British Columbia expands the use of mass timber in buildings proposing changes to the building code

British Columbia is set to expand the use of mass timber in construction, proposing changes to the building code and aiming to facilitate the construction of tall buildings and foster resilient communities. The modifications will accelerate the construction of structures, including schools, shopping centers, and houses, leading to improved environmental and economic conditions. Furthermore, the changes would allow more exposed mass timber in buildings or reduce encapsulation layers based on the building's height, expanding the scope of mass timber construction to various building types.

Ravi Kahlon, the Minister of Housing, noted that these changes align with efforts to enhance housing accessibility near transit hubs, facilitating the construction of more sustainable buildings. The alterations to the British Columbia Building and Fire Codes (BC Codes 2024) would allow taller mass timber buildings, reaching 18 storeys for residential and office structures, as opposed to the current 12-storey limit.

The proposed changes are considered as a positive step toward reducing carbon emissions, supporting the forestry sector, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to the creation of healthier communities. The Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, Brenda Bailey, emphasized the potential of mass timber as a robust and environmentally friendly building technology. The Mass Timber Action Plan, an initiative focusing on mass timber training and sustainable economic growth, aligns with these changes.

The public is invited to provide feedback and/or comments on the proposed changes through the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes website. Following the comment period, the government will assess which changes are ready for implementation and which require further technical analysis, with key alterations anticipated to be implemented by spring 2024.

The collaborative efforts of British Columbia and Quebec in advancing mass timber construction are evident in their joint task group, which accelerated the development of the proposed code changes. Once the public comment period is completed, provinces and territories will receive a package of proposed changes for potential adoption in their codes and consideration for future national building codes. These changes have undergone scrutiny by an expert technical advisory group that includes fire safety experts, regulators, and engineering professionals from across Canada.

The opportunities in mass timber construction align with British Columbia's commitment to address the housing crisis through initiatives like the Homes for People action plan. Recent measures aimed at increasing urban density through small-scale multi-unit housing and transit-oriented development further contribute to the potential for mass timber construction, aligning with broader efforts to streamline housing permits and stimulate economic growth. This initiative is part of the government's substantial $19-billion housing investment, with over 77,000 homes delivered, or in progress, since 2017. Various stakeholders, including the City of North Vancouver and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), have expressed support for the proposed changes, recognizing the potential for innovation, efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions in addressing housing and climate challenges.