Alberta jumps federal gun, will allow 12-storey wood buildings
By On-Site Staff
Construction Materials
Minister Madu and other officials tour wood systems manufacturer Western Archrib as part of the announcement. PHOTO: Government of Alberta
Alberta won’t await changes to Canada’s national building code before allowing developers to get moving on taller wood buildings.
The province’s Municipal Affairs Minister Kaycee Madu said Jan. 24 the Alberta government will allow for wood construction projects of up to 12 storeys — double its current limit of six.
“Not only will this decision support the forestry industry and land developers, it will provide affordability to homebuyers, bolster employment, and give Alberta a competitive advantage,” Madu said in a release. “We made this change knowing that mass timber products are safe and that these buildings will meet all necessary standards.”
The move comes as construction or planning of an increasing number of taller timber towers gets underway in cities such as Vancouver and Toronto. British Columbia adjusted its building code last year, while it’s widely anticipated similar changes to the national building code will be written in this year. The evolving regulations mirror technological advances in wood building methods and materials.
Preempting the federal guidance will let wood builders in Alberta start going taller sooner.
