Exterior of The Confluence: a low timber and steel building with burnt-orange cladding, grass and mountains behind it

Our green building

A 13-year journey,
built in mass timber

One of the first public buildings in Canada to combine mass timber construction with Passive House certification.

Passive House certified
85% reduced emissions
2025 FortisBC Efficiency in Action Award

See the credentials Book a room in it

85%
reduction in emissions: 80%
less energy than standard buildings: 8,300
square feet of mass timber facility: 13
years from first idea to open doors

Our story

Why we built it this way

The Confluence Building is the result of a 13-year journey to create a central hub for economic growth, tourism, and business support in Castlegar. Through collaboration with multiple stakeholders, we developed a building that meets the needs of the region, serves as a model of green infrastructure, and incorporates locally sourced wood products.

We are proud that The Confluence is one of the first public buildings in Canada to integrate Mass Timber construction with Passive House Certification, achieving an 85% reduction in emissions. This cutting-edge design positions Castlegar as a leader in sustainable development and climate-conscious innovation.

Aerial view of The Confluence building with its multi-angled metal roof, surrounded by grass, the town and forested hills — The Confluence from above, in the heart of Castlegar

Our meeting rooms are housed in a certified Passive House commercial retrofit, using 80% less energy than standard buildings. We won the 2025 FortisBC Efficiency in Action Award for it.

How it performs

Green principles, built in

Locally sourced mass timber
Built with mass timber from Kalesnikoff, milled in the Kootenays, so the structure stores carbon instead of emitting it.
Passive House certification
One of the first public buildings in Canada to integrate mass timber construction with Passive House Certification.
Continuous fresh air
A tightly sealed, highly insulated envelope with heat-recovery ventilation keeps air fresh and temperatures steady.
Comfortable in every season
Quiet, draught-free rooms through Kootenay winters and warm summers — comfort is a by-product of the efficiency.
Designed around daylight
Orientation and glazing bring in natural light across the workday, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
A regional model
This design positions Castlegar as a leader in sustainable development and climate-conscious innovation.