Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building

Course Overview

Halsa 230 Royal York is setting new standards as Toronto’s pioneering 9-storey prefabricated mass timber rental building, demonstrating the viability of carbon-neutral communities within Toronto’s Right of Way zoning. Through a case study of the building, this session will present the advantages of integrated design and prefabricated mass timber building systems components.

Learning Objectives

Explain the integrated design and prefabrication strategies used in mass timber residential construction: Learners will be able to describe how collaborative design, advanced manufacturing, and prefabricated building systems contribute to project efficiency, quality, and scalability.
Analyze the technical features and performance benefits of mass timber floor cassettes and curtain wall systems: Learners will understand the structural, acoustic, fire resistance, and thermal properties of the building’s mass timber components, and how these features address common challenges in high-rise construction.
Evaluate the sustainability, regulatory, and operational considerations in developing carbon-neutral mass timber buildings: Learners will assess how material sourcing, certification, lifecycle carbon analysis, and code compliance shape the viability and impact of mass timber projects in urban environments.

Course Video

https://vimeo.com/1147339074

Speakers Bio

Oliver Lang
Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer, Intelligent City
Co-Founder, Principal, LWPAC

Oliver Lang is a German-Canadian architect and urban entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience and a recognized leader in design innovation and integration of complex urban projects, mixed-use housing, advanced prefabrication, and green building strategies. He is a graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation, with a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, and he holds a professional degree (Diplom-Ingenieur Architektur) from the University of Technology Berlin with two-year studies at the ETSA Barcelona UPC. Prior to founding LWPAC in 1998, Oliver researched and practiced in digitally assisted design and fabrication with Smith-Miller & Hawkinson in New York, while teaching digital design at Princeton University, Columbia University, and University of Pennsylvania. He subsequently has taught advanced design and digital technology at SCI_ARC, the Berlage Institute, TU Berlin, UTF Santa Maria, and University of British Columbia (UBC).

Shawn Keyes
VP – Strategic Growth and Business Development
Intelligent City

Shawn is a structural engineer and commercial executive with more than a decade of experience leading innovation in mass timber and industrialized construction. As Vice President of Strategic Growth at Intelligent City, he leads commercialization, market strategy, and partnerships to scale the company’s prefabricated housing systems. Previously, Shawn served as Executive Director of WoodWorks BC, where he led a strategic transformation that strengthened partnerships, technical leadership, and influence across the development, AEC, and policy sectors. Before that, he spent over six years at Fast + Epp as a Senior Structural Engineer, developing deep technical expertise. Over his career, Shawn has supported more than 150 mass timber and hybrid projects across Canada, and has served on advisory councils for BC Housing, BCIT, the BC Office of Mass Timber Implementation, Forestry Innovation Investment, and Natural Resources Canada. He holds an MBA from UBC Sauder, a Master of Engineering from Carleton University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in BC and Ontario.

Building Confidence in Low Carbon Construction: De-risking Mass Timber

Course Overview

This presentation explores how insurance can unlock opportunity by aligning risk strategies with sustainability goals. It will provide an analysis of the Canadian and Global insurance market and explain why mass timber has become such a hot topic for insurers. Critical risk mitigation strategies will be discussed as well as various options on how to address many of the more common moisture management problems encountered in construction.

Learning Objectives

Why is Mass Timber a focus area of the insurance industry?
How do I design and position my project to achieve cost effective risk transfer?
What are some of the most common types of insured loss and how do I avoid them?

Course Video

https://vimeo.com/1154033104

Speakers Bio

Alicia Clendenan
SVP – National Director of Sustainable Construction
Aon

Alicia is a socially conscious business professional with a passion for complex construction and infrastructure projects. She leads Aon’s Sustainable and Alternative Construction practice across Canada and has more than 15 years of risk and insurance advisory experience. She also serves as Aon’s global mass timber working group chair and is involved in a number of industry initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to insurance for mass timber construction as well as enhancing both the breadth of coverage offered by insurers and improving the industry adopted best practices for risk mitigation in construction.

Bridges, Infrastructure

The Basics

Bridges

Timber bridges have a long history as vital components of the roadway, railway and logging road networks within Canada. Dependent on the availability of materials, technology, and labour, the design and construction of wood bridges has evolved significantly over the last 200 hundred years throughout North America. Wood bridges take on many forms and use alternative support systems; including simple span log bridges, different types of trussed bridges, and stress-laminated or composite bridge decks and components. Timber bridges remain an important part of our transportation network in Canada.

reduced initial cost, particularly for remote areas;
speed of construction, through the use of prefabrication;
sustainability advantages;
aesthetics;
lighter foundations;
lower earthquake loads, coupled with less complex connections to substructures;
smaller temporary structures and cranes; and
lower transportation costs associated with lower weight materials.

