Welcome to the CWC Portal
Wood Design Tools & Calculators
The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) offers simple, easy-to-use, and free design tools to help architects, engineers, and builders work more efficiently with wood. From electronic design calculators to practical construction guides, our resources make wood design more accessible and straightforward.
CWC offers a number of free resources available to wood professionals as well as wood enthusiasts.
Wind & Seismic Bracing Calculator
This interactive tool intends to aid in the design of the minimum braced wall panel length required for the houses based on seismic and wind forces.
Climate zone-appropriate insulated wall assembly solutions that are easily comparable with national and provincial energy efficiency prescriptive provisions.
Calculate load-carrying capacity for wood beams efficiently. Provides quick, code-compliant results for safe and reliable designs.
Dimension Calculator
Easily convert lumber dimensions for accurate planning. Ideal for ensuring precise cuts and minimizing waste.
Estimate lumber volume for your projects. Simplify material planning and cost estimation with accurate results.
Carbon Calculator
Both the amount of carbon stored and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided.
Code CHEK
Ensure your designs meet safety standards. Verify compliance with the latest building codes for hassle-free projects.
FRR & STC Tool
Evaluate fire resistance and sound performance. Optimize designs to meet safety and acoustic standards easily.
Bolt Selection Table Viewer
Evaluate fire resistance and sound performance. Optimize designs to meet safety and acoustic standards easily.
Bolt Calculator
Performs design calculations for bolted connections in accordance with CSA O86:24 Clause 12.4.
The Canadian Wood Council’s Design Tools have been developed for information purposes only. Although all possible efforts have been made to ensure that the information on these tools is accurate, the CWC cannot under any circumstances guarantee the completeness, accuracy or exactness of the information. Reference should always be made to the appropriate Building Code and/or Standard. This tool should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal or design advice, and the user is responsible for how the tool is used or applied.
Explore Additional Tools
Expand your design capabilities with advanced tools tailored for timber construction. From calculators to performance modeling, these resources enhance your workflow for precise and efficient project execution.
Cecobois Online Tools
Climate zone-appropriate insulated wall assembly solutions that are easily comparable with national and provincial energy efficiency prescriptive provisions.
AWC Online Tools
Discover innovative tools designed to streamline your wood construction projects. Optimize design processes and explore solutions crafted for modern timber engineering.
Discover the WoodWorks® Software
Learn how the WoodWorks Software supports design and construction professionals with expert resources, tools, and free technical support for innovative wood building projects.
Explore Premium
Content and Resources
From best practices to innovative techniques, find everything you need to succeed in timber construction.
What does it take to deliver better buildings? In this issue, we explore that question from a couple of different angles—primarily through a look at standout wood projects that demonstrate wood design excellence, but also through a thoughtful feature on offsite prefabrication that invites the construction industry to think critically about how we build and what it will take to build better. Through enhanced collaboration and the expanded use of technology, prefabricated construction—an approach especially well-suited to wood—is transforming the way we design and deliver buildings.
This fall, the Canadian Wood Council is proud to support Woodrise 2025, an international conference coming to Vancouver, British Columbia. As part of this event, the 5th International Congress on tall wood construction, we’ve curated nine immersive tours that offer attendees a unique opportunity to step inside some of the region’s most compelling wood projects for a firsthand look at the leadership and innovation happening here.
If you believe one of the best ways to learn about a building is to walk through it—this is your chance. The full tour lineup is available now at www.woodrise2025.com/offsite-tours. Join us to explore everything from sustainable forest management and advanced manufacturing to some of the region’s most iconic mass timber buildings – experiences that bring together the people, materials, and design approaches shaping the future of low-carbon construction in B.C. and beyond.
We hope this issue inspires you to keep exploring what’s possible with wood—whether in your own projects or out with us on tour.
- The emerging use of mass timber in industrial buildings presents promising opportunities that are shaping the future of construction in this sector. As a sustainable and economically competitive alternative, mass timber is redefining what is possible in industrial construction, a field traditionally dominated by prefabricated steel. An analysis of two cutting-edge projects in Sudbury, Ontario, highlights key advantages, including cost competitiveness, reduced embodied carbon, and superior aesthetic appeal. The insights from these two projects present stakeholders with helpful considerations and valuable strategies for integrating mass timber into future developments. Learning Outcomes: Participants will learn how to create flexible, multi-tenant industrial layouts using mass timber systems that are able to accommodate evolving tenant needs. Participants will gain insight into how early-stage collaboration with mass timber suppliers streamlines design, engineering, and construction processes. Participants will gain insight into the role of mass timber in biophilic design, and how its visual warmth and natural materials contribute to wellness-centred spaces that appeal to tenants. Participants will understand how mass timber can be a cost-competitive alternative to steel, especially in volatile markets, and assess its impact on embodied carbon and sustainability goals.
