This session will present a vision and business case for innovation, sustainability, and affordability for the tallest residential wood tower in the world (proposed in Nova Scotia). Addressing rapid delivery to meet urgent residential needs supported by Bird Construction costing and scheduling.
Learning Objectives
Coming soon…
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Patrick Crabbe Director of Mass Timber Bird Construction
Patrick Crabbe is the Director of Mass Timber at Bird Construction – Bird is a publicly traded, commercial and industrial conglomerate, recognized as a top 5 General Contractor (GC) in Canada.
Patrick is also the leader of a Mass Timber Manufacturing start-up, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. MTC is a sawmill integrated, glulam focused entity, that is currently executing a $2.3M feasibility effort to code approve proprietary high performing mass timber products (made from undervalued-commodity maritime spruce, pine and fir) that will expand the needed capacity of North American mass timber products and positively impact sustainable forestry practises.
Patrick’s professional career has been dedicated to developing markets for high-value structural wood products and working with industry to facilitate the. Through this experience, Patrick has a comprehensive understanding of construction contract methods supply chain solutions to set-up large, complex, mass timber build programs for success.
Patrick is an active member of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (led by the World Bank) and a trusted advisor to Infrastructure British Columbia and the Canadian Wood Council.
Joe Nickerson Vice President & Partner Sidewalk Real Estate Development
Joe Nickerson is a leader with a proven history of success managing a variety of real estate portfolios for high-net-worth families in Toronto, Alberta, and British Columbia. Joe has worked at RBC Capital Markets and for both private and public real estate holding companies ranging from $100M to $11B in AUM. Joe holds an MBA with a specialization in Real Estate & Infrastructure from Schulich School of Business and studied Private Equity & Finance at SDA Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
Simplified and Sustainable Acoustic Solutions for High-Performance Mass Timber Buildings
Course Overview
Delivering superior acoustic comfort to building occupants doesn’t have to be complicated. In this panel discussion, presented by an industry-leading manufacturer of acoustic treatments, an acoustic expert, and a LEED GA certified engineer, discover the latest ground-breaking advancements in sound technology that are transforming acoustic design in wood construction.
There are many critical factors to consider when looking at acoustic systems: weight reduction, fire performance, structural height, and environmental sustainability must all be taken into account. The panelists will share system recommendations to help designers achieve better sound performance in mass timber buildings.
Learning Objectives
Identify the latest systems solutions in the marketplace.
Understand how to mitigate flanking paths.
Explore impact sound solutions for exposed mass timber ceilings.
Discuss the benefits of dry vs. wet floor toppings based on a building’s design.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
David Dompierre, P.Eng. Acoustic Engineer SIBE Acoustics
Having been involved in over a hundred successful projects in North America, David was able to develop expertise in the acoustics of numerous construction systems (steel, concrete, light wood frame, mass timber, hybrids, etc.). His position as R&D director at an acoustics laboratory allowed him to gain knowledge of acoustic materials and flooring types.
For several years, he has had the opportunity to share that knowledge with firms, colleges, and universities.
David’s role as a senior noise consultant at SIBE Acoustics is to help developers and professionals with the selection and implementation of acoustic solutions in their projects.
David Gonzalez, LEED® Green Associate™ Solutions Ambassador DCC Solutions
With over 20 years of experience in the building materials industry, David assists construction professionals achieve optimal acoustical performance for the soundproofing of buildings using a dry topping flooring system.
He is a keen green building enthusiast and enjoys acquiring knowledge on environmentally friendly, low carbon and healthy building materials that can contribute to making a positive impact on people’s health, the environment, and the construction industry.
André Rioux Co-Owner- Business Development AcoustiTECH
André has been working alongside building professionals for 20 years and is recognized for his passion for the field of acoustics and his expert knowledge.
Promoting wood construction across Canada and the US has been a great focus of his, he has participated in various organizations, presented at conferences and been part of innovative projects.
André’s experience with wood construction combined with over 20 years of research and development from AcoustiTECH has resulted in a group that is able to bring invaluable expertise and know-how to the industry.
