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Re-Build-It Centre open for business

Whistler Community Services Society already seeking bigger space

It's been a long road for the Re-Build-It Centre, but the construction material recycling service is at last available.

Lorna Van Straaten, the interim executive director for the Whistler Community Services Society, said that while it will take some time to train staff, contractors and the public to use the service, they are already looking for a bigger space.

"There will be a learning curve, absolutely," she said. "We're doing some exploring right now, but if it takes off the way we think it will then we'll definitely need more room."

So far the response has been positive. The Re-Build-It Centre recently addressed the Canadian Home Builders Association-Sea to Sky to let contractors know how the service would work.

Simply put, any new construction materials that are left over from construction work, and any old fixtures that are in good condition but are being replaced through a renovation, can be posted on the Re-Build-It Centre's website, which is accessible through www.mywcss.org .

Some of those materials will be stored at the centre's yard in Function Junction and can be viewed by calling 604-932-1121 and making an appointment. Staff at the nearby Re-Use-It Centre will meet the buyer at the site.

Other materials will go directly from the job site to the purchaser, without going through the centre at all. If there are any removal costs they will be added to the cost of the materials. The Re-Build-It Centre is working with contractors to professionally remove materials and fixtures for resale.

The proceeds from sales will go towards the Whistler Community Services Society, which in turn will spend that money on programs like the Whistler Food Bank.

The Re-Build-It Centre provides a way for locals to save money on home improvement projects, while also diverting reusable construction materials from the landfill.

"The response has been so amazing already," said Van Straaten. "Everyone has said this is a great idea and that they wish we had this years ago."

The donations are already coming in, with one contractor sending a truckload of fixtures - including new windows and doors - to the Re-Build-It Centre recently.