Tall wood buildings offer tremendous potential for low-carbon, high-performance construction, but they also introduce a distinct set of challenges not typically encountered in conventional approaches. Design teams new to this form of construction may be unfamiliar with the systematic approach needed to enhance affordability and efficiency in these buildings.
Within the spectrum of structural solutions for mass timber, point-supported CLT is a compelling option for tall building applications. Teams must understand how to harness its unique benefits and navigate its limitations to unlock its full potential. When applied effectively, point-supported approaches can improve efficiency, reduce material usage, and unlock new pathways to cost-competitive tall timber construction.
CWC, Mass Timber, Ontario, Ontario Construction, Prefabricated Components, Wood Construction
Canadian Wood Council Supports Ontario’s Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan
KITCHENER, ON — The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) was proud to participate in a significant announcement by the Government of Ontario yesterday, where the Honourable Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, launched Ontario’s Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan.
The Action Plan outlines a strong, strategic commitment to advancing the use of mass timber and prefabricated wood systems—technologies that can deliver high-performance buildings while supporting job creation and investment across Ontario’s forestry, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
As the national association representing manufacturers of Canadian wood products, CWC welcomes this important step forward. Through its technical resource program, WoodWorks, the Council is committed to supporting the growth of advanced wood construction by providing guidance, education, and project support to professionals across the building sector.
“This is about solving today’s challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth—with industrialized wood construction driving that transformation forward,” said Steven Street, Executive Director of WoodWorks Ontario.
The Action Plan includes investments in research, education, training, and manufacturing, positioning Ontario as a leader in low-carbon, efficient, and sustainable construction. CWC applauds the province’s leadership and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with public and private partners to advance the adoption of made-in-Ontario wood solutions.
Canadian Wood Council’s 2024 Annual Report Now Available
The Canadian Wood Council is pleased to share it’s 2024 Annual Report, offering a clear view of the progress, resilience, and impact achieved over the past year.
In his message, Chairman Kevin Pankratz reflects on the Council’s strategic leadership during a year marked by economic pressures and shifting market conditions. Emphasis is placed on the value of collaboration, strong governance, and industry alignment as essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term competitiveness. The report reinforces the importance of maintaining a united voice across our membership and fostering clarity in our purpose as a national federation.
From the President & CEO’s perspective, Rick Jeffery outlines how the organization navigated 2024 with focus and adaptability—delivering trusted technical guidance, growing influence in codes and standards, and expanding national education and outreach efforts. With renewed government investment and increased awareness of low-carbon construction, the Council is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of growth for Canada’s wood sector.
We are pleased to share the Canadian Wood Council’s 2024 Annual Report, offering a clear view of the progress, resilience, and impact achieved over the past year.
In his message, Chairman Kevin Pankratz reflects on the Council’s strategic leadership during a year marked by economic pressures and shifting market conditions. Emphasis is placed on the value of collaboration, strong governance, and industry alignment as essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term competitiveness. The report reinforces the importance of maintaining a united voice across our membership and fostering clarity in our purpose as a national federation.
From the President & CEO’s perspective, Rick Jeffery outlines how the organization navigated 2024 with focus and adaptability—delivering trusted technical guidance, growing influence in codes and standards, and expanding national education and outreach efforts. With renewed government investment and increased awareness of low-carbon construction, the Council is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of growth for Canada’s wood sector.
Mark your calendars! WoodWorks Atlantic and the Canadian Wood Council are pleased to present the Wood Solutions Conference in Halifax this fall — and we want you there.
In wood construction, success is rarely improvised. It’s the earned result of early design coordination, clearly communicated expectations, and a shared commitment to getting the details right—from design concept through to completion. Whether a project’s priority is accelerated construction timelines, lasting architectural impact, future disassembly and reuse, or all these things and more, the through line is thoughtful, deliberate planning.
As a structural system, timber calls for a high degree of coordination—especially as its applications continue to evolve and expand. It rewards teams who design with intent: those who understand that every exposed surface carries architectural weight, that detecting clashes early in the design phase avoids costly rework during construction, and that planning for a building’s end-of-life is just as essential as designing its first impression.
Society’s growing demand for low-carbon construction brings new urgency—and opportunity—to these conversations. As we continue to advance prefabricated, high-performance, and demountable wood building systems, the need for early alignment—between architect and engineer, builder and client—is not just integral to the success of individual projects, but to the advancement of the industry as a whole.