Guidance for Using Alternative Solutions
Course Overview
Unlock construction innovation with our webinar, Guidance for Using Alternative Solutions. Navigate the unique pathway outside of traditional building solutions with a focus on the process in BC. Learn who to engage and when. Our experts provide insights into effective communication, the right information to include, and crafting compelling rationales for both designers and municipalities. Revolutionize your approach to construction compliance and embrace a new era of building possibilities!
Learning Objectives
Understand the process and benefits of using alternative solutions for mass timber construction within the framework of current building codes – how can alternative solutions be proposed to incorporate mass timber effectively.
Analyze the integration of mass timber with traditional building systems and materials to achieve compliance and enhance building performance – achieve code compliance and optimal structural, fire safety, and environmental performance.
Evaluate the challenges and strategic approaches involved in navigating the approval process for mass timber alternative solutions – procedural, technical, and regulatory challenges and strategies to address them.
Discuss the future implications and potential regulatory changes for mass timber construction as alternative solutions become more mainstream.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Derek Newby Managing Director Perkins & Will – Vancouver and Calgary
Joe Krevs, P.L. Eng. Code Consultant Ratio Code Consultants Ltd.
Jeff Mitchell, M Eng, P Eng, CP Principal GHL Consultants
Kevin To, M Eng, P Eng, ing, CP Code Consultant GHL Consultants
Optimizing Outcomes: Leveraging Design Assist for Excellence
Course Overview
Join Melissa Kindratsky, a seasoned engineering expert and Head of Engineering at Kalesnikoff, as she shares insights and strategies on leveraging Design Assist to achieve optimal outcomes in mass timber construction projects. This presentation will delve into the key principles and methodologies essential for employing Design Assist to drive excellence in project execution, with a focus on enhancing collaboration between designers, suppliers/manufacturers, builders, and stakeholders. Melissa will draw from her extensive experience in the industry, providing practical guidance and real-world examples to highlight the advantages and best practices of Design Assist, ultimately showcasing its potential for elevating project efficiency, innovation, and overall success.
Learning Objectives
Understand how the development of a mass timber project differs from that of buildings designed in concrete or steel.
Understand the enhanced role the material supplier / manufacturer plays in the successful delivery of mass timber projects.
Explore how engaging the mass timber manufacturer early on for design assistance can help optimize the structural design of the project for maximum structural and material efficiency.
Learn how design assist collaboration with the fabricator can also facilitate cost certainty, faster and more accurate building completion, shorter construction timelines, and less labor for installation.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Melissa Kindratsky P.Eng., LEED AP BD+C Head of Engineering Kalesnikoff
Melissa has over 20 years of experience practicing as a structural engineer with a focus on timber structures. She has a particular expertise and passion for connection design and structural concept development and has played a key role in the design and detailing of several notable mass timber projects, including: 2150 Keith Drive, Humber College Student Residence, New Westminster Aquatic and Community Center, and many more.
KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence: Pioneering Long-Span Timber Design
Course Overview
Shaped as an aircraft, the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence is a legacy museum and event space for Kelowna’s largest private employer, KF Aerospace. A central 2-storey hub “fuselage” is flanked by two wing-shaped hangars which house historical planes. The building showcases the latest in structural innovation and mass timber construction throughout the superstructure. From wing-shaped hangar roofs to a highly unique doubly curved CLT spiral staircase, a creative approach to structural engineering was pivotal to the design of this project.
From the start, KFCE was conceptualized with mass timber as a focus. The founder wanted to create a building with the look and feel of an airplane, while using British Columbia’s natural resources. As a result, most of the building’s superstructure uses timber: long-span hybrid timber-steel trusses in the hangars and conference space, cross-laminated timber (“CLT”) shear walls, mass timber-framed exhibition hall and a curved timber spiral stair.