The benefits of building modern timber bridges include:

The different types of materials used to construct wood bridges include: sawn lumber, round logs, straight and curved glued-laminated timber (glulam), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), parallel strand lumber (PSL), cross-laminated timber (CLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), and composite systems such as stress-laminated decks, wood-concrete laminated decks, and fibre-reinforced polymers.

Two main wood species used for wood bridge construction in Canada are Douglas fir and the Spruce-Pine-Fir species combination. Other species within the Hem-Fir and Northern species combinations are also recognized under CSA O86, however, they are less commonly used in bridge construction.

All metal fasteners used for bridges must be protected against corrosion. The most common method for providing protection is hot dip galvanizing, a process whereby a sacrificial metal is added to exterior of the fastener. Different fastener types that are used in wood bridge construction include, but are not limited to, bolts, lag screws, split rings, shear plates, and nails (for deck laminations only).

All highway bridges in Canada must be designed to meet the requirements outlined in CSA S6 and CSA O86. The CSA S6 standard requires that the main structural components of any bridge in Canada, regardless of construction type, be able to withstand a minimum of 75 years of loading during its service life.

The style and span of bridges varies greatly depending on the application. In hard to reach locations with deep valleys, timber trestle bridges were common at the end of the 19th century and into the beginning of the 20th century. Historically, trestle bridges relied heavily on ample timber resources and in some cases, were considered to be temporary. Initial construction of North America’s transcontinental railways would not have been possible without the use of timbers to construct bridges and trestles.

Many examples of trussed timber bridges for have been built for well over a century. Trussed bridges allow for longer spans compared to simple girder bridges and historically had spans in the range of 30 to 60 m (100 to 200 ft). Bridges that are designed with trusses located above the deck provide a great opportunity to build a roof over the roadway. Installing a roof overhead is an excellent way to shed water away from the main bridge structure and protect it from the sun. The presence of these covered roofs is the main reason these century-old covered bridges remain in service today. The fact that they remain part of our landscape is as much a testament to their hardiness as to their attractiveness.

Although originally devised as a rehabilitation measure for aging bridge decks, the stress-laminating technique has been extended to new bridges through the application of stressing at the time of original construction. Stress-laminated decks provide improved structural behaviour, through their excellent resistance to the effects of repeated loading.

Three main considerations related to durability of wood bridges include protection by design, preservative treatment of wood, and replaceable elements. A bridge can be designed such that it is inherently self-protecting by deflecting water away from the structural elements. Preservative treated wood has the ability to resist the effects of de-icing chemicals and attack by biotic agents. Lastly, the bridge should be designed such that, at some point in its future, a single element can be replaced relatively easily, without significant disruption or cost.

For further information, refer to the following resources:

Wood Highway Bridges (Canadian Wood Council)
Ontario Wood Bridge Reference Guide (Canadian Wood Council)
CSA S6 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code
CSA O86 Engineering design in wood

Durability, Sustainability

The Basics

Life Cycle Assessment

Construction products and the building sector as a whole have significant impacts on the environment. Policy instruments and market forces are increasingly pushing governments and businesses to document and report environmental impacts and track improvements. One tool that is available to help understand the environmental aspects related to new construction, renovation, and retrofits of buildings and civil engineering works is life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA is a decision-making tool that can help to identify design and construction approaches that yield improved environmental performance.

Several European jurisdictions, including Germany, Zurich and Brussels, have made LCA a mandatory requirement prior to issuing a building permit. In addition, the application of LCA to building design and materials selection is a component of green building rating systems. LCA can benefit manufacturers, architects, builders, and government agencies by providing quantitative information about potential environmental impacts and providing data to identify areas for improvement.

LCA is a performance-based approach to assessing the environmental aspects related to building design and construction. LCA can be used to understand the potential environmental impacts of a product or structure at every stage of its life; from resource extraction or raw material acquisition, transportation, processing and manufacturing, construction, operation, maintenance and renovation to the end-of-life.

LCA is an internationally accepted, science-based methodology which has existed in alternative forms since the 1960s. The requirements and guidance for conducting LCA has been established through international consensus standards; ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. LCA considers all input and output flows (materials, energy, resources) associated with a given product system and is an iterative procedure that includes goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation.

The inventory analysis, also known as the life cycle inventory (LCI), consists of data collection and the tracking of all input and output flows within a product system. Publicly available LCI databases, such as the U.S. Life Cycle Inventory Database, are accessible free of charge in order to source this LCI data. During the impact assessment phase of the LCA, the LCI flows are translated into potential environmental impact categories using theoretical and empirical environmental modelling techniques. LCA is able to quantify potential environmental impacts and aspects of a product, such as:

Global warming potential;
Acidification potential;
Eutrophication potential;
Ozone depletion potential;
Smog potential;
Primary energy consumption;
Material resources consumption; and
Hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation.

