Skip to content Skip to Navigation

Back

Mass Timber at 18 Storeys will Drive Housing Up: Advocates

The Ontario government’s decision to take steps to permit mass timber buildings of up to 18 storeys is being praised by stakeholders as a boost to the mass timber manufacturing sector and a step forward in the province’s drive to build more housing.

The current limit in Ontario’s Building Code is 12 storeys. Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra announced April 8 the government will move to amend the building code to permit encapsulated mass timber construction up to 18 storeys after reviewing analysis and feedback from a multi-province joint task force that includes Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.

Until recently Ontario’s building code permitted a maximum of six-storey wood residences but the most recent changes to the code effective July 1, 2022 topped the permitted use up to 12 storeys.

Mass timber advocate David Moses, principal of Moses Structural Engineers, observed during a recent presentation that the mass timber industry is gaining momentum as stakeholders realize it enables accelerated construction of affordable housing.

“Eighteen storeys in Ontario is great news,” said Moses. “This puts Ontario on par with the United States and it will hopefully be implemented very soon in B.C. and Quebec.

Share
Contracts banner

OAA Contract Suite

Did you know the OAA offers free contracts for its members and the general public? These downloadable standardized contracts make it easier for all to enter into fair, balanced business relationships.

MORE
BLOAAG banner

BLOAAG

Check out the OAA BLOAAg, an inclusive space for member engagement and OAA features.

MORE
Events banner

Events Calendar

Check out our events calendar for a wide array of online and in-person events. Also submit an event using our new online form.

MORE