Webinar – Custom Steel Connections for Mass Timber: Understanding the Basics Step by Step
Understanding Tolerances in Prefabricated Timber Construction
As prefabrication and hybrid timber systems become more widely adopted, tolerance coordination has emerged as a critical factor in project success. While components may meet material standards and fabrication targets, misalignment between design intent, manufacturing capability, and site conditions can still lead to fit-up issues, delays, and rework. Understanding Tolerances in Prefabricated Timber Construction introduces a practical framework to help multidisciplinary project teams better define, communicate, and manage tolerances across all stages of a project—from design and fabrication to installation and in-service performance. The publication outlines four core tolerance classes—Material Specification Limits, Standard Manufacturing Capabilities, Framing/System Deviations, and Installation Allowances—and explains how these interact in real-world construction. It also introduces key concepts such as Clearance Fits, designed fitment gaps, Critical to Fit (CTF) features, and Critical Dimensions (CDs), providing a structured approach to improving constructability at critical interface zones. A step-by-step workflow is included to help teams translate broad standards into clearly defined fitment strategies, aligning design intent with manufacturing reality and site execution. This resource is intended for architects, engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and developers working with prefabricated and hybrid timber systems. By establishing a shared language around tolerances, it supports better coordination, reduced risk, and more predictable project outcomes.
Webinar – Online Tools for Wood Construction: CodeCHEK, FRR & STC & EMTC Calculator
Webinar – Offsite Manufacturing: Driving Efficiency, Quality, and Sustainable Construction
Guide to Mid-Rise Wood Construction in the Ontario Building Code
Second Edition Applicable to the 2024 OBC (O. Reg. 163/24) – In Effect January 1, 2025 Overview The Guide to Mid-Rise Wood Construction in the Ontario Building Code (Second Edition) provides a technical overview of the provisions permitting 5- and 6-storey combustible (wood) construction under the 2024 Ontario Building Code. Developed by WoodWorks Ontario / the Canadian Wood Council, this updated edition reflects O. Reg. 163/24 and recent amendments affecting mid-rise residential (Group C) and office (Group D) buildings. The Guide identifies key requirements, conditions, and limitations associated with mid-rise wood construction and is intended to support architects, engineers, builders, regulators, and code professionals working in Ontario. What’s Included This technical reference outlines: Height and building area limits for 5- and 6-storey wood buildings Fire-resistance requirements for floors, roofs, mezzanines, and loadbearing assemblies Sprinkler system requirements (NFPA 13 vs. 13R) Combustible cladding limitations and compliance pathways Fire blocking and concealed space requirements Fire department access and street-facing provisions Emergency power enhancements Structural and seismic design considerations Mixed-use building permissions and occupancy separation requirements The Guide focuses on new construction and is intended to be used in conjunction with the Ontario Building Code.
Exposed Mass Timber Calculator
The Canadian Wood Council is pleased to introduce a new design tool: the Exposed Mass Timber Calculator. Developed to support practitioners working with encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC), this tool helps determine whether a compartment design aligns with the 2025 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). By entering key information about your compartment layout—including size, wall configuration, mass timber elements, and encapsulation details—the calculator evaluates whether the design meets code requirements for exposed mass timber elements. The tool allows users to: Evaluate permissible percentages of exposed mass timber elements (beams, columns, walls, and ceilings) Confirm compliance within suites or fire compartments Identify potential code issues through automated warnings Visualize compartment configurations with a generated 3-D model Review encapsulation requirements and supporting notes This practical calculator helps architects, engineers, and code professionals explore compliant design options more efficiently when working with mass timber construction. Try the Exposed Mass Timber Calculator Photo © Tom Arban
WoodWorks Building Tour – Pictou County Mass Timber Buildings
Federal Call for Proposals Opens Under $500M Forest Sector Transformation Investment
February 25, 2026 (Ottawa, ON) — The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) welcomes today’s launch of a national Call for Proposals by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, under Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector transformation programs. Backed by a $500-million federal commitment, the funding is now open for applications from eligible businesses and organizations across Canada. The call supports projects through four key programs: The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program The Green Construction Through Wood (GCWood) program The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) The Global Forest Leadership Program (GloFor) “This strategic investment comes at a pivotal time for Canada’s forest sector,” said Rick Jeffery, President and CEO of the Canadian Wood Council. “These programs can help accelerate modernization, support innovation, and expand the use of advanced wood solutions—strengthening our industry and opportunities within our domestic market while positioning Canada as a global leader in sustainable construction.” Wood solutions are central to Canada’s built environment and economic future. Expanded use of wood in construction can support housing supply goals, reduce embodied carbon, and create new opportunities for growth and value-added manufacturing. The Canadian Wood Council encourages members, partners, and wood products manufacturers to explore these funding opportunities to: innovate and diversify production strengthen domestic demand expand the use of wood in construction support Indigenous participation access emerging markets About the Canadian Wood Council The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is Canada’s unifying voice for the wood products industry. As a national federation of associations, our members represent hundreds of manufacturers across the country. Our mission is to support our members by accelerating market demand for wood products and championing responsible leadership through excellence in codes, standards, and regulations. We also deliver technical support and knowledge transfer for the construction sector through our market leading WoodWorks program. For media inquiries, please contact: Sarah Hicks Communications and Outreach Manager Canadian Wood Council shicks@cwc.ca | 1-705-796-3381