- This session examines the growing potential of point-supported mass timber systems in tall building construction, contrasting them with traditional timber framing and conventional steel and concrete approaches. It highlights regulator advancements, the role of mass timber in addressing mid-density housing needs, and the structural fundamentals of gravity and lateral systems. Through cost and schedule comparisons, design principles like bi-axial bending and punching shear, and insights from ongoing Canadian codification efforts, the presentation offers a comprehensive overview supported by real-world projects such as VAHA Burrard and BCIT Tall Timber. Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the opportunities and constraints for point-supported mass timber when compared to traditional timber framing schemes Analyze the schedule and cost benefits of point-supported mass timber systems versus steel and concrete in tall construction projects Explore state-of-the-art design methodologies and ongoing efforts towards codification in Canada Eager to learn more? Check out our free publication, Feasibility of Point-Supported Mass Timber, available now on our Digital Resource Hub: https://cwc.ca/publication/feasibility-of-point-supported-mass-timber/
OTTAWA, ON, 18 July 2025 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) applauds the Province of Nova Scotia’s recent announcement regarding the prioritization of wood products for construction and heating in public buildings – a strategic move that supports economic growth, climate resilience, and innovation in the province’s forestry sector.
By committing to mass timber and other solid wood products for construction, alongside the use of wood pellets, biomass, and other products made from forest residuals for heat and energy, Nova Scotia is taking a leadership approach to development that aligns environmental stewardship with economic opportunity.
This initiative reinforces the principles of a circular economy built on sustainable forest management. This comprehensive approach to fibre utilization ensures the province is maximizing the value of harvested wood and reducing waste while simultaneously supporting jobs, stimulating rural economies, and strengthening local and regional supply chains across the forestry and construction sectors.
“This commitment from the province of Nova Scotia not only supports local forestry and bioeconomy innovation, but also delivers practical solutions to reduce emissions, improve energy security, and build with a lighter carbon footprint,” says Rick Jeffery, President & CEO of the Canadian Wood Council. It’s a smart and timely commitment to sustainability that will strengthen local industries while advancing practical, low-carbon building solutions.”
View the announcement from Nova Scotia Public Works and Nova Scotia Natural Resources here: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/07/17/government-promotes-wood-construction-heating
Save the date! WoodWorks Alberta and the Canadian Wood Council are bringing the Wood Solutions Conference to Calgary in November — and you won’t want to miss it.
Tickets will be available soon! Stay tuned for updates on Early Bird registration and event details.
- Join us November 21, 2025, at The Westin Calgary Airport for Alberta’s premier event dedicated to wood design and construction. This one-day conference will bring together expert-led seminars, cutting-edge innovations in wood building systems, and top-tier networking opportunities for professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction. Tickets will be available soon! Stay tuned for details on Early Bird pricing and registration. Location:The Westin Calgary Airport671 Aero Drive NECalgary, AB T2E 7Y5
- WoodWorks at The Buildings Show 2025Presented in partnership with the Canadian Wood Council The Canadian Wood Council and The Buildings Show have joined forces to bring WoodWorks to North America’s premier event for design and construction professionals. This new collaboration enhances the Show’s core offering with a focused spotlight on wood innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence. What to Expect:WoodWorks at The Buildings Show will offer a deep dive into the evolving role of wood in Canada’s built environment through: 6 hours of accredited educational sessions dedicated to wood product construction, spanning mass timber, offsite systems, and Indigenous-led design. Exclusive access to wood experts from across the supply chain—including manufacturers, consultants, and technical specialists. Dedicated expo pavilions in both the North and South buildings, showcasing structural and architectural wood products at the heart of Canada’s largest building event. WoodWorks Educational Programming:Presented by the Canadian Wood Council over two days: Wednesday, December 3 WS103 – Tall Wood in Canada: Current State, Opportunities, and New InitiativesSpeakers: Canadian Wood Council, WoodWorks Ontario WNM101 – Offsite Construction in Ontario: A Practical and Diligent Path ForwardSpeakers: Forest Economic Advisors, Auto Construct Incorporated WN102 – Building Success: The Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre StorySpeaker: Two Row Architect WN103 – Mass Timber Economics: Beyond the Bottom LineSpeakers: Clark Construction Management Inc., bnkc architecture + urban design Thursday, December 4 TN101 – Design and Construction of Permanent Wood FoundationsSpeaker: Sustainafree TNM101 – The Future of Tall: The Future of CitiesSpeaker: Antony Wood Consulting Join us to connect with leaders shaping the future of wood construction in Canada.
