Local Government support for Modern Methods of Construction
Course Overview Learn how leading cities across BC are supporting the adoption of modern methods of construction. This session will explore what policies and incentives cities have adopted to support mass timber in the planning and development approval process, how building departments are revising their permitting processes to support offsite and prefab construction, and how recent Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments have included more land use categories to support mass timber in mid and high rise applications. It will also examine how mass timber helps meet other City objectives, from low carbon emission goals for new construction to rapid housing targets, and highlight new and exciting projects in each of these cities that are in planning, under construction, or recently completed using mass timber. Learning Objectives Identify municipal policies, incentives, and planning tools that support the adoption of mass timber construction. Understand how permitting and development approval processes are evolving to accommodate offsite, prefabricated, and mass timber construction methods. Learn how Official Community Plans and land-use policies can create opportunities for mass timber in mid- and high-rise development. Assess how mass timber construction can help municipalities achieve broader objectives related to housing delivery, sustainability, and emissions reduction. Course Video Speakers Bio Annabelle Hamilton Executive Director WoodWorks BC | Canadian Wood Council Annabelle oversees WoodWorks BC, the market development program of the Canadian Wood Council. After completing her postgraduate degree in Northern Ireland, she worked with several multi-family development companies, managing multi-million-dollar projects across the full lifecycle – from acquisitions and municipal approvals through to construction completion. She now leads the WoodWorks BC team in advancing innovative solutions that support the adoption of wood products in multi-family and non-residential projects across British Columbia. Scott Groves Director Corporate Projects Township of Langley Scott Groves is the Director of Corporate Projects for the Township of Langley, where he leads the planning, design, and delivery of major community buildings and parks projects. An experienced civil engineer, he has spent his career in local government advancing complex capital initiatives, including arenas, community centres, fire halls, civic facilities, and large park and sports infrastructure that serve residents across the region. Before joining the Township of Langley, Scott held senior roles with several Metro Vancouver municipalities, directing capital projects, facilities, and strategic civic lands initiatives, and contributing to Olympic‑related infrastructure and major transportation projects. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia and is known for his collaborative approach to community building and his commitment to delivering high‑quality public spaces. Stacy McGhee Manager, Strategic Facilities Planning District of Saanich Stacy McGhee is a registered architect in the province of British Columbia. His work experience spans a wide range of building types, project sizes and procurements. Stacy’s work in both public and private sectors has given him a unique perspective of consultant and owner viewpoints enabling him to manage projects with a clearer mandate and sound contractual understanding. Stacy’s private sector work includes luxury hotels, commercial offices, historic renovation and healthcare. Since 2009, Stacy’s public sector work includes six years with the Province of BC working with BC Corrections to modernize facilities and to undertake large, multi-year P3 projects building $200M+ facilities in Surrey and the Okanagan near Oliver. Since joining the District of Saanich in 2015, Stacy has led the District’s Strategic Facilities Planning program which first produced the District’s first Strategic Facilities Master Plan followed by the recommended and prioritized implementations of a replacement for Fire Station #2 and the redevelopment of the Saanich Operations Centre. Stacy is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and a LEED registered professional.
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.
The Business Case for Mass Timber
Course Overview Mass timber is redefining how we design and deliver buildings. This session spotlights two projects at the forefront: The Exchange office building in Kelowna and a planned residential tower in Vancouver. Alongside these case studies, the speakers will present a business case analysis, breaking down costs, risks, and opportunities. Together, the speakers will share how mass timber is being applied today, the lessons learned, and why it is becoming a viable choice for development in today’s market. Learning Objectives Explain how mass timber systems are being applied in commercial and residential projects to achieve cost competitiveness with concrete construction. Identify key design, supply chain, and construction decisions that influence risk, schedule, and cost outcomes in mass timber buildings. Evaluate the business case drivers – cost, schedule, risk, and market acceptance – that affect developer decision-making for mass timber projects. Course Video Speakers Bio Annabelle Hamilton Executive Director WoodWorks BC Following the completion of her postgraduate degree from Ulster University in Northern Ireland, Annabelle has worked for several multi-family development companies, overseeing various multi-million dollar projects through the project lifecycle from acquisitions and municipal approvals to construction completion. Graham Brewster Director of Development Wesgroup Properties Graham is Director of Development at Wesgroup Properties, one of Western Canada’s largest private real estate organizations. Graham is leading Wesgroup’s mass timber exploration and execution, with an eye to not only build better buildings, but building the understanding to build a robust and sustainable industry in BC. Tim McLennan CEO Faction Projects As co-founder and CEO of Faction Projects Inc., Tim oversees a vertically integrated group of companies including Faction Architecture Inc., Faction Construction, and multiple subsidiaries—delivering full-spectrum project services from concept to construction. He leads the company’s long-term strategy, corporate governance, and financial stewardship. His leadership drives innovation across the group’s project delivery platforms—anchoring Faction’s reputation for integrated, regionally responsive, and technically advanced solutions. Neil McGowan Partner, Senior Advisor BTY Group Neill is a Partner at BTY and is responsible for providing planning and cost consulting services to financial institutions, government agencies, real estate developers and contractors. He has over 35 years of experience in British Columbia providing cost and risk advisory services. Neill is a sustainability leader and has led BTY’s team on a wide variety of projects advancing the understanding of capital and life-cycle costs of energy conservation and GHG-reduction measures for government and institutional clients.