LCA tools are available to building designers that are publicly accessible and user friendly. These tools allow designers to rapidly obtain potential environmental impact information for an extensive range of generic building assemblies or develop full building life cycle assessments on their own. LCA software offers building professionals powerful tools for calculating the potential life cycle impacts of building products or assemblies and performing environmental comparisons.

It is also possible to use LCA to perform objective comparisons between alternate materials, assemblies and whole buildings, measured over the respective life cycles and based on quantifiable environmental indicators. LCA enables comparison of the environmental trade-offs associated with choosing one material or design solution over another and, as a result, provides an effective basis for comparing relative environmental implications of alternative building design scenarios.

An LCA that examines alternative design options must ensure functional equivalence. Each design scenario considered, including the whole building, must meet building code requirements and offer a minimum level of technical performance or functional equivalence. For something as complex as a building, this means tracking and tallying the environmental inputs and outputs for the multitude of assemblies, subassemblies and components in each design option. The longevity of a building system also impacts the environmental performance. Wood buildings can remain in service for long periods of time if they are designed, built and maintained properly.

Numerous LCA studies worldwide have demonstrated that wood building products and systems can yield environmental advantages over other building materials and methods of construction. FPInnovations conducted a LCA of a four-storey building in Quebec constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT). The study assessed how the CLT design would compare with a functionally equivalent concrete and steel building of the same floor area, and found improved environmental performance in two of six impact categories, and equivalent performance in the rest. In addition, at the end-of-life, bio-based products have the ability to become part of a subsequent product system when reused, recycled or recovered for energy; potentially reducing environmental impacts and contributing to the circular economy.

Life cycle of wood construction products

Photo source: CEI-Bois

For further information, refer to the following resources:

www.naturallywood.com

Athena Sustainable Materials Institute

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES)

FPInnovations. A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Two Multistory Residential Buildings: Cross-Laminated Timber vs. Concrete Slab and Column with Light Gauge Steel Walls, 2013.

American Wood Council

U.S. Life Cycle Inventory Database

ISO 14040 Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Principles and framework

ISO 14044 Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Requirements and guidelines

FRAMEWORK for Success: Prefabricated Wood Systems and Design Innovation

Course Overview

This presentation explores the transformative impact of prefabricated light wood frame construction systems in multi-residential development, focusing on VanMar’s FRAMEWORK methodology and its application in the new 150 Wissler Road project in Waterloo. FRAMEWORK is a highly efficient, panelized light wood frame system designed for buildings up to six storeys, delivering rapid, sustainable, and cost-effective construction that meets and exceeds energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets. The session will highlight VanMar’s extensive experience in affordable housing, the advantages of offsite prefabrication, and the collaborative process that accelerates project delivery.

Learning Objectives

Participants will understand the benefits of prefabricated wood frame construction for multi-residential buildings.
Participants will understand the FRAMEWORK system’s approach to speed, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Participants will be shown how collaborative offsite construction methods accelerated the 150 Wissler Road project.
Participants will learn strategies for overcoming design challenges and achieving efficiencies in fire walls, shafts, and acoustics.

Course Video

https://vimeo.com/1159832156

Speakers Bio

Jordan Zekveld  
Director of Preconstruction
VanMar Constrcutors ON

Jordan is a construction and development professional with deep experience in estimating, preconstruction, and cost strategy for multi-unit residential projects. At VanMar Constructors, he helps developers, REITs, and non-profits bring condominium, rental, and affordable housing projects from concept to construction. Drawing on VanMar’s integrated design-build expertise, Jordan leads collaborative preconstruction processes that align design intent, feasibility, and cost efficiency. His experience spans concrete high-rise and innovative mid-rise wood-frame developments, including the Framework system — VanMar’s sustainable, fast, and cost-effective building solution. With a focus on clarity, constructability, and long-term value, Jordan works at the intersection of planning, design, and execution to help deliver housing that’s efficient, affordable, and built to last.

Mike Philips 
Executive Director
Ontario Structural Wood Association (OSWA)

Mike Phillips has served as Executive Director of OSWA since 2008. Under his leadership, the association has evolved from a truss-fabricator-focused group into Ontario’s leading voice for structural wood component manufacturing. Today, the province is home to 70 certified truss plants and 40 wood-panel manufacturers, with engineered wood products now the preferred choice for floor systems. At the same time, Ontario’s building code has never been more prepared to accommodate advanced wood-construction methods. Mike is a strong advocate for the industrialization of construction and the expanding role of off-site building systems—critical drivers of wood construction’s future growth.

Paul Marchesani 
Operations Manager
Panelized Building Solutions Inc.

