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Canadian Wood Council Announces Leadership Transition

OTTAWA, ON, June 18, 2026 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) announces that Rick Jeffery will retire from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the CWC effective June 30, 2026, following a distinguished career of leadership and service to Canada’s wood products industry.

“Rick Jeffery’s tenure at CWC has been characterized by strategic vision, consistent leadership, and an unwavering dedication to promoting wood construction across Canada,” says Board Chair, Philippe Clune. “Under his direction, the CWC advanced codes and standards, strengthened its partnership with the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), and raised the profile of the WoodWorks program from coast to coast. Rick leaves behind a more resilient, unified organization and an industry better positioned to help Canada achieve its housing and sustainability goals. He will be sincerely missed, but his legacy will continue to shape the future of wood construction for years to come.”

CWC Past Chair, Kevin Pankratz, agrees. “Over the last 4 years, Rick has led the organization through very challenging times in our industry. The legacy of strong leadership that he leaves behind will ensure the future success of the CWC.”

The Canadian Wood Council’s Board of Directors, staff, members, and partners extend their sincere gratitude to Rick for his many contributions to the organization and wish him every success and happiness in retirement.

“It has been a privilege to serve as President and CEO of the Canadian Wood Council and to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff, members, partners, and industry leaders,” said Rick Jeffery. Together, we have advanced the use of wood in the built environment, strengthened the voice of our industry, and built a strong foundation for future growth. I am proud of what we have accomplished and deeply grateful for the relationships and friendships developed along the way. I leave knowing the organization is in capable hands and well positioned to continue creating opportunities for Canada’s wood products sector.”

The CWC Board of Directors has appointed Derek Nighbor as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026. Derek currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of FPAC, a role he has held since March 2016 and will retain. He has worked closely with CWC leadership in recent years, and his appointment reflects the importance of increased collaboration across the forest sector and wood building construction value chains to deliver on affordable housing, increase the use of Canadian wood in building construction, and strengthen the domestic industry in the face of growing geo-political and trade challenges.

“As an industry and as a country, we find ourselves in a critical moment – we need to build more affordable homes, accelerate innovation to develop future-ready building systems and communities, and protect and grow jobs to make our economy more resilient for the long-term,” says Nighbor. “In crisis there is always opportunity. We are fortunate to have among the best technical minds in the wood building construction space at CWC and across the regional WoodWorks and Cecobois networks. I’m excited to get to work with them to grow our on-the-ground partnerships and to build more Canadian homes and infrastructure with Canadian wood.”

The Canadian Wood Council remains committed to advancing the use of wood in the built environment and supporting a strong, innovative, and competitive wood products industry across Canada. Under Derek’s leadership, CWC will continue delivering the programs, services, and results that members and partners rely upon.

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, its members represent hundreds of manufacturers across the country. CWC supports its members by accelerating market demand for wood products and championing responsible leadership through excellence in codes, standards, and regulations. CWC also delivers technical support and knowledge transfer for the construction sector through its market leading WoodWorks program.

For more information, please contact:
Sarah Hicks, Communications & Outreach Manager, CWC
[email protected] | 1-705-796-3381

Canadian Wood Council Announces New Board Chair

Ottawa, ON – June 17, 2026 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is pleased to announce that Philippe Clune was appointed to the role of Board Chair at the organization’s Annual General Meeting today.

Clune succeeds Kevin Pankratz, who has completed his term as Chair after providing dedicated service to the organization and Canada’s wood products sector.

“On behalf of the CWC, I would like to thank Kevin for his leadership and valuable contributions during his tenure as Chair,” said Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of the CWC. “Kevin has been a strong advocate for collaboration across the industry and has helped guide the organization through an important period of growth and alignment.”

Nighbor also welcomed Clune to the role. “As Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Domtar, Philippe brings extensive industry knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to advancing the use of wood in the built environment,” said Nighbor. “I look forward to working with him as we continue strengthening CWC’s role as a national voice for the wood products industry and delivering value for our members and partners.”

As a member of the CWC Board of Directors, Clune has been actively engaged in shaping the organization’s strategic priorities and supporting its work on behalf of Canada’s wood products industry.