StructureCraft, as Structural Engineer of Record and Timber Design-Builder, was brought on to make the design vision a structural reality. The building was designed to invite visitors in – it faces the Kelowna International Airport and is entirely glazed on the front portion. Special attention was paid to the glass hangar doors, which span 115 ft and can fully open to allow the entry of aircraft into the space.
Learning Objectives
The possibilities with timber in long-span applications.
How to use local, sustainable materials efficiently.
Recent research & development into the use of timber-concrete composite and queen-posted dowel laminated timber.
Designing for manufacture & assembly.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Drew Willms Regional Engineer StructureCraft
Drew is an experienced Business Development Engineer with 10 years of experience working in pre-construction project management and estimating, as well as developing and coordinating new project opportunities. He has led StructureCraft’s estimating effort on institutional and commercial mass timber projects across North America and Asia and heads up the company’s Footbridge division. Drew is also responsible for early project engineering and 3D design, working in collaboration with the firm’s engineering department.
He joined StructureCraft after 4 years as a Regional Engineer at one of Canada’s largest civil infrastructure companies, where he coordinated the design and site supervision efforts for bridge structure installations across the Pacific Northwest. Drew is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Civil Engineering program.
Unlocking Insights: Mass Timber Fire Performance
Course Overview
Coming Soon
Learning Objectives
The presentation will be focused on providing a summary of the Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Test Program’s results and include the following segments:
Introduction and background on what led to the demonstration fire tests.
Overview of research prior to the demonstration fire tests and the contribution of the demonstration fire tests to the understanding of the fire performance of mass timber construction.
Review of the five fire scenarios including the design, videos of the tests, and discussion of the results.
Overview of National Research Council’s report including data collection, analysis, and conclusions.
Q&A session to allow participants the opportunity to seek clarification or additional information.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Steven Craft, PhD, P.Eng. Founding Partner CHM Fire Consultants Ltd
Dr. Steven Craft is a founding partner of CHM Fire Consultants Ltd located in Ottawa and Toronto, ON. He served as an Adjunct Professor in the Fire Safety Engineering Program at Carleton University from 2010- 2019 and was a Research Scientist with Canada’s National Forest Products Research Institute (FPInnovations) from 2006-2011. He has an undergraduate degree in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a PhD in Fire Safety Engineering from Carleton University. He is the Chair of the ULC Fire Test Committee, is a Vice-chair of ASTM Committee on Fire Standards and is on the Technical Committee for the Canadian Wood Design Standard, CSA O86, where he Chairs the Task Group on Fire Resistance. Dr. Craft has been involved in over 20 significant mass timber building projects across Canada and multiple large-scale fire tests on mass timber construction.
Building Code Evolution: Understanding the Latest Mass Timber Provisions
Course Overview
WoodWorks and the BC Office of Mass Timber Implementation present a brief, but detailed technical webinar focusing on the recently adopted provincial code provisions.
Learning Objectives
Beyond the introduction of a new, 18 storey limit, you will:
Learn the additional changes for various different occupancies, building heights, and construction requirements that will help you enhance your future projects with exposed or encapsulated mass timber.
Gain insights into the national landscape, understanding how these code amendments might reverberate across other provinces in Canada.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Cameron McDonald Technical Solutions Lead, Office of Mass Timber Implementation Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Cam is a former level 3 building official and BOABC member. He now works in the Office of Mass Timber Implementation, under the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, as the Lead of Technical Solutions and played an active role in the development of the new code provisions for EMTC in BC.
Derek Ratzlaff, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., PE Technical Director, WoodWorks BC Canadian Wood Council
Derek began his career in the wood industry in high school working on single and multi-family light wood construction, after university and almost 20 years of structural consulting experience, Derek has worked in all types of wood construction and played key roles in the delivery of iconic BC wood structures, the Richmond Olympic Oval and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. He brings his experience in design and construction to support the industry as the Woodworks BC Technical Director.
