forest will also be utilized in the facility. logs from any downed or harvested trees. due to construc- tion. will be transformed into hunches. ' SAV E whenyyou purchase any MAJESTA‘ ecz flush ‘ product bushui mm. “we’re pretty proud we're going to be able to use some of the trees on-siw‘ and for supporting ele- ments." Mr. Buchanan said. Once constmcted. the buildirg will be utilized as an education cen- tre. complete with a boardroom for about 25 people, a large classroom and meeting area for educatan environmental pmgmnrning. “They've gone away from a natural pristine forest.” )ohn Gibb. who lives right around the forest. told councillors last week. ‘I just don't want the thing to turn into a theme park." he said. The Hollidge Tract was the first property acquired by York ’(Zounty in 1924. Five years later. the current huilr‘lina tum-t. mm hp thmnlichnfl It will be wheelchair acqessibie and only open when the region is homing educational programming or (fiber events "This is only going to be a benefit to our forest." said Mayor Wayne Emmerson during the Oct. 15 council meeting. Council approved the project last week. llowewr. one area resident is not in favour of the Droiect. Get your coupon at www.mexc EfOVGCO . D|SCOVER . '0...’.‘.'.\I - 00-0. 0500-! The Hollidge Tract was the first property acquired by York County in 1924. Five years later. the cumml building. Which will be demolishai, was constructed. It was thought portions of the original building could be salvaged and utilized in the new facility. however. the red pine panelling is too dry. according to Mr. Buch- anan. "h's basically outlived its pur- pose." Mr. Buchanan noting it needs a new roof. the sidingis wear- ing and the piumbing is agingr Work has begun in the Hollidgr Trad on a new forest stewardship and education centre. The building is expected to cost $2.5 be completed in 2014.