Cornerstone Timberframes and BuildingIN: Innovation in Wood Construction and Housing Development
Course Overview This session explores two distinct but complementary perspectives on advancing the built environment in Canada. Tanya Bachmeier, CEO of Cornerstone Timberframes, shares the evolution of her company from a traditional residential timber framing business to a multifaceted manufacturer delivering both custom timber frame structures and commercial mass timber projects. Drawing on decades of industry experience, she discusses the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned while adapting to changing markets and emerging wood construction technologies. The session also features Rosaline Hill, Principal Architect and Senior Planner at RHJ Architecture + Planning, who introduces BuildingIN, an initiative developed to address Canada’s housing supply challenges. Drawing on extensive experience in infill housing design and planning, Rosaline examines the barriers that limit housing development in existing communities and presents strategies to support sustainable, community-supported growth. Together, these presentations highlight the importance of innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions in shaping the future of wood construction and housing development across Canada. Learning Objectives Identify key business, workforce, and industry factors that support growth and innovation in the wood construction sector. Explain the benefits of heavy timber and mass timber construction and the importance of industry collaboration and knowledge sharing. Recognize common barriers to housing supply in Canadian communities and the role of infill development in addressing housing needs. Evaluate how planning, design, and housing policy tools can support sustainable, community-supported urban growth. Course Video Speakers Bio Tanya Bachmeier CEO Cornerstone Timberframes Tanya Bachmeier, CEO of Cornerstone Timberframes, will share her insights on the evolution of the timber industry, drawing from over three decades of experience with one of Canada’s leading heavy timber structure manufacturers. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in construction, Tanya has been immersed in the craft from a young age. Her journey from working alongside her father and uncle in the business to leading Cornerstone Timberframes as its CEO is a testament to her dedication, vision, and passion for the industry. In her speech, Tanya will explore how she and her partner have transformed Cornerstone into a multifaceted manufacturer, with a dual focus on traditional residential timber frames and cutting-edge commercial mass timber projects. She will discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in a male dominated industry, finding a place in the emerging world of mass timber and emphasizing the importance of innovation while staying true to the craft’s roots. Through her unique perspective, Tanya will offer valuable lessons on leadership, adaptability, and the future of timber construction in Canada and beyond. Rosaline Hill Principal Architect, Senior Planner, Development Consultant RJH Architecture & BuildingIN Most people prefer to live in low-rise areas, on tree-lined streets, close to transit, in communities that are well serviced and walkable. Few municipal housing strategies target this vision or focus on existing low-rise neighbourhoods. But this housing niche holds the potential to transform our cities and pull us out of housing crisis. Low-rise multi-unit repeatable infill housing in existing urban neighbourhoods is the key to housing supply and municipal fiscal sustainability. At the same time, it is the most affordable way to dramatically reduce household emissions. Housing, fiscal and environmental sustainability, with new homes in the kinds of neighbourhoods people love – it is a win for all. So why aren’t developers building this? They are not allowed, or can’t make a profit doing it. But municipalities can change that! The BuildingIN team has leveraged housing industry knowledge to understand the financial and regulatory barriers to this housing solution. Using GIS, we map our advanced housing market response forecasting to show cumulative outcomes for housing, fiscal and emissions reductions across low-rise urban areas. With this powerful simulation tool, we have reverse engineered a solution for municipalities. As a winner of the CMHC Housing Supply Challenge, BuildingIN is able to provide municipalities with a full suite of services; to quickly implement regulatory changes and establish necessary investment strategies, so that developers will build the housing we need and want, over and over and over again. We enable municipalities to plan with certainty and make evidence based decisions, instead of the age-old ‘make some adjustments’ then ‘wait and see’ approach. Our team has been researching, testing, and simulating solutions for neighborhoods for the past 6 years. This has led us to the creation of BuildingIN – a transformational solution to our country’s housing supply challenge.