“I am honoured to serve as Chair of the Canadian Wood Council’s Board of Directors,” said Clune. “I would like to thank Kevin for his leadership and contributions over the past three years. I look forward to working with my fellow directors, member delegates, and the CWC team to continue advancing the use of wood in the built environment and supporting a strong future for Canada’s wood products industry.”

About the Canadian Wood Council

Founded in 1959, the Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is Canada’s unifying voice for the wood products industry. As a national federation of associations, its members represent hundreds of manufacturers across the country. CWC supports its members by expanding market opportunities for wood products and championing excellence in codes, standards, regulations, technical support, and education.

For more information, please contact:
Sarah Hicks, Communications & Outreach Manager, CWC
[email protected] | 1-705-796-3381

annual report, CWC

Reports

Canadian Wood Council Annual Report 2025

The Canadian Wood Council is pleased to share its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of strong performance, strategic collaboration, and progress advancing wood construction in Canada.

In his message, Chairman Kevin Pankratz reflects on the importance of collaboration, strong governance, and industry alignment in supporting the sector’s long-term success. He emphasizes the value of a unified voice in creating new opportunities and strengthening the industry’s future.

President & CEO Rick Jeffery highlights the measurable impact of CWC’s work in codes and standards, market development, education, and communications. The report demonstrates how strategic investments and industry collaboration are expanding market opportunities for wood products and strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and resilience.

English | Français

Magazine
Magazine, Revue

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 103

This issue of Wood Design & Building is, in many ways, about relationships. Relationships between materials and place, between education and practice, and between forestry and the built environment. And perhaps most importantly, the relationships being built by the people at all points along the path from forest to finished building who are sharing their knowledge, experience and passion for wood buildings.

That exchange of knowledge is strengthening confidence, capability, and collaboration throughout the design and construction community. In our interview with Dr. Blériot Feujofack, Education Manager at the Canadian Wood Council, we explore how new learning opportunities and accessible industry knowledge are helping prepare the next generation of designers and builders.

In Lloyd Alter’s article, A Treehugger Goes Logging, we are reminded that building with wood also means understanding where the material comes from and appreciating the depth of knowledge required to manage forests sustainably. By sharing perspectives across forestry, manufacturing, and construction, the article highlights the people and practices that shape the material long before it reaches the built environment.

That spirit of collaboration and shared learning is also reflected in our featured projects. In Saskatoon, the misiwe-kisik | One Sky school demonstrates how a project team’s commitment to doing something special for the community helped foster the collaboration and innovation required to use century-old, reclaimed nail-laminated timber from decommissioned grain elevators. The project’s Cree name, reflecting connection, belonging, and relationship across communities, feels equally fitting for a sector increasingly shaped by collaboration and shared ambition.

What makes this moment remarkable is not only what we are building, but how we are learning to build it together.

Working With Wood

Explore the redesigned CWC eLearning Centre

Advanced wood construction requires new knowledge, new systems, and new skills.

To help support the next generation of building professionals, the Canadian Wood Council is proud to introduce the redesigned CWC eLearning Centre, a flexible online learning platform focused on advanced wood construction, engineered wood systems, and innovative building solutions.

Designed for both students and industry professionals, the eLearning Centre provides expert-led courses that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Whether you’re looking to expand your technical expertise, explore emerging wood systems, or strengthen your understanding of modern construction practices, the CWC eLearning Centre offers accessible, industry-focused education built for today’s evolving construction sector.

Why learn with the CWC eLearning Centre?

Flexible online learning at your own pace
Expert-led courses focused on real-world applications
Training in advanced wood construction and engineered wood systems
Designed for students, architects, engineers, developers, builders, and construction professionals

For students. For professionals.
For the next generation of builders.

Insurance, Mass Timber

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan Phase 1 Report

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan – Phase 1 Report examines one of the most significant barriers to scaling mass timber construction in Canada: access to affordable and reliable insurance.

While mass timber offers clear advantages in sustainability, performance, and long-term value, course-of-construction insurance rates remain disproportionately high—often several times those of concrete and steel—driven largely by limited data and insurer unfamiliarity rather than demonstrated risk.