Tall wood buildings offer tremendous potential for low-carbon, high-performance construction, but they also introduce a distinct set of challenges not typically encountered in conventional approaches. Design teams new to this form of construction may be unfamiliar with the systematic approach needed to enhance affordability and efficiency in these buildings.
Within the spectrum of structural solutions for mass timber, point-supported CLT is a compelling option for tall building applications. Teams must understand how to harness its unique benefits and navigate its limitations to unlock its full potential. When applied effectively, point-supported approaches can improve efficiency, reduce material usage, and unlock new pathways to cost-competitive tall timber construction.
- Join WoodWorks Ontario’s Hailey Quiquero and Steven Street for a guided exploration of two groundbreaking tall timber buildings on Toronto’s waterfront. This exclusive tour includes: T3 Bayside: A next-generation timber office building designed around the principles of Timber, Transit, and Technology. Enjoy views from the rooftop terrace and 10th floor, and explore show suites, fitness and amenity spaces, and innovative timber construction. Limberlost Place: A 10-storey, award-winning academic building at George Brown College, showcasing mass timber innovation—from solar chimneys and natural ventilation to its beamless floor design and three-storey columns. Don’t miss this opportunity to see two landmark mass timber projects and hear directly from the professionals behind them. Tour Leads: Hailey Quiquero & Steven Street, WoodWorks Ontario Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025 Times: Morning (9:00AM–12:15PM) or Afternoon (1:30PM–4:45PM) Meeting Point: T3 Bayside, 251 Queens Quay E, Toronto, ON Note: Tour is part of the From the Ground Up Conference programming and attendees are required to purchase a core conference ticket to attend the add-on programs such as the off-site tours.
KITCHENER, ON — The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) was proud to participate in a significant announcement by the Government of Ontario yesterday, where the Honourable Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, launched Ontario’s Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan.
The Action Plan outlines a strong, strategic commitment to advancing the use of mass timber and prefabricated wood systems—technologies that can deliver high-performance buildings while supporting job creation and investment across Ontario’s forestry, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
As the national association representing manufacturers of Canadian wood products, CWC welcomes this important step forward. Through its technical resource program, WoodWorks, the Council is committed to supporting the growth of advanced wood construction by providing guidance, education, and project support to professionals across the building sector.
“This is about solving today’s challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth—with industrialized wood construction driving that transformation forward,” said Steven Street, Executive Director of WoodWorks Ontario.
The Action Plan includes investments in research, education, training, and manufacturing, positioning Ontario as a leader in low-carbon, efficient, and sustainable construction. CWC applauds the province’s leadership and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with public and private partners to advance the adoption of made-in-Ontario wood solutions.
To read the full plan, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/advanced-wood-construction-action-plan
The Canadian Wood Council is pleased to share it’s 2024 Annual Report, offering a clear view of the progress, resilience, and impact achieved over the past year.
In his message, Chairman Kevin Pankratz reflects on the Council’s strategic leadership during a year marked by economic pressures and shifting market conditions. Emphasis is placed on the value of collaboration, strong governance, and industry alignment as essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term competitiveness. The report reinforces the importance of maintaining a united voice across our membership and fostering clarity in our purpose as a national federation.
From the President & CEO’s perspective, Rick Jeffery outlines how the organization navigated 2024 with focus and adaptability—delivering trusted technical guidance, growing influence in codes and standards, and expanding national education and outreach efforts. With renewed government investment and increased awareness of low-carbon construction, the Council is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of growth for Canada’s wood sector.
Nous avons le plaisir de vous présenter le Rapport annuel 2024 du Conseil canadien du bois (CCB), qui met en lumière les progrès, la résilience et les retombées concrètes réalisés au cours de la dernière année.
Dans son message, Kevin Pankratz, président du conseil d’administration, souligne le rôle stratégique du Conseil dans un contexte économique complexe et en constante évolution. Il met l’accent sur l’importance d’une gouvernance forte, d’une collaboration soutenue et d’une vision commune pour maintenir l’élan du secteur et assurer sa compétitivité à long terme. Ce rapport rappelle la nécessité de préserver une voix unifiée au sein de notre fédération et de rester clairs sur notre mission nationale.
Rick Jeffery, président-directeur général, revient sur une année marquée par la rigueur et l’adaptabilité. Il souligne les avancées en matière de soutien technique, l’influence croissante dans l’élaboration des codes et normes, ainsi que l’élargissement des programmes de formation et de sensibilisation à l’échelle nationale. Grâce à des investissements gouvernementaux renouvelés et une reconnaissance accrue du rôle du bois dans la construction bas carbone, le CCB est bien positionné pour mener la prochaine phase de croissance du secteur au Canada.
We are pleased to share the Canadian Wood Council’s 2024 Annual Report, offering a clear view of the progress, resilience, and impact achieved over the past year.