Paul Marchesani is the Vice President of Panelized Building Solutions Inc., a family run business where he plays a key leadership role in driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and project execution across the company. Known for his strong work ethic, hands-on approach, and deep industry knowledge, Paul oversees day-to-day operations while supporting long-term planning that aligns with the company’s vision. Before joining Panelized Building Solutions, Paul held key roles in project management and operations within manufacturing and construction environments, where he oversaw production teams, implemented process improvements, and helped streamline workflow efficiencies. His ability to manage both people and complex technical projects made him a natural fit for leadership. Respected by colleagues, clients, and trade partners alike, Paul combines technical expertise with strong leadership, making him an essential pillar of the company’s continued success.

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.

Overview of the Canadian Mass Timber Technical Guide

Course Overview

Join us for an introduction to a new, comprehensive Canadian technical reference guide to mass timber. Canada’s inherent building-with-wood culture lays a solid foundation for the continued growth of mass timber construction. Learn more about why mass timber is right for your next project, the design process and building systems, code acceptance, our expertise and more.

Learning Objectives

How mass timber can be incorporated into a variety of structural projects that typically utilize other materials.
Design considerations for utilizing mass timber and how the Mass timber guide can provide them with the information to navigate mass timber design.
How to use the mass timber reference guide for cross laminated timber and glue laminated timber design and construction.
Overview of the economic and sustainable benefits of mass timber construction.

Course Video

https://vimeo.com/1046519198

Speaker Bio

Orlagh McHugh – BSc, M.Eng, EIT
Mass Timber Specialist
Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation
Vancouver/Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Orlagh McHugh is a Mass Timber Specialist at Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation, overseeing the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Before relocating to BC almost a decade ago, Orlagh earned her Degree in Structural Engineering and Architecture at University College Dublin, Ireland, and went on to complete a Masters of Structural Engineering at the same institution.

With over 7 years of experience working with top Vancouver firms as a design engineer, she has contributed to a diverse catalogue of projects across a number of sectors, with a particular focus on wood and mass timber construction. Orlagh is inspired by the innovative nature of mass timber construction and keen to promote creativity, technology and sustainability in our built environment.

Ron McDougall
Mass Timber Specialist
Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation
Western/Eastern Canada

Ron brings 30 years of heavy timber experience to the mass timber industry that combines a unique perspective on the evolution of hand built timber construction to the technologically advanced practices utilized in Structurlam’s state of the art production process.

Ron’s expertise is the facilitation of incorporating BIM practices in pragmatic and meaningful ways to ensure efficient construction of complex mass timber structures.

Mid-Rise Wood Construction in Ontario: Navigating 2024 Ontario Building Code Updates

Course Overview

In late 2014, following years of research and development in advanced wood products and systems, amendments to the 2012 edition of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) came into effect permitting mid-rise wood construction for residential and office buildings up to 6 storeys. This marked a significant shift, expanding the use of light-wood frame construction beyond the previous 4-storey height limit, and opening new opportunities for cost-effective and versatile building solutions. To improve affordability and harmonize with the National Building Code, the 2012 OBC was further amended in mid 2023 to permit limited combustible cladding and combustible exits to be featured in mid-rise wood construction. These amendments, with some minor editorial changes, were also carried forward to the 2024 edition of the OBC, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. This presentation will provide an overview of the technical and regulatory changes to the OBC with respect to the design and construction of mid-rise wood buildings and explore the role of this building archetype in achieving our housing targets with affordable, high-quality, and sustainable construction.

Learning Objectives

Understand the intent, scope, and application of technical and regulatory changes as well as key 2024 OBC provisions for mid-rise wood construction in Ontario.
Explore the advantages of 5- and 6-storey wood buildings on the housing supply efforts in Ontario through market potential, project highlights, and the role of modern methods of construction.
Know how to access free design and best practice resources for mid-rise wood construction and how to access free WoodWorks project support.

Course Video

https://vimeo.com/1198518622

Speakers Bio

Hailey Quiquero
Senior Manager
WoodWorks ON / Canadian Wood Council

Hailey Quiquero is currently the Senior Manager at WoodWorks ON for the Canadian Wood Council. Prior to their current role, Hailey worked as a Product and Design Manager and Computational Design Specialist at R-Hauz, as well as in various roles at Entuitive and Carleton University. Hailey holds a Master’s Degree in Structural and Fire Engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering from Carleton University. Throughout their career, Hailey has been involved in research, teaching, and structural design within the engineering field.

Vusal Ibrahimli
Technical Specialist, Codes and Standards – Fire
Canadian Wood Council

Vusal Ibrahimli, M.A.Sc., E.I.T. is a Technical Specialist, Codes and Standards – Fire at the Canadian Wood Council. He supports fire-related code and standards initiatives and provides technical expertise for wood construction, including contributing to education and conference programming related to fire performance and code compliance.

