Reassessment of Reference Design Values for Hem-Fir (N) Dimension Lumber (U.S. Market)
The design values for visually graded and mechanically graded Hem-Fir (N) dimension lumber have been updated in response to the routine assessment of strength and stiffness to ensure reliable performance in structural applications. The following Frequently Asked Questions provide detailed information about the updated design values, their implementation, and practical implications. This content is provided as general information only and is not intended to be relied upon for design decisions. For actual use and design implications, users of Hem-Fir (N) should consult the applicable design guides or specifications
Reassessment of Design Values for Hem-Fir (N) Dimension Lumber (Canadian Market)
The design values for visually graded and mechanically graded Hem-Fir (N) dimension lumber have been updated in response to the routine assessment of strength and stiffness to ensure reliable performance in structural applications. These updates take effect on April 1, 2025, and are published in the NLGA Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber, CSA O86 – Engineering Design in Wood, and the National Design Specification® (NDS®) Supplement for Wood Construction, developed by the American Wood Council (AWC). Within the NDS® Supplement, these updates specifically apply to Tables 4A and 4C, with additional impacts on Table 4G. The following Frequently Asked Questions provide detailed information about the updated design values, their implementation, and practical implications. This content is provided as general information only and is not intended to be relied upon for design decisions. For actual use and design implications, users of Hem-Fir (N) should consult the applicable design guides or specifications (e.g., CSA O86 – Engineering design in wood or the National Design Specifications® (NDS).
Lateral Bracing Requirements – Part 9 of the BC Building Code 2024
Purpose:This publication provides detailed guidance on the BC Building Code 2024 requirements for lateral bracing in Part 9 wood-frame houses. It explains the building material requirements and construction methods necessary to ensure houses are safe and resilient against seismic and wind loads. Impact:This illustrated guide aims to help designers and builders in British Columbia understand and implement the updated Code requirements for lateral bracing. By doing so, it enhances the structural integrity of houses, ensuring they are better protected against environmental hazards, especially earthquakes. Partners:Canadian Wood Council, National Research Council, The Province of B.C., University of Ottawa
The Exchange
ARCHITECT: Faction Architecture Inc. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: RJC Engineers DEVELOPER: Faction Projects Inc. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: Faction Construction BUILDING CODE CONSULTANT: GHL Consultants Ltd. PHOTOS: Courtesy of naturally:wood In Kelowna, British Columbia’s evolving industrial north end, The Exchange stands as a forward-thinking demonstration of what’s possible when architectural ambition meets technical precision. Designed and developed by Faction Architecture and Faction Projects, the building blends mass timber with conventional materials in a hybrid system that highlights both structural performance and environmental responsibility. At the heart of the structural system is nail-laminated timber (NLT), used for both floor and roof assemblies. NLT is a mass timber product formed by mechanically fastening dimensional lumber together to create solid panels—an approach well-suited to exposed timber applications that value durability, texture, and straightforward fabrication. For this project, the team fabricated the panels in-house using locally sourced materials and trades. While this gave them greater control over cost and scheduling, it also introduced design and compliance challenges. The team opted for a fluted NLT profile to enhance visual appeal and improve acoustic performance. Because the panel design differed from prescriptive norms, it required approval as an alternative solution under the BC Building Code. Extensive analysis was conducted to demonstrate compliance with fire-resistance, vibration, and load-bearing requirements. Informed by existing NLT fire test data, the design team minimized voids between laminations to enhance charring behaviour and performed physical load testing at Okanagan College to confirm strength and stiffness performance. Complementing the NLT panels is a glulam post-and-beam system that forms the substructure, supported by concrete elevator and stair cores. Together, these elements support a program that includes retail and light industrial space at grade, with two to three storeys of open-plan office space above. A rooftop patio offers sweeping views, reinforcing the project’s appeal to creative businesses and environmentally conscious tenants. The Exchange also showcases a thoughtful approach to the building envelope, a key factor in achieving Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code—the highest step currently applicable to non-residential buildings in the region. The high-performance envelope includes a combination of weathering steel and corrugated metal cladding, high-performance glass windows, semi-rigid exterior insulation, breathable weather barrier, plywood sheathing, lumber studs, batt insulation, gypsum board and a polyethylene vapour barrier. The light-frame wood walls contribute to envelope performance in two important ways: 1) wood has lower thermal conductivity than other materials, so thermal bridging is dramatically reduced, and 2) the stud wall configuration allowed for thicker insulation in the cavities between studs. This integrated approach—combining exposed timber construction, envelope efficiency, and locally supported fabrication—enabled the project team to deliver a space that performs as well technically as it does aesthetically. And with over 90% of the leasable area spoken for at completion, it’s clear that tenants are responding to both the look and the logic of the building. The Exchange sets a precedent for accessible mass timber construction in smaller markets, particularly in contexts where a streamlined fabrication process and strong design-control loop can help close the gap between sustainable ambition and budgetary constraints. As Faction Projects continues work on the remaining phases of the development, The Exchange stands as both a technical prototype and a commercial success—proof that high-performance, low-carbon construction can be as practical as it is inspiring.