Bringing Mass Timber Mainstream: Unpacking Market Challenges and Opportunities
Course Overview The positive influences of design innovation, advanced materials, new building codes, and the evolving priorities of society are driving change in the construction sector that is expanding the use of advanced wood construction. Change, however, often presents new challenges, and the more widespread adoption of new technologies can be impeded by knowledge gaps and market forces. This expert panel will examine several important factors that can impact the decision to build with wood including insurance, financing and supply chain considerations, and identify both the challenges and opportunities they present. Learning Objectives Identify key market barriers to the adoption of mass timber construction, including insurance, financing, supply chain limitations, and knowledge gaps. Understand how project feasibility for mass timber is influenced by revenue uncertainty, cost premiums, and risk tolerance in development decisions. Learn strategies to de-risk mass timber projects through early collaboration, improved data sharing, supply chain planning, and policy incentives. Course Video Speakers Bio David Messer Director Climate Smart Buildings Alliance (EllisDon) David Messer is the Director of the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance, a joint initiative of EllisDon, RBC, Mattamy Homes and Atkins Réalis aimed at leading and accelerating the transition to a net zero buildings sector. Through CSBA David is leading projects aimed at increasing and removing barriers for the use of lower carbon building materials, as well as projects to increase building standards and the pace of building retrofits. David was previously the Executive Director of the Guelph-Wellington Smart Cities Office where he led two initiatives aimed at accelerating the circular economy, Our Food Future, an Infrastructure Canada funded smart cities project, and COIL (Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad), a circular business accelerator that worked with over 160 organizations to scale circular solutions in the food, environment and construction/demolition sectors. David has a long history of working on technology, policy and systems change as part of the Governments of Ontario and Alberta, within industry associations and as a consultant in the private sector. Scott Cameron President Skov Mass Timber Scott has over 30 years of experience in construction. Starting as a laborer and working his way through to General Superintendent, Project Director and an independent Consultant on Mass Timber Construction. As an accomplished public speaker, leader, and mentor, he has led many high performing teams and prides himself on being a collaborative problem solver. With decades of experience in ICI and residential construction, Scott has shifted his focus to multifamily Mass Timber construction to confront the housing crisis. Having been involved in many institutional and commercial Mass Timber projects, multiple 6 storey Multi Family projects, and the only two completed Encapsulated Mass Timber buildings in Canada after the 2018 code changes, Scott is one of the leading experts in North America on Mass Timber. As an outspoken advocate for Mass Timber, Scott promotes education and information sharing within the Mass Timber community. Having worked in B.C. and Ontario, Scott provides interactive presentations on Mass Timber construction to Developers and GC at project inception. The goal is not only to help navigate the unknowns when deciding between Mass Timber and conventional construction, but also to support the construction process to save time and cost. This led to SKOV Mass Timber Ltd, a consulting firm focused on Mass Timber to support Developers and GCs through the preconstruction process to project completion. With his experience, the aim is to bridge the skill gaps with education, information, and support for constructability reviews, schedule development, trade sequencing and support through the construction process. He is currently working with a Construction Management firm in BC on a portfolio of Mass Timber projects and supports other developers and GCs nationwide through preconstruction. Kevin Grosskopf Professor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Durham School of Architecture, Engineering & Construction University of Nebraska Dr. Kevin R. Grosskopf is a Professor at the Charles W. Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Grosskopf received his Ph.D. from the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction at the University of Florida in 1998. He has served in various capacities in the commercial and utility industry and is a licensed Building Contractor in the State of Florida. Dr. Grosskopf has developed research expertise in building safety and sustainability including IAQ, energy efficiency, and, post-disaster response and recovery. More recently, Dr. Grosskopf transitioned to related areas in building prefabrication and construction workforce development. Dr. Grosskopf has received $8.1M in grants and endowments, including highly competitive contract awards from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense (DoD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and, the Department of Labor (DOL). In addition, Dr. Grosskopf has written (or contributed to) 4 books, 35 research reports and more than 100 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, including top tier journals of the ASCE, ASTM and ASHRAE. Dr. Grosskopf has also given more than 100 invited presentations including guest lectures and presentations in more than 20 countries. Dr. Grosskopf formerly served as the Associate School Director for ACCE-accredited construction management and ABET-accredited construction engineering programs on both Lincoln and Omaha campuses. Dr. Grosskopf has also served as P&T chair for construction programs. Dr. Grosskopf has served on the ASC National Board and has coordinated two ASC Annual International Conferences (2009 and 2011). Annabelle Hamilton Executive Director WoodWorks BC Annabelle is the Executive Director of WoodWorks BC Team, overseeing active engagement, technical support and strategic development of initiatives that support the growth and awareness of Mass Timber in the BC market. Prior to joining WoodWorks, Annabelle built her career in the private sector, working for several Vancouver based multi-family Developers successfully leading projects from concept to completion.
