2024 Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarships Celebrate Students Driving Innovation in the Wood Industry
Ottawa, ON, December 12, 2024 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) announced the recipients of the 2024 Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarships: Laura Walters (McMaster University) and Jiawen Shen (University of British Columbia). Both students were recognized for their academic excellence and impactful research projects in the structural wood products industry. Established nineteen years ago, the memorial scholarships are awarded each year to graduate students whose wood research exemplifies the same level of passion for wood and the wood products industry that Catherine Lalonde tirelessly demonstrated as a professional engineer and president of the CWC. Laura Walters Laura is a 3rd-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering under a joint collaboration between McMaster University and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Her research project explores the use of pre-engineered beam hangers in mass timber post-and-beam systems, with a focus on the implications of design and modelling assumptions on the evaluation of structural load paths. Her work provides valuable insights into the design considerations and assumptions required for more accurate and reliable design of mass timber columns when pre-engineered beam hangers are used. Jiawen Shen Jiawen is a 1st year graduate student pursuing a Master in Wood Science at the University of British Columbia. Her research project focuses on the development of binderless composite bark-board cladding and insulation panels that are durable, ignition resistant, carbon neutral, and manufactured from an underutilized by-product that would otherwise be burned, landfilled, or used for low-value purposes. Collaborating with a Vancouver-based architecture firm on this project, her work is key to advancing the commercial application of these innovative cladding products. “This year marks a historic milestone for the Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarship program as, for the first time, it is awarded to two exceptional women,” said Martin Richard, VP of Market Development and Communications at the CWC. “Their achievements highlight the outstanding talent driving innovation in wood research and construction. We are inspired by their contributions and the growing diversity shaping the future of wood-based solutions.”
Canadian Wood Council and Woodsure launch new partnership between the WoodWorks and Woodsure programs
Ottawa, Ontario – September 17, 2024 — The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) and Woodsure (A division of Axis Insurance Managers Inc.) are pleased to announce a new partnership between their WoodWorks and Woodsure programs respectively. This strategic collaboration is expected to help support the increased adoption of wood construction in Canada. The positive influences of design innovation, advanced materials, new building codes, and the evolving priorities of society are driving change in the construction sector; in particular, these influences are driving the expanded use of advanced wood construction. However, as with the adoption of any new technology, perceived unknowns can create barriers that need to be to overcome. One such barrier is access to insurance for this new class of technologically advanced wood buildings. This partnership aims to empower architects, builders, and developers to choose wood with confidence, knowing they have access to robust insurance solutions that understand the complexities of wood construction. Together, we can significantly enhance the acceptance, safety, and growth of mass timber construction, recognizing it as a strategically preferred material for sustainable building practices. Statements from Key Stakeholders Rick Jeffery, President & CEO, Canadian Wood Council: “We are thrilled to welcome Woodsure as a partner of our WoodWorks program. This collaboration is a natural extension of our mutual commitment to supporting wood construction, fostering growth of the wood construction sector, and encouraging increased adoption of sustainable building practices. By combining our efforts, we are confident that this partnership will have a positive impact on the industry.” Roland Waldmeier, National Senior Vice President, Construction, Contracting, and Real Estate, Axis Insurance Managers Inc. “We believe that insurance should not only keep pace with, but also actively support, the mass timber and wood frame industries. These sectors are vital to both social and economic objectives in Canada. Therefore, it is important for us to continually develop innovative insurance solutions that foster growth in the Canadian wood industry. By providing the necessary capacity, we make it easier for projects to secure the coverage they need.” Connie Rowley, Senior Vice President, Woodsure: “Supporting the mass timber industry with specialized insurance products is crucial for accelerating the adoption of wood construction. By offering tailored insurance solutions, insurers can provide the necessary capacity and confidence for developers to invest in mass timber projects. This support not only mitigates financial risks, but also fosters innovation and sustainability in construction. Enhanced insurance products can address concerns related to fire safety, structural integrity, and long term reliability, thereby reassuring stakeholders and encouraging broader acceptance of this eco-friendly building material. Consequently, this leads to a more sustainable construction industry and helps in reducing the carbon footprint.”
Vandusen Gardens
North Bay Regional Health Centre
Outstanding Wood Buildings
CentrePlace Manitoba
Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre
Angus Glen Community Centre and Library
Armstrong-Spallumcheen Arena
Art Gallery of Ontario (Renovation and Addition)
Banff Recreation Centre
Canada’s Blueprint for Mass Timber Success Unveiled at Parliament Hill
June 13, 2024 (Ottawa)– Earlier today, The Transition Accelerator unveiled The Mass Timber Roadmap at the Press Conference Room in the West Block on Parliament Hill. The comprehensive report outlines an ambitious and strategic vision for the future of mass timber in Canada and its potential to transform green construction and drive economic growth across the country. Developed in partnership with Canadian Wood Council (CWC), Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), and Energy Futures Lab (EFL), The Mass Timber Roadmap comes after more than a decade of collaborative efforts to unlock and demonstrate potential of mass timber and lays out a visionary plan to increase the mass timber market – both domestic and exports – to $1.2 billion by 2030 and to $2.4 billion by 2035. This ambitious growth aligns with increasing market demand in North America and around the world. By leveraging the power of mass timber solutions, Canada has a unique opportunity to enable the construction of residential and commercial structures at greater speeds, with lower costs, and with a lighter carbon footprint; all while capturing a share of the rapidly growing global market. Achieving targets laid out in The Mass Timber Roadmap requires coordinated efforts across three critical action areas and the report provides actionable next steps, including: Today’s event on Parliament Hill featured the following speakers who highlighted the roadmap’s goals and the promising future for mass timber in Canada, followed by an engaging Q&A session with journalists: Key Quotes: “The mass timber sector provides a perfect example of how Canada can add value to its primary resources through innovative technologies and advanced skills. If we act strategically and quickly, we have the opportunity to build an industry that reduces emissions, addresses urgent needs, and positions Canada to win in emerging global value chains.” – Derek Eaton, The Transition Accelerator “To build a world-class mass timber sector, Canada must adopt a strategic approach to ensure we can compete and win globally. This is about smart policy here at home and bringing more Canadian wood to our cities and to the world. By enabling faster, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly construction with mass timber we can grow jobs, help address the affordable housing crunch, and reduce emissions.” – Kate Lindsay, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) “The potential for Canadian wood products to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment and drive the growth of a sustainable and prosperous wood industry is immense; however, global competition to capitalize on the significant economic opportunities mass timber presents in the transition to a lower-carbon world will require us to act swiftly to stay competitive and meet rapidly emerging domestic demand.” – Rick Jeffery, Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