Wood Design & Building Magazine – Sign Up
Stay connected to the ideas, projects, and technical insights shaping wood design and construction across Canada and beyond. Wood Design & Building magazine is published six times per year and delivers award-winning projects, expert perspectives, and practical guidance on all forms of wood construction. Whether you’re an architect, engineer, builder, developer, or wood enthusiast, subscribing ensures each issue arrives directly in your inbox—keeping you informed, inspired, and ready to bring more wood into your work. Wood Design & Building Magazine – Sign Up Email Address * First Name Last Name Company/Organization
Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 101
Every issue of Wood Design & Building tells a different story about how wood is shaping contemporary construction. Some editions revolve around a clear theme such as our recent issue on strategic additions and adaptive reuse; others, like this one, reflect the diversity of challenges, innovations, and contexts that define wood construction today. What unites the features in this issue is not a single building type or region, but a shared commitment to thoughtful planning, ingenuity, and execution. We begin in the mountains of British Columbia, where the Robson Cabin project pushes the limits of planning and coordination. Accessible only by helicopter, the remote alpine site demanded meticulous preparation, high levels of prefabrication, and an unwavering attention to detail. Alongside the technical complexity, the construction crew also contended with less predictable site conditions—including a persistent population of porcupines, whose curiosity added a memorable twist to an already remarkable build. From there, we turn to one of the most sought-after—and often elusive—topics in the industry: cost. Reliable, project-specific costing data for mass timber buildings remains rare, and cost uncertainty can be a barrier to wider adoption of mass timber construction. This issue features an overview of a new mass timber business case study published by WoodWorks BC, which presents detailed cost, schedule, and design data from three projects. By comparing mass timber systems to conventional construction approaches across three building types, the study offers valuable insight into real-world construction costs, decision-making, and the strategies that can bring mass timber into cost parity. Our final feature takes us to Trenton, Nova Scotia, for a virtual construction tour of the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame, a community-focused project being realized through close collaboration between designers, builders, and trades. The one-storey building brings together panelized engineered wood walls, traditional light wood frame construction, and a central mass timber foyer, showcasing a deliberate “right material in the right place” approach. Built using offsite fabrication and carefully sequenced installation, the project demonstrates how coordination and precision can be leveraged to deliver a refined wood building that balances efficiency, constructability, and architectural expression. Together, these stories offer a snapshot of a sector defined by creativity, technical rigor, and resilience—whether navigating rugged mountain terrain, unpacking the realities of construction costs, or reimagining how cultural buildings are delivered. We hope they inform, inspire, and perhaps even entertain.
ProTEKtor II® – Technical Data Sheets
The ProTEKtor II® Technical Data Sheet provides detailed product and performance information for BarrierTEK’s ProTEKtor II® fire-protectant treatment used on wood frame and sheet components. The document is intended for designers, builders, specifiers, and code officials who require clear, concise technical data to support product evaluation and specification. The TDS outlines key product characteristics, application parameters, and performance attributes for treated wood framing members and sheet goods, including compatibility considerations and relevant fire performance data. It serves as a practical reference for understanding how ProTEKtor II® is applied to enhance fire protection in both exposed and concealed wood-frame assemblies. Developed as a technical reference, this data sheet supports accurate specification and informed use of ProTEKtor II®, helping project teams integrate fire-protectant-treated wood products into wood-frame construction with confidence and consistency.
AtTEK – Fire Protection for Attic Applications
The AtTEK® – Fire Protection for Attic Applications Technical Data Sheet provides detailed product and performance information for BarrierTEK’s AtTEK® fire-protectant treatment used in wood-frame attic assemblies. The document is intended for designers, builders, specifiers, and code officials requiring concise technical data to support product evaluation and specification. The TDS outlines key product attributes, application parameters, and performance characteristics relevant to attic framing components, including treatment coverage, compatibility with wood products, and applicable fire performance considerations. It serves as a quick-reference resource for understanding how AtTEK® is used to enhance fire protection in concealed roof spaces. Developed as a technical reference, this data sheet supports accurate specification and informed use of AtTEK® in attic applications, helping project teams integrate fire-protectant-treated wood into wood-frame buildings with clarity and confidence.
