Yes! I am facing the same situation. I called IRCC and got the same response. They told me that it is not mandatory, but just reminded me to prepare all my materials by paper mail. . .
It's been four weeks since approval and I still haven't received a hard copy. I may need to fill out a web form for them to re-mail. But one question is that I am going back to my country, is there any possibility for me to apply for entry visa without the paper version?