b'COVER STORYTHE CONFLUENCE T he Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce is introducing a new home and community space to B.C.s West Kootenay region. Nearly ready to break ground, The Confluence of Tourism and Economic Development A MILESTONE FOR MASS TIMBER (aka The Confluence) will be an 8,500-sq.-ft. multi-use civic building housing several organizations and standing as a showpiece for mass timber and Passive House design.BY MATTHEW BRADFORD[The Confluence] came to fruition based on the need for a new space due to our current building falling into disrepair, says Tammy Vergin-Burk, Executive Director with the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce. It will be pivotal to tourism and economic growth for the entire region with the opportunities the space brings with its central location, fully accessible public indoor and outdoor spaces, and programs that embrace and foster services for tourists, locals, businesses and entrepreneurs.24 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'