Speed, ease, quality and cost are all affected positively when wood is utilized in an effective and efficient manner…

What is it and why now?

Recently, the Government of Ontario announced changes to the Ontario Building Code to allow combustible construction up to six (6) storeys. This is in keeping with provincial policies related to the Places to Grow Actcalling for increased densities in urban and suburban environments. This is exciting news for the building industry as they are challenged to develop mixed use development that support pedestrian friendly and transit oriented neighbourhoods for people that are efficient and effective to build.

Suburban developers have long associated wood with positive attributes when used for construction. Speed, ease, quality and cost are all affected positively when wood is utilized in an effective and efficient manner, especially when incorporating the advancements being made in pre-fabrication technologies and installation processes.

Opportunity

Changing the code to allow 6 storeys of light frame wood construction is a tremendous opportunity to realize more mid-rise buildings as infill along established main streets in urban centres, or where density makes sense with regards to new transit nodes and other communities that need to remain vibrant and vital.

This code change is about leveling the playing field between construction materials to provide safe and affordable buildings where people can live, work and play. “Mid-rise” is defined in Toronto as buildings along the street that are between 4 and 11 storeys and are subsequently encouraged along the avenues.

HOT Condos has been built as a 4-storey development, but was originally conceived of as a 6-storey prototype anticipating the recent Ontario Building Code change, but the project was too successful to wait.

Sustainability

Some construction methods are often associated with CO2 emissions, whereas a combustible construction material such as wood actually has the ability to store carbon rather than releasing it in the atmosphere during construction, not to mention less waste generation on site.

Likelihood

Not every mid-rise building will be constructed of wood, nor will every light frame wooden building be 6 storeys, but the ability to build higher with wood will have the potential to make positive change in both urban and suburban environments.

Connect with Marco and hear him at Construct Canada on December 4th, where he joins representatives from Wood WORKS!, Brockport Home Systems Inc. and Great Gulf Homes in a panel discussion on what this change to the Ontario Building Code could mean for our industry and partners