Green Construction through Wood: Accelerating Mass Timber Adoption in Canada

Course Overview

Advancing mass timber construction is critical to achieving Canada’s climate, housing, and economic goals. This course explores how innovative wood-based building systems – supported by programs such as Construction through Wood (GCWood) – are transforming the construction sector by enabling low-carbon, high-performance buildings. Drawing on insights from federal initiatives, industry leaders, and regional experts across Canada, the session examines the technical, regulatory, and market barriers to adoption, including fire performance, seismic design, supply chain capacity, and workforce readiness. It also highlights emerging opportunities in prefabrication, modular construction, and hybrid systems, while showcasing policy tools, demonstration projects, and the national Mass Timber Roadmap that are accelerating uptake. Designed for architects, engineers, contractors, and policy professionals, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and collaborative efforts required to scale mass timber construction across diverse Canadian markets.

Learning Objectives

Understand the role of mass timber in achieving net-zero emissions, addressing housing demand, and supporting the forest economy.
Identify key barriers to mass timber adoption, including technical performance, regulatory challenges, supply chain limitations, and market awareness.
Evaluate how programs such as GCWood and demonstration projects support innovation, de-risk technologies, and advance building codes.

Course Video

https://vimeo.com/1022095255

Speakers Bio

Jean-Francois Levasseur
Director, Industry Relations & Innovation Programs / Directeur, Relations avec l’industrie et programmes d’innovation
Natural Resources Canada

Graduating from the University of Ottawa’s Chemical Engineering program, Jean-Francois started his career in a variety of increasing roles in Kraft pulp mills, including mill process and environmental engineer positions. He then joined Environment and Climate Change Canada where he led on numerous aspects of environmental regulatory regimes applicable to Canada’s forest sector. At Natural Resources Canada since 2009, he has led in the design and implementation of various funding programs supporting strategic R&D, innovation and capital investments that accelerate the transformation of the Canadian forest sector towards the Bioeconomy: the Pulp & Paper Green Transformation (PPGTP); the Forest Innovation Program (FIP); the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program (IFIT), and; the Green Construction through Wood program (GCWood). Together, these programs provided more than $1B to support energy efficiency improvements, green energy production, and the commercialization of innovative products, transformative technologies and new wood based green building and mass timber demonstrations.

Scott Jackson
Director, Conservation Biology
Forest Products Association of Canada

As the Director of Conservation Biology, Scott works with member companies, governments and partners to develop and communicate policy positions on a range of files related to forest management, biodiversity conservation, including fish, wildlife and at-risk species, and climate change mitigation and adaption. He also supports FPAC’s efforts to promote the forest sector’s commitment to science-based sustainable forest management, as well as its contributions to Canada’s social and economic standing. Scott has been working for over 20 years in the field of forest management and natural resource policy. Most recently, he has worked as an independent consultant and as the Director of Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations with Forests Ontario, a not-for-profit organization committed to forest restoration, stewardship, education and awareness. Scott has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science (Biology) from Queen’s University and a Master of Forest Conservation degree from the University of Toronto.

Steven Street
Executive Director
WoodWorks Ontario

In his current role as Executive Director of WoodWorks Ontario, Steven leads a dynamic team, bringing value and new opportunities to the program’s partners in the wood industry. With many high-profile projects moving wood construction into the mainstream, knowledge transfer and market acceptance have never been more important to the wood industry. The construction sector has entered a new era of rapid industrialization, shifting from site-built to factory-built methodologies. Building code advances in the last few years are catalyzing the types of materials, approaches and buildings available for development. In this age of great change we can influence how we build, with new sustainability targets and an obligation to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.

Shawn Keyes
Executive Director
WoodWorks BC

Shawn is an accomplished structural engineer and the Executive Director of WoodWorks BC. With a rich background in engineering, project management, and business administration, Shawn offers dynamic leadership, overseeing a multi-disciplinary team of experts advancing wood construction across the province. He joined WoodWorks in 2022 after a decade-long, distinguished career in consulting where he worked on pioneering timber projects across Canada at a leading design firm. Shawn is a licensed professional engineer in BC and ON. He holds masters degrees in both engineering and business, with a M.Eng. from Carleton University and an MBA from UBC’s Sauder School of Business.

Rory Koska
Executive Director
WoodWorks Alberta

Rory Koska has over 30 years of experience in the design and building industry in Alberta. He is a graduate of the Architectural Technologies at NAIT. Rory worked with Igloo Building Supplies Group Ltd as a senior truss designer on residential and commercial buildings and later ran his own consulting firm. Rory has led the WoodWorks Alberta program for over 15 years and has brought the program through many milestones. The Alberta regional program has evolved into a conduit between industry innovation and the design community. Under Rory’s direction the WoodWorks Alberta program has established itself an invaluable resource for communities and the construction industry interested in building with wood.

David Porter
Program Coordinator
WoodWorks Atlantic

In 2019, David joined the Maritime Lumber Bureau as the Program Coordinator for the WoodWorks Atlantic program. He works with architects, engineers, developers, building/fire officials and government, to increase the use of wood in non-residential projects. He has been involved in the design and construction of many wood projects built in Atlantic Canada, providing technical support for both light wood frame and mass timber.