Green Construction through Wood: Accelerating Mass Timber Adoption in Canada
Course Overview Advancing mass timber construction is critical to achieving Canada’s climate, housing, and economic goals. This course explores how innovative wood-based building systems – supported by programs such as Construction through Wood (GCWood) – are transforming the construction sector by enabling low-carbon, high-performance buildings. Drawing on insights from federal initiatives, industry leaders, and regional experts across Canada, the session examines the technical, regulatory, and market barriers to adoption, including fire performance, seismic design, supply chain capacity, and workforce readiness. It also highlights emerging opportunities in prefabrication, modular construction, and hybrid systems, while showcasing policy tools, demonstration projects, and the national Mass Timber Roadmap that are accelerating uptake. Designed for architects, engineers, contractors, and policy professionals, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and collaborative efforts required to scale mass timber construction across diverse Canadian markets. Learning Objectives Understand the role of mass timber in achieving net-zero emissions, addressing housing demand, and supporting the forest economy. Identify key barriers to mass timber adoption, including technical performance, regulatory challenges, supply chain limitations, and market awareness. Evaluate how programs such as GCWood and demonstration projects support innovation, de-risk technologies, and advance building codes. Course Video Speakers Bio Jean-Francois Levasseur Director, Industry Relations & Innovation Programs / Directeur, Relations avec l’industrie et programmes d’innovation Natural Resources Canada Graduating from the University of Ottawa’s Chemical Engineering program, Jean-Francois started his career in a variety of increasing roles in Kraft pulp mills, including mill process and environmental engineer positions. He then joined Environment and Climate Change Canada where he led on numerous aspects of environmental regulatory regimes applicable to Canada’s forest sector. At Natural Resources Canada since 2009, he has led in the design and implementation of various funding programs supporting strategic R&D, innovation and capital investments that accelerate the transformation of the Canadian forest sector towards the Bioeconomy: the Pulp & Paper Green Transformation (PPGTP); the Forest Innovation Program (FIP); the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program (IFIT), and; the Green Construction through Wood program (GCWood). Together, these programs provided more than $1B to support energy efficiency improvements, green energy production, and the commercialization of innovative products, transformative technologies and new wood based green building and mass timber demonstrations. Scott Jackson Director, Conservation Biology Forest Products Association of Canada As the Director of Conservation Biology, Scott works with member companies, governments and partners to develop and communicate policy positions on a range of files related to forest management, biodiversity conservation, including fish, wildlife and at-risk species, and climate change mitigation and adaption. He also supports FPAC’s efforts to promote the forest sector’s commitment to science-based sustainable forest management, as well as its contributions to Canada’s social and economic standing. Scott has been working for over 20 years in the field of forest management and natural resource policy. Most recently, he has worked as an independent consultant and as the Director of Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations with Forests Ontario, a not-for-profit organization committed to forest restoration, stewardship, education and awareness. Scott has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science (Biology) from Queen’s University and a Master of Forest Conservation degree from the University of Toronto. Steven Street Executive Director WoodWorks Ontario In his current role as Executive Director of WoodWorks Ontario, Steven leads a dynamic team, bringing value and new opportunities to the program’s partners in the wood industry. With many high-profile projects moving wood construction into the mainstream, knowledge transfer and market acceptance have never been more important to the wood industry. The construction sector has entered a new era of rapid industrialization, shifting from site-built to factory-built methodologies. Building code advances in the last few years are catalyzing the types of materials, approaches and buildings available for development. In this age of great change we can influence how we build, with new sustainability targets and an obligation to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment. Shawn Keyes Executive Director WoodWorks BC Shawn is an accomplished structural engineer and the Executive Director of WoodWorks BC. With a rich background in engineering, project management, and business administration, Shawn offers dynamic leadership, overseeing a multi-disciplinary team of experts advancing wood construction across the province. He joined WoodWorks in 2022 after a decade-long, distinguished career in consulting where he worked on pioneering timber projects across Canada at a leading design firm. Shawn is a licensed professional engineer in BC and ON. He holds masters degrees in both engineering and business, with a M.Eng. from Carleton University and an MBA from UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Rory Koska Executive Director WoodWorks Alberta Rory Koska has over 30 years of experience in the design and building industry in Alberta. He is a graduate of the Architectural Technologies at NAIT. Rory worked with Igloo Building Supplies Group Ltd as a senior truss designer on residential and commercial buildings and later ran his own consulting firm. Rory has led the WoodWorks Alberta program for over 15 years and has brought the program through many milestones. The Alberta regional program has evolved into a conduit between industry innovation and the design