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
FRAMEWORK for Success: Prefabricated Wood Systems and Design Innovation
Course Overview This presentation explores the transformative impact of prefabricated light wood frame construction systems in multi-residential development, focusing on VanMar’s FRAMEWORK methodology and its application in the new 150 Wissler Road project in Waterloo. FRAMEWORK is a highly efficient, panelized light wood frame system designed for buildings up to six storeys, delivering rapid, sustainable, and cost-effective construction that meets and exceeds energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets. The session will highlight VanMar’s extensive experience in affordable housing, the advantages of offsite prefabrication, and the collaborative process that accelerates project delivery. Learning Objectives Participants will understand the benefits of prefabricated wood frame construction for multi-residential buildings. Participants will understand the FRAMEWORK system’s approach to speed, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Participants will be shown how collaborative offsite construction methods accelerated the 150 Wissler Road project. Participants will learn strategies for overcoming design challenges and achieving efficiencies in fire walls, shafts, and acoustics. Course Video Speakers Bio Jordan Zekveld Director of Preconstruction VanMar Constrcutors ON Jordan is a construction and development professional with deep experience in estimating, preconstruction, and cost strategy for multi-unit residential projects. At VanMar Constructors, he helps developers, REITs, and non-profits bring condominium, rental, and affordable housing projects from concept to construction. Drawing on VanMar’s integrated design-build expertise, Jordan leads collaborative preconstruction processes that align design intent, feasibility, and cost efficiency. His experience spans concrete high-rise and innovative mid-rise wood-frame developments, including the Framework system — VanMar’s sustainable, fast, and cost-effective building solution. With a focus on clarity, constructability, and long-term value, Jordan works at the intersection of planning, design, and execution to help deliver housing that’s efficient, affordable, and built to last. Mike Philips Executive Director Ontario Structural Wood Association (OSWA) Mike Phillips has served as Executive Director of OSWA since 2008. Under his leadership, the association has evolved from a truss-fabricator-focused group into Ontario’s leading voice for structural wood component manufacturing. Today, the province is home to 70 certified truss plants and 40 wood-panel manufacturers, with engineered wood products now the preferred choice for floor systems. At the same time, Ontario’s building code has never been more prepared to accommodate advanced wood-construction methods. Mike is a strong advocate for the industrialization of construction and the expanding role of off-site building systems—critical drivers of wood construction’s future growth. Paul Marchesani Operations Manager Panelized Building Solutions Inc. Paul Marchesani is the Vice President of Panelized Building Solutions Inc., a family run business where he plays a key leadership role in driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and project execution across the company. Known for his strong work ethic, hands-on approach, and deep industry knowledge, Paul oversees day-to-day operations while supporting long-term planning that aligns with the company’s vision. Before joining Panelized Building Solutions, Paul held key roles in project management and operations within manufacturing and construction environments, where he oversaw production teams, implemented process improvements, and helped streamline workflow efficiencies. His ability to manage both people and complex technical projects made him a natural fit for leadership. Respected by colleagues, clients, and trade partners alike, Paul combines technical expertise with strong leadership, making him an essential pillar of the company’s continued success.
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.