Simon Bellavance
Technical Advisor
Cecobois

Simon T. Bellavance holds a bachelor’s degree in wood engineering from Laval University, specializing in wood structures. Before becoming a technical advisor at Cecobois, he served as the technical lead for value-added wood products at Chantiers Chibougamau. In addition to his responsibilities in quality control and continuous improvement, he participated in several research and development projects for the Nordic Structures division. As a technical advisor at Cecobois since 2018, he has contributed to the development of various training programs, technical guides, case studies, and the creation of the Cecobois Conferences program.

Tim Buhler
Director, Programs and Operations
Canadian Wood Council

In the past 17 years at the Canadian Wood Council, he has helped build a network of wood champions and experts throughout North America to promote the use of timber in the built environment. Tim’s extensive knowledge in the industry comes from dozens of technical conferences, tours, meetings and workshops across North America and Europe. As the director of operations, Tim works closely with the wood industry, with multiple levels of government and associations, chairing technical advisory committees and leading national working groups to address wood construction roadblocks. Tim has been involved in over 200 timber construction projects in Ontario, including assisting with the development of several alternative code solutions for tall timber buildings. Tim has been leading the “Insuring Timber” initiative with CWC since 2019. The goal of this program is to ensure more attractive rates of insurance can be achieved for builders of timber projects in Canada. Tim’s diligence in pursuing the understanding of the insurance market has helped this grow from a small research project to a national initiative. It has led to collaborations with the United Kingdom’s Structural Timber Association, the United States’ Woodworks – Wood Products Council and Laval University. Tim currently chairs a national working group to address the differential in insurance and is a contributor to numerous other committees in the industry examining this issue.

The Business Case for Mass Timber

Course Overview

Mass timber is redefining how we design and deliver buildings. This session spotlights two projects at the forefront: The Exchange office building in Kelowna and a planned residential tower in Vancouver. Alongside these case studies, the speakers will present a business case analysis, breaking down costs, risks, and opportunities. Together, the speakers will share how mass timber is being applied today, the lessons learned, and why it is becoming a viable choice for development in today’s market.

Learning Objectives

Explain how mass timber systems are being applied in commercial and residential projects to achieve cost competitiveness with concrete construction.
Identify key design, supply chain, and construction decisions that influence risk, schedule, and cost outcomes in mass timber buildings.
Evaluate the business case drivers – cost, schedule, risk, and market acceptance – that affect developer decision-making for mass timber projects.

Course Video

https://vimeo.com/1164486286

Speakers Bio

Annabelle Hamilton
Executive Director
WoodWorks BC

Following the completion of her postgraduate degree from Ulster University in Northern Ireland, Annabelle has worked for several multi-family development companies, overseeing various multi-million dollar projects through the project lifecycle from acquisitions and municipal approvals to construction completion.

Graham Brewster
Director of Development
Wesgroup Properties

Graham is Director of Development at Wesgroup Properties, one of Western Canada’s largest private real estate organizations. Graham is leading Wesgroup’s mass timber exploration and execution, with an eye to not only build better buildings, but building the understanding to build a robust and sustainable industry in BC.

Tim McLennan
CEO
Faction Projects

As co-founder and CEO of Faction Projects Inc., Tim oversees a vertically integrated group of companies including Faction Architecture Inc., Faction Construction, and multiple subsidiaries—delivering full-spectrum project services from concept to construction. He leads the company’s long-term strategy, corporate governance, and financial stewardship. His leadership drives innovation across the group’s project delivery platforms—anchoring Faction’s reputation for integrated, regionally responsive, and technically advanced solutions.

Neil McGowan
Partner, Senior Advisor
BTY Group

Neill is a Partner at BTY and is responsible for providing planning and cost consulting services to financial institutions, government agencies, real estate developers and contractors. He has over 35 years of experience in British Columbia providing cost and risk advisory services. Neill is a sustainability leader and has led BTY’s team on a wide variety of projects advancing the understanding of capital and life-cycle costs of energy conservation and GHG-reduction measures for government and institutional clients.

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

https://vimeo.com/1046520266

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.

A Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Supertall Future

Course Overview

With buildings generating 40% of global carbon emissions, we need to achieve net-zero by 2050 to meet the Paris Agreement target and limit global warming to 2°C. Timber sequesters an average of 1.9 metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent emissions per cubic meter (Sathre & O’Connor, 2010). While a purely mass timber tall building may not be the most cost-efficient solution, a hybrid structure can maximize the overall use of wood by volume in the most cost-efficient manner. Floor systems in buildings contribute as much as 73% of the environmental impact of a high-rise building’s structure (Lankhorst et al., 2019), making them an excellent target for reducing embodied carbon.

