Roadmap outlines vision for mass timber growth in Canada

On June 13, the Transition Accelerator unveiled the Mass Timber Roadmap at the Press Conference Room in the West Block on Parliament Hill, which outlines a vision for the future of mass timber in Canada and its potential to transform green construction as well as drive economic growth across the country.

The report was developed in partnership with Canadian Wood Council (CWC), Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), and Energy Futures Lab (EFL), and comes after more than 10 years of collaborative efforts to demonstrate the potential of mass timber. It also lays out a plan to increase the mass timber market, both domestic and exports to $1.2 billion by 2030 and to $2.4 billion by 2035.

This growth aligns with increasing market demand in North America and worldwide. By leveraging the power of mass timber solutions, Canada has an opportunity to enable the construction of residential and commercial structures quicker, with lower costs and a lighter carbon footprint; all while capturing a share of the growing global market.

Achieving targets laid out in the Mass Timber Roadmap requires efforts across three critical action areas. As a result, the report provides actionable next steps, including public-private collaboration, standardization and skills development.

The event on Parliament Hill featured speakers who highlighted the roadmap’s goals and the promising future for mass timber in Canada. It was followed by a Q&A session with various journalists.

“The mass timber sector provides a perfect example of how Canada can add value to its primary resources through innovative technologies and advanced skills. If we act strategically and quickly, we have the opportunity to build an industry that reduces emissions, addresses urgent needs, and positions Canada to win in emerging global value chains,” said Derek Eaton, the Transition Accelerator.

Kate Lindsay, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) said, “To build a world-class mass timber sector, Canada must adopt a strategic approach to ensure we can compete and win globally. This is about smart policy here at home and bringing more Canadian wood to our cities and to the world. By enabling faster, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly construction with mass timber we can grow jobs, help address the affordable housing crunch, and reduce emissions.”