Ontario To Bring Mass-Timber Construction up to 18 Stories

In a move aimed at building homes faster and reducing costs over time, the Canadian province of Ontario plans to increase the allowed height of mass-timber buildings from 12 to 18 stories, the province reports. Amending the building code to permit taller mass-timber structures also promises to support well-paying jobs in technology, engineering design, manufacturing and forestry, a sector that generates nearly CAD21 billion (US$15.2 billion) in annual revenue and supports more than 142 jobs in the province. Along with British Columbia and Quebec, Ontario gathered feedback on proposed building code changes earlier this year that will be analyzed and used to incorporate code updates. “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,” Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra said.