Led by the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance and the Canadian Wood Council, and supported by Natural Resources Canada, this report summarizes the findings from Phase 1 of a national action plan developed in collaboration with insurance and building industry stakeholders. It evaluates the feasibility of four targeted solutions focused on data sharing, insurer-relevant research, contractor verification, and expanding insurance capacity.

Bringing together technical insight and industry perspectives, the report outlines practical pathways to reduce risk perception, improve market confidence, and unlock greater adoption of mass timber construction across Canada.

Mass Timber, tall wood

Tall Wood Feasibility Study

Tall Wood Feasibility Study: Mass Timber and Concrete explores the economic, construction, and environmental performance of a proposed 12-storey residential development in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Developed through a side-by-side comparison of optimized mass timber and concrete schemes, this study examines how material choice influences project cost, schedule, financial returns, and embodied carbon. Beyond a direct cost comparison, it provides insight into how mass timber can support construction efficiency, earlier occupancy, long-term asset value, and meaningful product differentiation in the rental market.

The publication includes detailed analysis of design strategy, risk mitigation, development economics, scheduling, and structural carbon impacts—offering developers, investors, designers, and project teams practical data that demonstrates the viability of tall wood construction at this scale.

Uncategorized

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 Awards

Wood Design Awards

2026 Wood Design & Building Awards Call for Submissions Now Open

OTTAWA, ON, April 15, 2026 – The Canadian Wood Council is accepting submissions for the 2026 Wood Design & Building Awards. The prestigious annual program, now in its 42^nd year, invites architects, designers, and project teams from across North America and around the world to submit their most inspiring wood projects for consideration.

“The program is a celebration of architectural excellence,” says Ioana Lazea, Senior Manager for the program at the Canadian Wood Council. “Year after year, it brings forward the creativity, ambition, and craft of the industry’s leading designers, those pushing wood to new heights and redefining what’s possible in the built environment.”

In a time when technology is rapidly transforming how we design and build, wood architecture is evolving in remarkable ways. Each year, the program showcases some of the most compelling and beautiful buildings in the world, but increasingly, these projects are also defined by the sophistication of the systems behind them.

Advances in wood products, engineering, and prefabrication are enabling new forms, greater efficiency, and expanded possibilities, while still delivering spaces that feel warm, natural, and deeply human. Wood design innovation is happening at every scale, from refined small projects to ambitious, city-shaping developments. Together they celebrate a material uniquely positioned to respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing the architectural profession today.

Submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished jury of Canadian and American architects. Projects will be evaluated based on creativity, design excellence, and the innovative and appropriate use of wood to achieve project objectives.

Award categories for 2026 include:

Non-residential
Residential
Adaptive Reuse, Additions, and Renovations
International Building
Other (e.g. exterior structures, bridges)

The program also includes several specialty awards:

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Award
Real Cedar Award
Wood Preservation Canada (WPC) Award
Regional WoodWorks Awards for Ontario, British Columbia, and the Prairies

Winners will receive a custom wood trophy and be recognized through a media announcement, social media, a feature profile on the Wood Innovation Network, and editorial coverage in Wood Design & Building Magazine (digital edition).

Key Dates:
Early Bird Deadline – May 31, 2026
Submission Deadline – June 26, 2026

For more information and to submit your project, please visit:

https://cwc.ca/wood-design-and-building-awards/

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Hicks
Communications and Outreach Manager
Canadian Wood Council
[email protected] | 1-705-796-3381

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.

Magazine
Magazine, Revue

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 102

This issue of Wood Design & Building explores how intentional design can carry culture, support community, and foster connection. The projects featured here demonstrate how a clear vision can transform a building into an environment grounded in purpose, identity, and care, reflecting both people and place.

Several projects in this issue centre Indigenous perspectives and priorities. The Membertou First Nation office building, the Weliankweyasimk Women’s Shelter, and the Chief Leonard George residential building each reflect cultural knowledge, respond to community needs, and create spaces of safety, continuity, and belonging.

Wood is a consistent presence throughout. Long associated with shelter and refuge, it is also a material of gathering, warmth, and shared experience. It is no coincidence that projects grounded in human wellbeing so often turn to wood. This connection is present in many cultures. Our WoodWare feature on FinnFox, for example, highlights the part wooden saunas play supporting health and building community in Nordic (and Canadian) sauna culture.