A Regionalized Industry Average EPD for Canadian Wood Trusses
This is a Canadian regionalized industry wide (average) business-to-business Type III environmental product declaration (EPD) for pre-fabricated wood trusses. This declaration has been prepared in accordance with ISO 21930 (1), ISO 14025 (2), ISO 14040 (3), ISO 14044 (4), the governing product category rules (5), and ASTM General Program Instructions for Type III EPDs (6). The intent of this document is to transparently disclose comprehensive environmental information related to the potential impacts associated with the cradle-to-gate life cycle stages of wood trusses manufactured in Canada.
An Industry Average EPD for Canadian Softwood Plywood
This is a Canadian industry wide (average) business-to-business Type III environmental product declaration (EPD) for softwood plywood. This declaration has been prepared in accordance with ISO 21930 (1), ISO 14025 (2), ISO 14040 (3), ISO 14044 (4), the governing product category rules (5), and ASTM General Program Instructions for Type III EPDs (6). The intent of this document is to transparently disclose comprehensive environmental information related to the potential impacts associated with the cradle-to-gate life cycle stages of softwood plywood manufactured in Canada.
A Regionalized Industry Average EPD for Canadian Oriented Strand Board
This is a Canadian regionalized industry wide (average) business-to-business Type III environmental product declaration (EPD) for oriented strand board (OSB). This declaration has been prepared in accordance with ISO 21930 (1), ISO 14025 (2), ISO 14040 (3), ISO 14044 (4), the governing product category rules (5), and ASTM General Program Instructions for Type III EPDs (6). The intent of this document is to transparently disclose comprehensive environmental information related to the potential impacts associated with the cradle-to-gate life cycle stages of OSB manufactured in Canada.
A Regionalized Industry Average EPD for Canadian Softwood Lumber
This is a Canadian regionalized industry wide (average) business-to-business Type III environmental product declaration (EPD) for softwood lumber. This declaration has been prepared in accordance with ISO 21930 (1), ISO 14025 (2), ISO 14040 (3), ISO 14044 (4), the governing product category rules (5), and ASTM General Program Instructions for Type III EPDs (6). The intent of this document is to transparently disclose comprehensive environmental information related to the potential impacts associated with the cradle-to-gate life cycle stages of softwood lumber manufactured in various Canadian provinces and regions.
Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code
The Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code – Second Edition is a comprehensive resource designed to help designers, code officials, and building professionals understand and apply the latest Ontario Building Code provisions for Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC), effective January 1, 2025. Developed by the Canadian Wood Council / WoodWorks Ontario in collaboration with Morrison Hershfield (now Stantec), the guide explains the technical requirements, fire safety principles, and design considerations unique to EMTC, with clear references to relevant OBC articles. It covers everything from structural mass timber element specifications and encapsulation materials, to use and occupancy limits, mixed-use scenarios, and related provisions for structural design, environmental separation, and fire safety during construction. Intended to be read in conjunction with the Ontario Building Code, this is not a design guide, but rather a tool to distill complex regulations into practical, accessible information—equipping professionals to confidently design, review, and approve EMTC projects while ensuring compliance and optimizing performance. Notice of Correction: A previous version of this document contained a small error on page 19. In this electronic version of the document (updated August 12, 2025) the 3rd major bullet of Section 5.1.1 has been corrected.
Insuring Timber Strategy
Recognizing the barriers to adoption, the Canadian Wood Council has proactively mobilized a response strategy. As a first step, we have commissioned several studies to investigate and understand the workings of the Canadian and global insurance industry as it pertains to timber construction. As Canada’s voice for wood products, we have taken it upon ourselves to begin correcting the assumptions and misinformation associated with timber construction, while providing technical leadership to the insurance industry, the construction sector, and our partners
2023 CWC Annual Report
ICC-ES Listing report for self-tapping screws for Canada
The ICC-ES Listing Report for Self-Tapping Screws for Canada provides third-party evaluation and listing information for self-tapping screws intended for use in Canadian construction applications. The document is intended for designers, engineers, specifiers, and code officials who require verified compliance information to support product approval and specification. The report outlines evaluated products, applicable standards, and conditions of use relevant to Canadian building codes and regulatory requirements. It serves as a reference for understanding the scope of the listing, including performance attributes, installation parameters, and limitations associated with the evaluated self-tapping screw systems. Developed as a compliance and reference document, the ICC-ES Listing Report supports informed decision-making and facilitates code acceptance for self-tapping screws used in wood and hybrid construction in Canada.
