Explore 2024 OBC updates for Ontario mid-rise wood construction, including code changes, design opportunities, and housing goals.

In late 2014, following years of research and development in advanced wood products and systems, amendments to the 2012 edition of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) came into effect permitting mid-rise wood construction for residential and office buildings up to 6 storeys. This marked a significant shift, expanding the use of light-wood frame construction beyond the previous 4-storey height limit, and opening new opportunities for cost-effective and versatile building solutions. To improve affordability and harmonize with the National Building Code, the 2012 OBC was further amended in mid 2023 to permit limited combustible cladding and combustible exits to be featured in mid-rise wood construction. These amendments, with some minor editorial changes, were also carried forward to the 2024 edition of the OBC, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. This presentation will provide an overview of the technical and regulatory changes to the OBC with respect to the design and construction of mid-rise wood buildings and explore the role of this building archetype in achieving our housing targets with affordable, high-quality, and sustainable construction.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the intent, scope, and application of technical and regulatory changes as well as key 2024 OBC provisions for mid-rise wood construction in Ontario.
• Explore the advantages of 5- and 6-storey wood buildings on the housing supply efforts in Ontario through market potential, project highlights, and the role of modern methods of construction.
• Know how to access free design and best practice resources for mid-rise wood construction and how to access free WoodWorks project support.

 

Eager to get started? Download a free copy of the Guide to Mid-Rise Wood Construction in the Ontario Building Code!