community. Under Rory’s direction the WoodWorks Alberta program has established itself an invaluable resource for communities and the construction industry interested in building with wood. David Porter Program Coordinator WoodWorks Atlantic In 2019, David joined the Maritime Lumber Bureau as the Program Coordinator for the WoodWorks Atlantic program. He works with architects, engineers, developers, building/fire officials and government, to increase the use of wood in non-residential projects. He has been involved in the design and construction of many wood projects built in Atlantic Canada, providing technical support for both light wood frame and mass timber. Simon Bellavance Technical Advisor Cecobois Simon T. Bellavance holds a bachelor’s degree in wood engineering from Laval University, specializing in wood structures. Before becoming a technical advisor at Cecobois, he served as the technical lead for value-added wood products at Chantiers Chibougamau. In addition to his responsibilities in quality control and continuous improvement, he participated in several research and development projects for the
How We Will Make Construction More Affordable
Course Overview Follow a panel of leading developers as they explore innovative strategies to reduce construction costs. Drawing from their extensive portfolios, the panelists will discuss offsite manufacturing, prefabrication, hybrid construction, and repeatable solutions that are transforming the construction industry. Discover practical approaches that streamline project delivery and drive affordability in future developments. Learning Objectives Identify strategies used to reduce construction costs through prefabrication, modular construction, and offsite manufacturing. Explain how hybrid wood systems, including CLT and lightweight panelized assemblies, are applied in mid-rise and multi-residential projects. Evaluate how standardization, repeatable building solutions, and factory-based production can improve housing affordability and project delivery efficiency. Course Video Speakers Bio Samantha Eby Executive Director ReHousing Samantha Eby is the Executive Director of ReHousing, a non-profit organization dedicated to housing creation through applied research, consultation, and education. Her work through ReHousing, developed in partnership with Michael Piper and Janna Levitt, was awarded the 2023 CMHC President’s Medal for Outstanding Housing Research. Samantha holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. As an architect and researcher, she explores the intersection of design, policy frameworks, and ownership models, focusing on their impact on housing projects. In 2020, she was awarded the Canada Council for the Arts Prix de Rome for Emerging Practitioners. Alongside her role at ReHousing, Samantha is a sessional instructor at the University of Toronto and an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. Mike Maxwell President Maxwell Building Consultants Mike was drawn to Waterloo for his degree from Laurier University and has seen local real estate development potential ever since. A combination of zoning bylaw rules, site data chart statistics and construction knowledge produce unique results for projects that he is involved with. He loves the math and the problem solving. In an advisory position with local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and CMHC, Mike has created strong partnerships to move the cause of affordable housing forward. Tobias Oriwol Senior Vice President, Investments Tricon Residential Tobias Oriwol is responsible for providing strategic oversight and day-to-day investment management for Tricon Residential’s Canadian purpose-built rental apartment platform, including sourcing new investment opportunities, acquisition execution, and capital raising. Prior to joining Tricon, Tobias worked at Forum Equity Partners in Toronto. Before that, he worked at Brookfield Asset Management, in both Toronto and New York, where he focused on residential housing investments and developments across market rate and affordable rental apartments, student housing, senior housing, and for-sale condominiums. Tobias has a Master’s degree in urban planning from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies from Stanford University. He is also a two-time Canadian Olympian, having reached the semi-finals in both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Geoff Cape CEO Assembly Corp (previously R-Hauz) For almost 35 years, Geoff Cape has been at the forefront of promoting urban innovation and environmental sustainability across diverse platforms. As CEO of Assembly Corp, Geoff has a long background in real estate and urban planning. Geoff began with a hammer, framing new builds and restoring century homes off the east coast at the age of 19. He has been a builder, planner, operator, and a long time advocate for sustainable cities, and green infrastructure. Geoff is most well known for starting Evergreen in 1991, and transforming the 42 acre site at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, into an internationally recognized centre for environmental excellence. Selected in 2018 as a Member of the Order of Canada, and in 1999 as “Top 40 Under 40”, Geoff has also been honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of “Canadians who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities or to Canada as a whole.” In 2007, Geoff won the prestigious Schwab Foundation’s “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award. Geoff was founding Chair of the Sustainability Institute, past Board member of Sustainable Development Technology Canada, and the Peter F. Drucker Foundation Selection Committee. Geoff has been a regular participant and speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and on their “Future of Urban Development Advisory Board” and “Technology Pioneers Selection Committee”. Geoff is a Global Fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation. Geoff lives in the Annex neighbourhood in Toronto with his wife Valerie and three boys Toma, Ben and Sebastien, and cycles to work every day—even in blinding snow storms.