Light-Frame Solutions for Mid-Rise Buildings in High Seismic Zones
Course Overview
With recent Code changes including more stringent seismic requirements, finding efficient and high-performing structural layouts is more important than ever. It is expected that light wood frame residential mid-rise buildings will be the most affected by these changes. Join the WoodWorks BC team for this 1-hour webinar as we explore current and future strategies to meet these increased requirements through structural optimization and high-strength solutions.
Learning Objectives
Analyze the most recent Code developments and how they affect the lateral design of LWF mid-rise buildings.
Review typical lateral layouts and strategies to mitigate increased seismic forces.
Discover alternate shearwall designs and how to review the construction of different solutions.
Explore different analysis methods and their effect on lateral force distribution.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Alejandro Coronado, P.Eng. Technical Advisor, WoodWorks BC Canadian Wood Council
Alejandro brings a breadth of experience having worked throughout the design and construction industry in contractor, supplier, and consulting engineering roles. Alejandro holds both a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree with Distinction in Civil Engineering from BCIT, specializing in structural engineering. Initially involved in single-family homes, Alejandro worked his way through the industry to eventually work on state-of-the-art, high-profile projects such as the Centre Block Base Isolation at Parliament Hill, the UBC Museum of Anthropology Great Hall Renewal Project, Royal BC Museum PARC Campus, and a mass timber campus in Silicon Valley. He was initially attracted to Mass Timber for to its unique architectural expression. However, he quickly expanded his understanding of how Mass Timber can help us tackle current social challenges. Through many years of hands-on experience, Alejandro has become a champion for sustainable construction and simple yet effective structural solutions.
Derek Ratzlaff, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., PE Technical Director, WoodWorks BC Canadian Wood Council
Derek began his career in the wood industry in high school working on single and multi-family light wood construction, after university and almost 20 years of structural consulting experience, Derek has worked in all types of wood construction and played key roles in the delivery of iconic BC wood structures, the Richmond Olympic Oval and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. He brings his experience in design and construction to support the industry as the Woodworks BC Technical Director.
T3 Bayside
Course Overview
Coming Soon
Learning Objectives
Understand the design and sustainability features of the T3 Bayside project, emphasizing mass timber construction.
Analyze the challenges and solutions in implementing mass timber in large-scale commercial projects – logistical, regulatory, and construction.
Evaluate the benefits of mass timber in terms of construction efficiency and workplace environment – understand how mass timber construction impacts project timelines, cost-effectiveness, and creates biophilic, worker-friendly environments.
Discuss the implications of mass timber construction for commercial buildings in urban settings.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Michael Gross Vice President Construction Hines Canada
Michael has become a key member of the Hines Canada platform since returning to Toronto in 2014. He leads several projects, provides support to the business generation team, and takes pride in mentoring junior colleagues.
Michael’s main responsibility has been leading the delivery of Hines’ 13-acre Bayside Toronto mixed-use master planned community which includes 1,300 residential units, 500,000 sq. ft. of office space, and 115,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and several public amenities. He led a trailblazing building code approval effort for the 10-storey T3 Bayside heavy timber office project and leads the design and construction of that project. He also provides senior leadership and guidance to other construction teams across Canada– most recently for the 64-86 Bathurst Multifamily project and T3 Sterling Road.
Michael joined Hines in 2007 to work on the Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando Florida after having spent a considerable part of his early career on the development and construction of arts and cultural venues. He is passionate about the quality of the built environment and the livability of cities, and this passion informs his approach to his work at Hines. Michael has served as a Board Member of St. Hilda’s Towers and Lewis Garnsworthy Residence in Toronto and the Mad Cow Theatre in Orlando.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, entertaining, and canoe trips.
Nicola Casciato OAA, MRAIC, AANB Principal WZMH
Since joining the firm in 2005, Nicola has brought a high level of energy and creativity to the design of a number of major projects, including the Durham Consolidated Courthouse, Bay-Adelaide Centre and the Caesar’s Casino in Windsor, Ontario. He joined WZMH as a Senior Designer with experience in institutional, multi-unit residential and recreational buildings. Nicola’s strengths lie within the realm of design with a deeply rooted connection to the architecture of humanism while maintaining a full understanding of the production of contract documents and contract administration. His skills were acquired through six years as an associate at Montgomery Sisam Architects, a distinguished Toronto practice, and four years of formative training at Perkins and Will, an internationally renowned Chicago practice. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the firm, Nicola was appointed a Principal of WZMH in 2010. Nicola has a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Science from Ryerson University.
