TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced it intends to amend the Building Code in the coming months to permit encapsulated mass timber construction up to 18 storeys, an increase from the current 12 storeys.
An April 8 release stated expanding the use of mass timber would help build homes more quickly and more quietly and reduce construction times, “with the same fire and structural protection as other building methods.”
Provincial initiatives that support advanced wood construction, such as Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy, promote initiatives to shift housing construction offsite, “supporting more efficient and rapid construction from renewable forestry resources,” said the release.
In January and February 2024, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec participated in a national consultation on potential building code changes that would allow for expanded use of mass timber in the province.
The feedback will be analyzed by a multi-province joint task group. “The use of mass timber can help the sector build more homes faster, keep the cost of construction down and boost our northern economy,” stated Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra.
“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 means that the manufactured wood components are covered with fire-rated treatments, like drywall, stated the release.
“The Ontario Forest Industries Association applauds the government’s decision to expand the use of advanced wood construction, like mass timber, allowing for buildings up to 18 storeys. This move will not only accelerate home construction and reduce costs but also support forestry, technology, engineering and manufacturing sectors,” stated the association’s CEO Ian Dunn.
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