From Vision to Reality: Solutions for Beautiful, Sustainable, Attainable Housing
Course Overview As the push for sustainable residential development intensifies, mass timber is increasingly taking a central role in how we reshape city building approaches. This session will delve into why we are pursuing a national residential portfolio based on mass timber, addressing the material’s impact in reducing carbon footprints, its status as a renewable resource, and the challenges surrounding its implementation for a large-scale residential portfolio. We will explore how transparency in supply chains and construction methods can unlock better outcomes for the built environment. The discussion will also address key challenges in delivering mass timber projects at this scale, from procurement complexities to cost-effective strategies. Lastly, we will chart the way forward by examining how prefabrication, structural systems, and repeatable typologies can advance the competitiveness and feasibility of mass timber, positioning it as a cornerstone of attainable housing and a sustainable construction future. Learning Objectives Understand the strategic importance of mass timber in city building and how it supports long-term sustainability goals, housing affordability, and market transformation. Analyze key challenges in the building with mass timber in a portfolio context—from supply chain limitations to procurement complexities—and explore innovative strategies for advancing timber design and construction. Explore the role of prefabrication and material properties in delivering cost-effective timber projects and repeatable building typologies. Evaluate carbon reporting and the transparency of value chains in the timber industry, while discussing the potential for timber to drive a sustainable future. Consider the intersection of timber construction with local guidelines and how structural engineering and urban design principles can align with broader industry goals for competitiveness and diversity. Course Video Speakers Bio Nina Boccia Director of Marketing KPMB Nina Boccia is a marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience creating dynamic and engaging content that connects to vision and values. She previously served as an associate editor at Azure Magazine and managing editor of its sister publication, Designlines, where she interviewed and reported on the best minds in design and architecture. Through her work in arts and culture in Toronto, she has held various leadership positions; creating and overseeing programming, marketing initiatives, and fundraising efforts. She has spearheaded and managed national marketing efforts including branding campaigns, partnerships, and content strategies. Nina is passionate about sharing stories that are purpose-driven, facilitate important conversations, drive investment in community and culture, illustrate the transformative power of design, and champion the people creating meaningful impact. Geoffrey Turnbull Director of Innovation and Sustainability Kindred Works As Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Kindred Works, Geoff Turnbull champions an evidence-based, holistic approach to creating beautiful, sustainable, and high-performing development projects. Geoff came to Kindred Works with a broad background in architecture, business, film, computation, and real estate development, including serving as director of KPMB LAB, the sustainability-focused research group at leading Canadian architecture firm KPMB Architects. A licensed architect (OAA) who holds the LEED AP and CPHD designations, he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in finance from Dalhousie University and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Toronto. Adam Gerber Principal ASPECT Structural Engineers Adam is the CEO and Principal of ASPECT Structural Engineers and a leader in mass timber engineering. His engineering achievements cover a variety of unique and complex structures utilizing different building materials, and he has a breadth of hands-on and technical experience unique in the field. Adam earned his master’s degree in structural and earthquake engineering from the University of British Columbia in 2016, where his research focused on the development of timber-concrete composite technology and vibration performance of floors. Prior to and throughout his degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia, Adam gained experience in the design and construction of timber structures as a carpenter, foreman, estimator, and, ultimately, structural engineer. This experience enables him to view projects from the perspective of designers, builders, and project managers, leading the creation of cost-effective, constructible, and efficient solutions. Adam is deeply committed to sustainability and is a certified Passive House Consultant. A respected public speaker, he has shared his insights on mass timber at numerous industry conferences, including BuildEx Vancouver, the World Conference on Timber Engineering, and the International Mass Timber Conference in Portland. Laurence Holland Associate KPMB Laurence has worked on several projects that draw on his expertise in urban design, community consultation, and multi-family residential design, along with his proficiency in communication and policy analysis. In addition to leading the design of several projects within the Kindred Works residential portfolio, he was a key member of the interdisciplinary Downsview Framework Plan team, working on the intersection of resilient landscapes, sustainable mobility systems, and architecture. Working closely with Indigenous design partners and community members, Laurence led the award-winning design of the Resilient Duplex for Fort Severn First Nation. Outside his project responsibilities, Laurence has led the establishment of funding opportunities and education programs for equity-deserving groups as part of KPMB’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. He is also a sessional lecturer at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design at the University of Toronto.