DIALOG’s patent- pending Hybrid Timber Floor System (HTFS) takes advantage of the benefits of cross-laminated timber (CLT) combined with pre-stressed concrete to achieve a 12-metre column-free span. The HTFS is proposed as part of our Hybrid Timber Tower, a 105-storey mixed-use prototype that is being evaluated and tested by DIALOG and EllisDon. The prototype structure consists of the hybrid timber floor, combined with a concrete core and an external steel frame. Fire safety is achieved in the floor panels as the exposed wood chars to form a protective layer, while the non-combustible concrete and steel band continues to support the panel. The exposed CLT panels also provide a biophilic appeal, which has shown to support cognitive function as well as physical and psychological well-being (Vidovich, 2020). DIALOG, EllisDon, FPInnovations and other partners have completed the first phase of small-scale testing on over 40 panels. We are scheduled for fire testing of the panels in Ottawa with NRCan this fall with full scale testing of the 12-meter panels starting in late 2022.

Learning Objectives

Describe how hybrid mass timber systems—such as the Hybrid Timber Floor System (HTFS)—reduce embodied carbon and support zero‑carbon goals in high-rise, mixed-use developments.
Explain the structural, fire safety, and performance characteristics of hybrid CLT–concrete floor assemblies, including how charring, concrete bands, and steel elements contribute to long-span capability and code compliance.
Evaluate the role of multidisciplinary research, prototyping, and large-scale testing in validating hybrid timber technologies for supertall applications, including their impacts on sustainability, biophilia, and cost efficiency.

Course Video

https://vimeo.com/1109758270?share=copy

Speaker Bio

Craig Applegath, BSc, BArch, MArchUD, PPOAA, AIBC, NSAA, AIA, FRAIC, LEED® APBD+C
Founding Partner & Architect
DIALOG

Craig Applegath is the founding principal of DIALOG’s Toronto Studio, and a passionate designer who believes in the power of built form to meaningfully improve the wellbeing of communities and the environment they are part of. Since graduating from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University with a Master of Architecture in Urban Design Craig has focused his energies on leading innovative planning and design projects that address the complex challenges facing our communities, as well as on his advocacy of sustainable building design and urban regeneration and symbiosis. Craig’s area of practice includes the master planning and design of institutional projects, including post secondary education, healthcare facilities, as well as the design of innovative mixed-use- facilities.

Craig was a founding Board Member of Sustainable Buildings Canada, a Past President of the Ontario Association of Architects, and the current moderator of SymbioticCities.net. Craig has lectured or taught at Harvard, the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, as well as at many professional and sector related conferences around the world. In 2001 Craig was made a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for his contributions to the profession of architecture. In 2017 he was presented with the OALA Honourary Membership Award for his contributions to the cause of landscape architecture in Ontario.

Neel Bavishi, PEng, CEM
Building Performance Analysis, Associate
DIALOG

Neel is passionate about applying the art and science of building performance simulation and data-driven design to produce positive outcomes for the built environment. He embraces holistic solutions that minimize the environmental impact of building assets while providing enhanced value to building owners, developers, policymakers, and designers through improved well-being and reduced total cost of ownership. Neel believes that an integrated and collaborative approach that incorporates diverse perspectives is essential for delivering high-performance buildings.

A mechanical engineer by training, Neel is well-versed in whole-building energy modelling for both new and existing buildings and lifecycle cost analysis, design optimization, and data visualization. His experience includes developing energy models for green building certification programs, carbon-neutral retrofit studies and district energy strategies, and the development of net-zero energy and emissions policies and standards for municipal, provincial, and federal government bodies. His projects span various asset classes, including recreational facilities, commercial high-rise towers, multi-unit residential buildings, hospitals, data centres, and transit facilities. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario and is a Certified Energy Manager.

Cameron Ritchie, PEng, PE, PhD, BSE
Structural Engineer, Associate
DIALOG

Cameron is an Associate on the Structural Engineering team in DIALOG’s Toronto studio. Since graduating with a PhD from the University of Toronto, Cameron has acted as a structural design engineer and project manager across a variety of sectors and project types, including healthcare, institutional, government, and retail. He has experience in all stages of a project delivery, from feasibility studies through construction administration and management.

Cameron is DIALOG’s project manager for the hybrid timber floor system (HTFS) research program, working closely with industry partners EllisDon. He is passionate about exploring mass timber wherever possible as a sustainable solution to our building needs.

Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building

...building’s mass timber components, and how these features address common challenges in high-rise construction. Evaluate the sustainability, regulatory, and operational considerations in developing carbon-neutral mass timber buildings: Learners will assess...

Building Confidence in Low Carbon Construction: De-risking Mass Timber

Course Overview This presentation explores how insurance can unlock opportunity by aligning risk strategies with sustainability goals. It will provide an analysis of the Canadian and Global insurance market and...

Bridges

...cost, particularly for remote areas; speed of construction, through the use of prefabrication; sustainability advantages; aesthetics; lighter foundations; lower earthquake loads, coupled with less complex connections to substructures; smaller temporary...

