Ontario expanding mass timber to 18 storeys
By Adam Freill
Construction Construction MaterialsProvince says expansion of mass timber heights will help build more homes while supporting Ontario’s forestry sector.
Ontario is expanding the use of advanced wood construction, including mass timber. The province says the move will help build homes faster and reduce costs over time, while supporting jobs in forestry, technology, engineering design and manufacturing. Currently, Ontario’s building code allows encapsulated mass timber construction buildings to be up to 12-storeys tall. The province intends to amend the building code in the coming months to permit encapsulated mass timber construction up to 18 storeys.
“The use of mass timber can help the sector build more homes faster, keep the cost of construction down and boost our northern economy,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “As we work to cut red tape in order to increase housing supply, we’re taking an innovative approach to help our partners get shovels in the ground.”
Encapsulated mass timber construction offers the same fire and structural protection as other building methods, while supporting renewable forestry resources.
“Our abundant natural resources and highly skilled forestry sector are helping to meet the demand for housing across the province,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Advanced wood construction will help bring long-term investments to northern communities that will create new, good-paying jobs while increasing housing supply and supporting Ontario’s largest renewable natural resource sector.”