In his message, Chairman Kevin Pankratz reflects on the Council’s strategic leadership during a year marked by economic pressures and shifting market conditions. Emphasis is placed on the value of collaboration, strong governance, and industry alignment as essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term competitiveness. The report reinforces the importance of maintaining a united voice across our membership and fostering clarity in our purpose as a national federation.
From the President & CEO’s perspective, Rick Jeffery outlines how the organization navigated 2024 with focus and adaptability—delivering trusted technical guidance, growing influence in codes and standards, and expanding national education and outreach efforts. With renewed government investment and increased awareness of low-carbon construction, the Council is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of growth for Canada’s wood sector.
Who can use this document:
Contractors, Developers, Owners and Design Teams.
How to use this document:
This document is an editable form that teams can fill out to aid in collecting mass timber project-specific information to share with their insurance team.
When to use this document:
A project team should engage a broker or underwriter as early as possible in the planning stages of a construction project, ideally during the initial design phase or when the project scope is being defined.
How will this help me:
The goal is to provide project-specific information about mass timber, pre-emptively addressing some of the common questions and concerns insurers may have to pave the way for a more efficient and informed process when working with your broker or underwriter. Keep in mind that this document is not intended to address all topics nor be a universally accepted form that provides all necessary information to insurers.
- Join CTBUH at the recently completed Limberlost Place, a new addition to George Brown College’s Waterfront Campus. This event will whet appetites for a wider discussion to be held at the CTBUH 2025 International Conference, taking place from 6 – 9 October 2025. Following an introduction from CTBUH CEO Javier Quintana de Uña, the presentations and discussion will delve into policies, projects and design practices geared towards creating the best space for the occupant, by maximizing social interaction, utilizing recycled and/or sustainable materials, and connecting projects to wider city networks and infrastructure. Limberlost Place will be featured prominently as a case-study as we offer an inside look at the building. Following the panel discussion, join us for a networking reception with opportunities to tour more of the building with key members of the project team. Program: What’s Next in the Industry, and for CTBUH Javier Quintana de Uña, CTBUH CEO Sustainable Placemaking in Toronto: Connecting Developments to a Wider Urban Network James Parakh, City of Toronto Creating Innovative Spaces for a Global Impact Panel Discussion with representatives involved with the conception, construction, development of Limberlost Place at George Brown College: — Steven Street, Executive Director, Woodworks Ontario | Canadian Wood Council (Moderator) — Nerys Rau, Director, Design and Construction and Project Director – Limberlost Place Development, George Brown College — Carol Phillips, Partner, Moriyama Teshima Architects — Krista Palen, Partner, Transsolar Networking Reception & Building Tours Network over drinks and light bites with an opportunity to see more of the building.
Mark your calendars! WoodWorks Atlantic and the Canadian Wood Council are pleased to present the Wood Solutions Conference in Halifax this fall — and we want you there.
Tickets will be available in August! Stay tuned for details regarding Early Bird Registration!
- Join us November 19–20, 2025, at the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites for Atlantic Canada’s premier event dedicated to wood design and construction. This two-day conference and trade show will feature expert-led seminars, cutting-edge innovations, and valuable networking opportunities for professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction. Tickets will be available in August! Stay tuned for details regarding Early Bird Registration! Location: The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites 1515 South Park Street Halifax, NS B3J 2L2 Full conference details and registration info coming soon. Whether you’re focused on sustainability, looking to expand your toolkit, or just want to see what’s possible with wood, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
In wood construction, success is rarely improvised. It’s the earned result of early design coordination, clearly communicated expectations, and a shared commitment to getting the details right—from design concept through to completion. Whether a project’s priority is accelerated construction timelines, lasting architectural impact, future disassembly and reuse, or all these things and more, the through line is thoughtful, deliberate planning.
As a structural system, timber calls for a high degree of coordination—especially as its applications continue to evolve and expand. It rewards teams who design with intent: those who understand that every exposed surface carries architectural weight, that detecting clashes early in the design phase avoids costly rework during construction, and that planning for a building’s end-of-life is just as essential as designing its first impression.
Society’s growing demand for low-carbon construction brings new urgency—and opportunity—to these conversations. As we continue to advance prefabricated, high-performance, and demountable wood building systems, the need for early alignment—between architect and engineer, builder and client—is not just integral to the success of individual projects, but to the advancement of the industry as a whole.
This issue of Wood Design & Building leans into that reality. As construction methods evolve, we examine how clear communication and coordination don’t just mitigate risk—they drive better outcomes for the built environment. In a construction landscape that values speed, efficiency, and low-carbon outcomes, it’s advanced planning and clear communication that turn ambition into meaningful results.
We’re not just building with wood. We’re building with purpose, intention, and care. And that process starts long before the first beam or panel is lifted into place.