Jack Keays Principal Vortex Fire
Jack is an accomplished fire safety engineer, building code expert, and mass timber innovator with extensive project experience in Canada, Singapore, the Middle East, and North Africa. He has advanced analytical skills with the ability to recognize and address fire safety challenges while developing practical engineering solutions. With each project, Jack engages both internal and external stakeholders in constructive and collaborative relationships. Jack brings value to each project by taking a holistic approach to fire and life safety and by working closely with a cross section of disciplines to deliver optimal solutions.
Lucas Driussi Project Manager Eastern Construction
Lucas Driussi, project manager, is a sought-after project management resource within Eastern Construction, who provides critical leadership and direction to help guide his team and project stake holders through all phases of a project. Lucas has amassed an impressive list of diverse projects, clients, and delivery methods gained over a career that spans more than 15-years in the construction industry.
Starting as a Project Coordinator, then serving stints in the field and estimating, and then taking on the role of Assistant Project Manager and subsequently Project Manager on large-scale projects, Lucas offers extensive expertise with construction management coupled with a strong appreciation for LEAN Construction practices. Currently, Lucas is managing T3 Bayside, a LEED Gold, high-performance, mass timber commercial office building located along Toronto’s waterfront. Once complete, T3 Bayside will be the tallest wood tower constructed in North America.
building codes, construction, Mass Timber, Ontario, Publications, Wood Frame Construction
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.
There is much to learn from the resilient and adaptable warehouse buildings that line the streets of Canada’s historic manufacturing districts. ‘Historical Tall-Wood Toronto’ is an evidentiary database of late 19th and early 20th century vernacular brick and beam buildings that were built using the fire restrictive specifications and construction technology of Heavy Timber Mill-Construction (mill-construction) in Toronto.
A Business Case for Tall Wood
Simplified and Sustainable Acoustic Solutions for High-Performance Mass Timber Buildings
Guidance for Using Alternative Solutions
Optimizing Outcomes: Leveraging Design Assist for Excellence
KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence: Pioneering Long-Span Timber Design
Unlocking Insights: Mass Timber Fire Performance
Building Code Evolution: Understanding the Latest Mass Timber Provisions
Light-Frame Solutions for Mid-Rise Buildings in High Seismic Zones
Course Overview This session will present a vision and business case for innovation, sustainability, and affordability for the tallest residential wood tower in the world...
Course Overview Delivering superior acoustic comfort to building occupants doesn’t have to be complicated. In this panel discussion, presented by an industry-leading...
Course Overview Unlock construction innovation with our webinar, Guidance for Using Alternative Solutions. Navigate the unique pathway outside of traditional building...
Course Overview Join Melissa Kindratsky, a seasoned engineering expert and Head of Engineering at Kalesnikoff, as she shares insights and strategies on leveraging Design...
Course Overview Shaped as an aircraft, the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence is a legacy museum and event space for Kelowna’s largest private employer, KF Aerospace. A...
Course Overview Coming Soon Learning Objectives The presentation will be focused on providing a summary of the Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Test Program’s results and...
Course Overview WoodWorks and the BC Office of Mass Timber Implementation present a brief, but detailed technical webinar focusing on the recently adopted provincial code...
Course Overview With recent Code changes including more stringent seismic requirements, finding efficient and high-performing structural layouts is more important than ever....
Course Overview Coming Soon Learning Objectives Understand the design and sustainability features of the T3 Bayside project, emphasizing mass timber construction. Analyze the...
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...
Courtesy of the Mass Timber Institute There is much to learn from the resilient and adaptable warehouse buildings that line the streets of Canada’s historic manufacturing...
