Canadian Wood Council and Canadian Institute of Steel Construction Partner to Advance Steel-Timber Hybrid Construction
Ottawa, ON — September 4, 2025 — The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) and the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of steel-timber hybrid structural solutions in Canada. Steel-timber hybrid construction is emerging as a sustainable and efficient approach to modern building design. By combining the strength and durability of steel with the renewable, low-carbon benefits of wood, hybrid systems—such as steel-timber composite floors—can deliver superior structural performance, improved cost efficiency, and faster construction timelines. These benefits are particularly valuable for larger and taller buildings where structural demands are greatest. To advance this opportunity, CWC and CISC have established a joint Technical Steering Committee. This committee will oversee the strategic use of funds contributed by both organizations to maximize industry impact. Its primary mandate is to support designers, engineers, and builders by developing technical guidance, best practices, and publications that will enable practical, code-compliant solutions for hybrid systems. “By working together, we aim to provide the industry with the resources it needs to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable building solutions,” said Robert Jonkman, Vice-President, Engineering, Canadian Wood Council. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing construction practices that meet today’s affordability and performance challenges,” added Logan Callele, Director of Engineering, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. Further details on upcoming resources, publications, and industry engagement opportunities will be shared in the coming months. For more information, visit: www.cwc.ca For media inquiries, please contact: Martin Richard, VP, Communications and Market Development Canadian Wood Council mrichard@cwc.ca | 1-613-725-4339 About the Canadian Wood Council (CWC) The Canadian Wood Council is the national association representing manufacturers of Canadian wood products used in construction. Through technical expertise, market development, and education, CWC promotes the responsible use of wood, advancing building practices that are innovative, sustainable, and aligned with Canada’s climate goals. About the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction is the national industry organization representing the structural steel, open web steel joist, and steel plate fabrication industries. CISC works to advance the use of steel in construction through advocacy, education, research, and the development of design and construction resources.
Wood Education and Workforce Integration Concurrent Workshop @ Woodrise 2025
Woodrise 2025 Registration | Official Program | Offsite Tours Workshop on Wood Education and Workforce Integration Date: September 24th, 2025 Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Duration: 4 hours Speakers: Alexander Opazo Vega, Blériot Feujofack, Craig Applegath, Ghasan Doudak, Guido Wimmers, Michael David Burnard, Peter Moonen, Pierre Quenneville Description: This workshop will bring together international experts to explore advancements in wood design and construction education, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and, most importantly, showcasing and discussing innovative solutions. The workshop will feature perspectives on timber engineering education in New Zealand, the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub and its role in shaping Europe’s future workforce, seismic considerations in timber engineering education in Chile, strategies for integrating design, engineering, and construction in North American wood education, as well as workforce integration and the challenges of engaging young professionals in the field. These discussions will also address key strategies for developing and retaining talent within the sector. An interactive panel discussion will follow, bringing together all speakers to address the complex landscape of wood education and workforce integration. The panel will explore the evolution of curricula, the integration of emerging technologies, and effective strategies for engaging the next generation in wood design and construction. This will also provide the audience with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the panelists through questions and discussion. The workshop will conclude with a one-hour roundtable dedicated to shaping an international platform for collaboration. This platform is envisioned to bring together leading experts from around the world, harmonize curricula across institutions, and share high-quality resources to elevate wood education globally. By participating in this roundtable, you will help establish the foundation for a lasting network that fosters innovation, strengthens training, and ensures the next generation of manufacturers, architects, engineers, and builders are well-prepared to design, construct, and maintain advanced wood structures. In preparation for the workshop, a global survey has been developed to gather insights from educators on wood design and construction. The survey aims to explore current practices, challenges, and technological innovations in wood education. Its findings will provide a data-driven foundation for the workshop discussions, focusing on key topics such as post-secondary education structures, curriculum integration, industry partnerships, and the adoption of new technologies in wood education programs. If you are an educator or professional and would like to share your experiences and perspectives, we invite you to complete the survey by clicking on the following link: Survey