Low Carbon Buildings AND Energy Systems? Yes, We Wood.
Course Overview As Toronto grows, so does the need for housing and energy. The use of wood products presents a tremendous opportunity to meet these essential needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and growing the local and regional economies. This panel will discuss opportunities to use wood for construction mass timber affordable housing and generation of low carbon heat and power in Toronto. The panel that ensues will explore how the strategic adoption of innovative biomass district heating systems in urban settings can reduce the carbon footprint of cities while delivering both economic and environmental benefits to rural communities. Experts from Sweden and Canada will discuss how utilizing forest residuals for urban energy needs not only cuts carbon emissions in cities but also supports sustainable forest management and strengthens rural economies. The discussion will explore how Sweden’s successful large-scale implementation of biomass district heating can be replicated in Canadian cities like Toronto, providing a renewable, low-carbon energy solution that bridges the needs of both urban and rural communities. Learning Objectives Understand how wood construction, including mass timber, can contribute to lower embodied carbon in urban development projects. Explain the relationship between building emissions, housing demand, and the need for faster low-carbon construction solutions. Describe how forest biomass and district energy systems can support low-carbon heat and power generation in cities. Course Video Speakers Bio David MacMillan Manager, Environment & Climate Division City of Toronto Katherine Sparkes Vice President, Grid Solutions EnWave Katherine joined Enwave in 2024 to lead the launch of a new business platform focused on integrating clean electricity solutions with Enwave’s district networks, customer sites and electrical grids. Katherine brings over 15 years of experience in Ontario’s electricity sector, most recently as the Director of Innovation, Research & Development with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Katherine is recognized across the Canadian energy sector for her leadership in advancing innovative clean electricity solutions, and for her ability to broker productive, effective partnerships between the private sector, utilities, and provincial and federal government. Katherine teaches in the Master of Law, Energy & Infrastructure program at Osgoode Hall and is a member of the Clean 50. Enwave is Canada’s single largest owner and operator of district energy, providing heating and cooling services to buildings through networks in Toronto, Windsor, London and PEI. Leveraging innovative solutions such as deep lake water cooling, biomass, energy from waste, sewer heat recovery, solar PV and storage, Enwave provides affordable, reliable, clean thermal energy and electricity to its real property and utility customers and partners. Gabriella Sicheri Vice President, Development CreateTO As Vice President, Development at CreateTO, the City of Toronto’s real estate agency, Gabriella Sicheri leads complex master planning projects, including the Bloor-Kipling Six Points 17-acre site created through the decommissioning of the Six Points Interchange. In her role, Gabriella reimagines the use of underutilized City assets in a way that will create meaningful space for end users and their communities, while generating important City-Building outcomes for the City. With over 18 years of experience in the public real estate sector, Gabriella has lead important City-building initiatives and key civic projects across Toronto. Prior to joining Build Toronto (now part of CreateTO), Gabriella worked for the Toronto District School Board, where she negotiated, executed and managed complex redevelopment projects, land transactions and a leased portfolio of three million square feet to leverage public assets and generate revenue in creative ways to support new building construction and renovation. In 2019, Gabriella was recognized as an Urban Land Institute Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Championship Team Member, which represents outstanding women leaders and influencers in real estate and development in the Greater Toronto Region. Gabriella holds a degree from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University. Ian Dunn President and CEO OFIA Ian has a long history in Ontario’s natural resource sector. Before the OFIA, he worked as a consulting forester and environmental scientist, undertaking projects for clients in the oil and gas, mining and exploration, nuclear energy, government, and forestry sectors. Since joining the OFIA in 2015, Ian has served in various forestry, manufacturing, and environmental policy roles. Appointed as the OFIA’s President & CEO in 2021, Ian currently oversees Association strategy, governance, public relations, and business administration. Working closely with Association membership, Ian developed a comprehensive strategic plan for the OFIA, representing a new direction and approach for the Association. Ian championed the development and continued implementation of Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy and Biomass Action Plan, focusing on competitive measures designed to attract capital investment and strengthen the sector. He represents the OFIA softwood lumber producer’s interests in the ongoing trade dispute with the United States, developing strategies with members, and coordinating legal efforts with counsel. He actively