September 8, 2000 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia and the Axor Group have entered into partnership to develop, design, and market a research and development park that will be located on the University's Prince George campus.

The Axor Group is a fully integrated Canadian-based engineering, construction, and development company with extensive experience in the provision of high-tech facilities. The Axor team will include CPV Architects from Vancouver and the Core Group, a Prince George-based affiliate of Collier's International, which will coordinate a marketing program that will attract knowledge-based business and research-oriented firms to Prince George. Recently completed projects by the Axor team include the Library Information Network Centre at the University of Lethbridge, the Biotechnology Research Institute in Montreal, and the Health Sciences Centre at the University of Calgary.

"Axor has a combination of experience and vision that will help to make the research and development park at UNBC a tool for economic diversification and a proud addition to the City," says UNBC President Charles Jago. "This development will be unique in northern BC, providing a special facility geared exclusively to companies interested in research and development and information technology."

"We are particularly proud to be associated with UNBC for the accomplishment of this research and development park," says Yvan Dupont, President of the Axor Group Inc. "Public-private partnership is a very effective solution when it comes to the development of major public infrastructure facilities."

The Research and Development Park at UNBC will provide private companies with opportunities to link with the University to access technology, joint research, and a skilled workforce. The R & D Park will occupy space at the north end of the campus. Initial plans call for a multi-tenant building of approximately 50,000 square feet.