Link Here! This workshop promises to be a pivotal event for shaping the future of wood education, combining academic and industry perspectives to create a unified global approach to training the next generation of professionals in the wood sector. Agenda: 2:00 – 2:10 PM Introduction – Peter Moonen, Canadian Wood Council; Guido Wimmers, BCIT; Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council 2:10 – 3:45 PM Expert presentations Innovations in Timber Engineering Education: Insights from New Zealand – Dr. Pierre Quenneville, University of Auckland Workforce Integration in Wood Design and Construction: Challenges and Solutions for Engaging Young Professionals – Craig Applegath, DIALOG Empowering Graduates: The Role of the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub on Sustainable Built Environment with Renewable Materials – Dr. Michael Burnard, InnoRenew CoE Advancing Timber Engineering Education in Seismic Regions: Insights from Chile’s Academic and Research Initiatives – Dr. Alexander Opazo Vega, University of Bío-Bío Advancing Wood Education in Canada and North America: Integrating Design, Engineering, and Construction – Dr. Ghasan Doudak, University of Ottawa 4:15 – 5:00 PM Panel Discussion – Moderated by Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council 5:00 – 5:55 PM Round Table – Led by Peter Moonen, Canadian Wood Council; Guido Wimmers, BCIT; Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council 5:55 – 6:00 PM Summary of Activities and Wrap-Up Featuring: Blériot Feujofack Manager Wood Education Canadian Wood Council Peter Moonen National Sustainability Manager Canadian Wood Council
Canadian Wood Council Welcomes Federal Investment in Forestry Innovation and Housing Solutions
August 5, 2025 – (Ottawa, ON) The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) welcomes today’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney in Kelowna, unveiling a $1.2 billion investment to support Canada’s forest sector and accelerate the use of Canadian wood in domestic construction. The measures – including $700 million in loan guarantees and $500 million to advance innovation, workforce development, and market diversification – send a strong signal of support for sustainable construction and domestic manufacturing. CWC is encouraged to see federal action aligned with the priorities it has long championed through its technical work in codes and standards and resource program delivery. “This announcement reinforces the critical role that wood-based solutions can play in meeting Canada’s housing and climate goals,” said Rick Jeffery, President and CEO of the Canadian Wood Council. “The focus on innovation, capacity expansion, and domestic use of wood aligns well with technical insights we’ve shared over many years through our work with government, industry, and the architects, engineers, construction professionals, and developers (AECD) community.” CWC has worked closely with federal departments and agencies, including Natural Resources Canada, on initiatives such as the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program, which has demonstrated the ability to de-risk early projects and help scale up Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). These approaches, such as mass timber and prefabrication, are essential to accelerating housing starts while reducing carbon emissions and supporting rural economies across Canada. “With the Build Canada Homes plan targeting 500,000 new units annually, today’s announcement provides important tools to help scale construction innovation,” Jeffery added. “Ensuring that Canadian wood products are part of the solution is a smart investment in housing, climate action, and economic resilience.” CWC will continue its work providing technical assistance, education, and data-driven insight to support the successful implementation of federal initiatives. The organization remains committed to working with all levels of government and industry partners to help increase the use of sustainable wood systems in construction.
Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 24, issue 98
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.
Canadian Wood Council Applauds Nova Scotia’s Prioritization of Wood Products for Construction and Heating in Public Buildings
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
Feasibility of Point-Supported Mass Timber
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.
Case Study: Academic Tower University of Toronto
Setting a new standard in Canada’s tallest mass timber structure, Soprema Insonomat system provided an ideal balance of sustainability, safety, and superior sound insulation.
Case Study: 283 Greene Avenue
AcoustiTECH’s innovative and effective acoustic solutions made New York’s first mass timber residential project a triumph of modern design and sound comfort. Discover how the AcoustiTECH Lead 6 and AcoustiTECH SOFIX system harmonized natural aesthetics with high acoustic performance.
Case Study: 1361 Goldstream
Offering beautiful views and exceptional acoustic comfort, the Lakeside project benefited from AcoustiTECH’s innovative approach to residential sound insulation.
Case Study: Travino
Discover how the Travino project benefited from AcoustiTECH’s Acoustiboard and Acoustivibe solutions, achieving unmatched acoustic comfort for residents while complying with seismic requirements.
Case Study: 330 Goldstream
With the lightweight and resilient Fermacell 2E32 and Soprema Acoustivibe systems, this project is a model of acoustic excellence and seismic compatibility. Discover how our solutions elevated resident comfort.
Canadian Wood Council Supports Ontario’s Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan
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