Life Cycle Assessment

...Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) FPInnovations. A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Two Multistory Residential Buildings: Cross-Laminated Timber vs. Concrete Slab and Column with Light Gauge Steel Walls, 2013. American...

FRAMEWORK for Success: Prefabricated Wood Systems and Design Innovation

...delivery. Learning Objectives Participants will understand the benefits of prefabricated wood frame construction for multi-residential buildings. Participants will understand the FRAMEWORK system’s approach to speed, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Participants will...

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan Phase 1 Report

...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...

Overview of the Canadian Mass Timber Technical Guide

...focus on wood and mass timber construction. Orlagh is inspired by the innovative nature of mass timber construction and keen to promote creativity, technology and sustainability in our built environment....

Mid-Rise Wood Construction in Ontario: Navigating 2024 Ontario Building Code Updates

...Conservation and Sustainability Engineering from Carleton University. Throughout their career, Hailey has been involved in research, teaching, and structural design within the engineering field. Vusal Ibrahimli Technical Specialist, Codes and...

Green Construction through Wood: Accelerating Mass Timber Adoption in Canada

...new sustainability targets and an obligation to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment. Shawn Keyes Executive Director WoodWorks BC Shawn is an accomplished structural engineer and the Executive...

The Business Case for Mass Timber

...advisory services. Neill is a sustainability leader and has led BTY’s team on a wide variety of projects advancing the understanding of capital and life-cycle costs of energy conservation and...

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...

A Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Supertall Future

...capability and code compliance. Evaluate the role of multidisciplinary research, prototyping, and large-scale testing in validating hybrid timber technologies for supertall applications, including their impacts on sustainability, biophilia, and cost...

Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building

Course Overview Halsa 230 Royal York is setting new standards as Toronto’s pioneering 9-storey prefabricated mass timber rental building, demonstrating the viability of...

Building Confidence in Low Carbon Construction: De-risking Mass Timber

Course Overview This presentation explores how insurance can unlock opportunity by aligning risk strategies with sustainability goals. It will provide an analysis of the...

Bridges

Timber bridges have a long history as vital components of the roadway, railway and logging road networks within Canada. Dependent on the availability of materials...

Bridges, Infrastructure

Life Cycle Assessment

Construction products and the building sector as a whole have significant impacts on the environment. Policy instruments and market forces are increasingly pushing...

Durability, Sustainability

FRAMEWORK for Success: Prefabricated Wood Systems and Design Innovation

Course Overview This presentation explores the transformative impact of prefabricated light wood frame construction systems in multi-residential development, focusing on...

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

Overview of the Canadian Mass Timber Technical Guide

Course Overview Join us for an introduction to a new, comprehensive Canadian technical reference guide to mass timber. Canada’s inherent building-with-wood culture lays a...

Mid-Rise Wood Construction in Ontario: Navigating 2024 Ontario Building Code Updates

Course Overview In late 2014, following years of research and development in advanced wood products and systems, amendments to the 2012 edition of the Ontario Building Code...

Green Construction through Wood: Accelerating Mass Timber Adoption in Canada

Course Overview Advancing mass timber construction is critical to achieving Canada’s climate, housing, and economic goals. This course explores how innovative wood-based...

The Business Case for Mass Timber

Course Overview Mass timber is redefining how we design and deliver buildings. This session spotlights two projects at the forefront: The Exchange office building in Kelowna...

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...

A Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Supertall Future

Course Overview With buildings generating 40% of global carbon emissions, we need to achieve net-zero by 2050 to meet the Paris Agreement target and limit global warming to...

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Searching for: Sustainability

Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speakers Bio

Building Confidence in Low Carbon Construction: De-risking Mass Timber

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speakers Bio

Bridges

Life Cycle Assessment

FRAMEWORK for Success: Prefabricated Wood Systems and Design Innovation

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speakers Bio

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan Phase 1 Report

Overview of the Canadian Mass Timber Technical Guide

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speaker Bio

Mid-Rise Wood Construction in Ontario: Navigating 2024 Ontario Building Code Updates

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speakers Bio

Green Construction through Wood: Accelerating Mass Timber Adoption in Canada

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speakers Bio

The Business Case for Mass Timber

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speakers Bio

T3 Bayside

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speaker Bio

A Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Supertall Future

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

Course Video

Speaker Bio

Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building

Building Confidence in Low Carbon Construction: De-risking Mass Timber

Bridges

Life Cycle Assessment

FRAMEWORK for Success: Prefabricated Wood Systems and Design Innovation

Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan Phase 1 Report

Overview of the Canadian Mass Timber Technical Guide

Mid-Rise Wood Construction in Ontario: Navigating 2024 Ontario Building Code Updates

Green Construction through Wood: Accelerating Mass Timber Adoption in Canada

The Business Case for Mass Timber

T3 Bayside

A Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Supertall Future

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