engages in forest management planning and conservation-related files, including parks and protected areas, species at risk, carbon markets and pricing, and Indigenous relations. Serving as a public appointee to Ontario’s Species at Risk Program Advisory Committee (SARPAC), and the Boreal Caribou Conservation Agreement Working Group, Ian provides strategic advice to the province on its species at risk program. In 2019, Ian was recognized by Canadian Forest Industries magazine as one of the “”Top 10 under 40″” within the forest sector. He frequently speaks on behalf of the Association to the media, including interviews with the CBC, CTV News and Consumer Alert, Toronto Star, Northern Ontario Business, and many other local radio stations and newspapers. He has provided guest lectures at the University of Toronto and Lakehead University on forest policy and current issues in forest management. Ian is a registered professional forester and has been a full member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association since 2013. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two children. Tom Antle Director of Engineering TorchLight Bioresources Tom Antle is the Director of Engineering at TorchLight Bioresources. He holds a BASc in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a dual MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems from KTH in Stockholm, Sweden, and
International Perspectives on Sustainable Housing Development
Course Overview Around the world there is a significant and growing housing shortage that is exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth. This challenge demands innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability, occupant comfort, and efficient land use. This panel discussion brings together three internationally renowned architects: Francine Houben (Mecanoo, the Netherlands), Christophe Ouhayoun (KOZ Architects, France), and Geoff Denton (White Arkitekter, Sweden) to explore their approaches to sustainable housing. Each panelist will share their unique perspective on how to address housing shortages and sustainable densification, offering insights into the latest design strategies, materials, and technologies that can contribute to more resilient and equitable urban environments. Join us for a dynamic conversation that will delve into the future of housing and the role of architecture in creating livable, sustainable cities. Learning Objectives Understand how international architects approach sustainable housing development, including wood‑based construction, urban densification, and low‑carbon strategies. Compare differing regulatory, cultural, and construction‑industry conditions that influence mass timber, modularity, prefabrication, and approval processes in Sweden, France, and Canada. Identify urban‑design principles used to create healthy, community‑oriented neighborhoods. Course Video Speakers Bio Francine Houben Founding Partner, Creative Director Mecanoo, the Netherlands Francine Houben is founding partner of Mecanoo (1984) and has led the firm to success in The Netherlands and abroad, amassing a portfolio of work that is wide-ranging, inspired by global challenges and with a sustainable view on society. Mecanoo combines the disciplines of architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture and interior design to produce unorthodox design solutions born from a strong sensitivity to context and a highly interdisciplinary design process. Each of her projects illustrates the four fundamental elements of her architectural vision: People, Place, Purpose, Poetry. Francine Houben was professor of mobility aesthetics at Delft University of Technology and taught at the universities of Harvard, Yale and Mendrisio. As curator of the First International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (2003), she brought the theme of the aesthetics of mobility to the forefront of international design consciousness. Francine holds Honorary Fellowships of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and was granted lifelong membership to the Akademie der Künste in Berlin as well as receiving the International Honorary Fellow Award by the Architecture Institute of Taiwan. In 2014 Francine was named Woman Architect of the Year by the Architects’ Journal and in November 2015 Queen Máxima of The Netherlands presented her with the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Prize for her wide-ranging career. Francine was awarded Honorary Doctorates from the Université de Mons, Belgium (2017) and the Utrecht University (2016). In 2018 she received the BNA Kubus Award for her oeuvre; the International Prize, Prix des Femmes Architectes (2019) and distinguished with the TU Delft Alumnus of the Year (2020). In 2024, King Willem-Alexander appointed Francine Houben as a Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Christophe Ouhayoun Founding Partner Architect KOZ Architects, France Christophe Ouhayoun is a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. He currently serves as a State Architect Advisor in the Aveyron department. In 1999, he co-founded KOZ Architectes with Nicolas Ziesel. A pioneer in wood architecture since 2001, he recently delivered Lot E of the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Village as co-coordinator within the Nexity-Eiffage team. In addition to his architectural work, he co-founded: KOZTO, a workshop dedicated to the creation of up-cycled furniture. PLAN01, a collaborative “”second office”” active from 2003 to 2014, in partnership with Atelier du Pont, BP