At the same time, building with wood is not simply a return to the past. While it reconnects us with cultural knowledge and longstanding practices, it also reflects a growing recognition of wood as a high-performance, renewable material for contemporary construction. This is evident in the Chief Leonard George Building, Canada’s first tall mass timber residential building constructed to the Passive House standard. It demonstrates how thoughtful wood design can both preserve cultural continuity and point toward the future of high-performance, low-carbon construction.

Durability, Modular Construction, Woodworks

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.

Codes & Standards, Mid-Rise Buildings, Woodworks

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.

Canadian Wood Council Announces Leadership Transition

Canadian Wood Council Announces New Board Chair

annual report, CWC
annual report, CWC

Canadian Wood Council Annual Report 2025

The Canadian Wood Council is pleased to share its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of strong performance, strategic collaboration, and progress advancing wood construction in Canada.

Magazine, Revue

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 103

Explore the redesigned CWC eLearning Centre

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan Phase 1 Report

Tall Wood Feasibility Study

Wood Design & Building Magazine – Sign Up

2026 Wood Design & Building Awards Call for Submissions Now Open

Magazine, Revue

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 102

Understanding Tolerances in Prefabricated Timber Construction

Guide to Mid-Rise Wood Construction in the Ontario Building Code

Canadian Wood Council Announces Leadership Transition

OTTAWA, ON, June 18, 2026 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) announces that Rick Jeffery will retire from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the CWC...

Canadian Wood Council Announces New Board Chair

Ottawa, ON – June 17, 2026 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is pleased to announce that Philippe Clune was appointed to the role of Board Chair at the organization's...

Canadian Wood Council Annual Report 2025

The Canadian Wood Council is pleased to share its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of strong performance, strategic collaboration, and progress advancing wood...

annual report, CWC

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 103

This issue of Wood Design & Building is, in many ways, about relationships. Relationships between materials and place, between education and practice, and between...

Explore the redesigned CWC eLearning Centre

Advanced wood construction requires new knowledge, new systems, and new skills. To help support the next generation of building professionals, the Canadian Wood Council is...

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan Phase 1 Report

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan – Phase 1 Report examines one of the most significant barriers to scaling mass timber construction in Canada: access to affordable and...

Insurance, Mass Timber

Tall Wood Feasibility Study

Tall Wood Feasibility Study: Mass Timber and Concrete explores the economic, construction, and environmental performance of a proposed 12-storey residential development in...

Mass Timber, tall wood

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...

2026 Wood Design & Building Awards Call for Submissions Now Open

OTTAWA, ON, April 15, 2026 – The Canadian Wood Council is accepting submissions for the 2026 Wood Design & Building Awards. The prestigious annual program, now in its...

Wood Design Awards

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 102

This issue of Wood Design & Building explores how intentional design can carry culture, support community, and foster connection. The projects featured here demonstrate...

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...

Durability, Modular Construction, Woodworks

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...

Codes & Standards, Mid-Rise Buildings, Woodworks

No search term entered.

Canadian Wood Council Announces Leadership Transition

Canadian Wood Council Announces New Board Chair

Canadian Wood Council Annual Report 2025

English | Français

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 103

Explore the redesigned CWC eLearning Centre

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan Phase 1 Report

Tall Wood Feasibility Study

Wood Design & Building Magazine – Sign Up

Wood Design & Building Magazine – Sign Up

2026 Wood Design & Building Awards Call for Submissions Now Open

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 102

Understanding Tolerances in Prefabricated Timber Construction

Guide to Mid-Rise Wood Construction in the Ontario Building Code

Second Edition

Overview

What’s Included

Canadian Wood Council Announces Leadership Transition

Canadian Wood Council Announces New Board Chair

Canadian Wood Council Annual Report 2025

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 103

Explore the redesigned CWC eLearning Centre

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan Phase 1 Report

Tall Wood Feasibility Study

Wood Design & Building Magazine – Sign Up

2026 Wood Design & Building Awards Call for Submissions Now Open

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 102

Understanding Tolerances in Prefabricated Timber Construction

Guide to Mid-Rise Wood Construction in the Ontario Building Code

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