Architectures, and Philéas. PLAN02, an integrated environmental consulting firm. Alongside his private practice, Christophe Ouhayoun works as a visiting professor at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers and at the École spéciale d’architecture de Paris. Geoff Denton Partner Architect White Arkitekter, Sweden Geoff Denton is an architect and urban designer who has led residential, educational and mixed-use urban design and architectural projects across the UK, Europe and North America. Educated at Sheffield University in the UK, his career in Sweden notably led him to the role of lead architect for the implementation of Greenwich Millennium Village for Ralph Erskine Architect. This project marked the beginning of his focus on socially and environmentally sustainable urban development and regeneration. He joined White Arkitekter in 2011 and is now a partner and member of the board of directors. During his time at White he has led award winning urban design projects and was responsible for starting White Arkitekter’s London Studio. The studio has been built on the goal to share knowledge and experience of sustainable development and offsite fabrication methods used throughout the Nordics. Key projects developed during the first years of the London studio include the Climate Innovation District in Leeds and the Gascoigne estate regeneration in London. Geoff is now based in Stockholm where he works with diverse complex international projects. His approach to architecture is collaborative and he strongly believes that good design solutions are very much about creating places where people feel secure and invigorated.
Advancing North American Mass Timber Projects: Harnessing the Strength of Local Expertise
Course Overview As global adoption of mass timber construction accelerates, a growing number of solutions are available in the marketplace that can contribute to the success of your project. This session, presented by Simpson Strong-Tie, will explore some of the unique challenges faced by North American projects and some of the domestically developed solutions available to meet those challenges. Learning Objectives Understand the need for greater tolerance on concealed beam hangers, the importance of ensuring connectors are easy to install, and the specific requirements for large elements in North American buildings. Understand the advantages domestic suppliers can bring to your project, including the rapid delivery of hardware to job sites. Learn about the necessity for effective installation tools and processes tailored to the scale of large North American projects. Learn about the need for effective moisture mitigation and the systems and strategies that can prevent unnecessary exposure of mass timber to the elements during construction. Course Video Speaker Bio Adrian Mitchell Chair of Simpson’s internal Mass Timber Focus Market Committee Simpson Strong-Tie Adrian is a mass timber and off-site business specialist with a principal focus on the rapidly expanding mass timber segment, for which he serves as Chair of Simpson’s internal Mass Timber Focus Market Committee. Adrian has spent the bulk of his 20-year career in the off-site, mass timber, and modular spaces, primarily as a business development leader and private consultant. With professional experiences ranging from heavy civil, oil and gas, high-end custom homes to large-scale mass timber missed-use projects and artificial intelligence in BIM, he has a unique and well-rounded background in wood and steel applications in off-site construction. Adrian is a native of Vancouver, Canada, and a graduate of the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s School of Business, he enjoys all the typical Canadian pastimes like playing hockey, building things from wood, and mountain biking.
Building Code Evolution: Understanding the Latest Mass Timber Provisions
Course Overview WoodWorks and the BC Office of Mass Timber Implementation present a brief, but detailed technical webinar focusing on the recently adopted provincial code provisions. Learning Objectives Beyond the introduction of a new, 18 storey limit, you will: Learn the additional changes for various different occupancies, building heights, and construction requirements that will help you enhance your future projects with exposed or encapsulated mass timber. Gain insights into the national landscape, understanding how these code amendments might reverberate across other provinces in Canada. Course Video Speaker Bio Cameron McDonald Technical Solutions Lead, Office of Mass Timber Implementation Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Cam is a former level 3 building official and BOABC member. He now works in the Office of Mass Timber Implementation, under the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, as the Lead of Technical Solutions and played an active role in the development of the new code provisions for EMTC in BC. Derek Ratzlaff, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., PE Technical Director, WoodWorks BC Canadian Wood Council Derek began his career in the wood industry in high school working on single and multi-family light wood construction, after university and almost 20 years of structural consulting experience, Derek has worked in all types of wood construction and played key roles in the delivery of iconic BC wood structures, the Richmond Olympic Oval and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. He brings his experience in design and construction to support the industry as the Woodworks BC Technical Director.