This issue of Wood Design & Building leans into that reality. As construction methods evolve, we examine how clear communication and coordination don’t just mitigate risk—they drive better outcomes for the built environment. In a construction landscape that values speed, efficiency, and low-carbon outcomes, it’s advanced planning and clear communication that turn ambition into meaningful results.
We’re not just building with wood. We’re building with purpose, intention, and care. And that process starts long before the first beam or panel is lifted into place.
Woodrise 2025
Webinar: Building Code Updates for Tall Wood Construction in Canada
Brampton – Simpson Strong-Tie Workshop
This workshop covers wood construction connectors, design apps, mass timber connectors, mass timber fasteners, structural screws, and anchor systems, with demonstrations on hanger testing, fastener installation, and anchor installation and testing.
Woodrise 2025 – Offsite Tours
Discover the world of timber construction through a series of exclusive offsite tours during Woodrise. Explore Vancouver and beyond as you visit groundbreaking commercial, community, and residential projects that highlight the beauty, sustainability, and ingenuity of wood in modern architecture. Presented by CWC’s WoodWorks program.
Sizer Course – US
Course Overview
The Sizer Course provides an in-depth introduction to the WoodWorks Sizer Program, a powerful tool for designing and analyzing structural elements such as beams, columns, wall studs and panels. The course covers key features, including load input, load patterns, bearing design, beam design, column design, lateral support considerations, and “concept mode” for preliminary structural modelling.
You will explore how the program optimizes designs by automatically generating load patterns, checking compliance with building codes, and refining structural elements for improved performance.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Design and analyze structural elements using the WoodWorks Sizer Program, including beams, columns, and CLT panels, while considering material selection, loading conditions, and code compliance.
Evaluate load distribution and structural stability by applying Sizer’s automated features for pattern loading, lateral support analysis, and fire resistance adjustments.
Optimize structural designs through Concept Mode and detailed element analysis, ensuring efficient material use, proper load transfer, and adherence to engineering best practices.
Course Structure
This course consists of six (6) lessons. Each lesson is comprised of a lesson overview, learning outcomes, instructional videos, assessment questions and an assignment. Through these elements, you will gain practical experience in using the Sizer Woodworks Program for real-world applications.
Once you have completed all assessment questions and assignment submissions, a certificate of completion will be digitally awarded.
Time for Completion
This course is comprised of eight videos for a total run time of 53 minutes.
To complete the assessments in this course you can expect to spend ~ 85 minutes.
Program Download
In order to complete this course you will need to download a trial version of the SizerProgram.
Complete these steps to download the program:
Navigate to the program download page by clicking here.
Click on the “Download Now” button for the US SizerProgram.
Locate and click on the download either in your browser or on your computer.
Follow the prompts provided by your computer to complete installation.
*Note: the trial version of the program is only valid for 10 days upon installation.
Shearwalls Course – US
Course Overview
The Shearwalls Course introduces learners to the WoodWorks Shearwalls Program, a tool designed for modeling and analyzing wood-frame structures. This course covers the design of complete structures, including walls, roofs, and openings, while ensuring proper load distribution and structural stability.
You will explore the program’s capabilities in generating and distributing seismic and wind loads, optimizing shearwall configurations, and verifying compliance with building codes.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Design and analyze wood-frame shearwalls using the Shearwalls Program, including load distribution for seismic and wind resistance.
Evaluate shearwall performance and compliance with building codes by interpreting program-generated structural analyses.
Optimize shearwall configurations for enhanced structural integrity, adjusting materials and design parameters based on engineering best practices.
Course Structure
This course consists of seven (7) lessons. Each lesson is comprised of a lesson overview, learning outcomes, instructional videos, assessment questions and an assignment. Through these elements, you will gain practical experience in using the Shearwalls Woodworks Program for real-world applications.
Once you have completed all assessment questions and assignment submissions, a certificate of completion will be digitally awarded.
Time for Completion
This course is comprised of 19 videos for a total run time of 115 minutes.
To complete the assessments in this course you can expect to spend ~ 95 minutes.
Program Download
In order to complete this course you will need to download a trial version of the ShearwallsProgram.
Complete these steps to download the program
Navigate to the program download page by clicking here.
Scroll down to the Shearwalls section
Click on the “Download Now” button for the US ShearwallsProgram.
Locate and click on the download either in your browser or on your computer.
Follow the prompts provided by your computer to complete installation.
*Note: the trial version of the program is only valid for 10 days upon installation.
Program Overview
WoodWorks Shearwalls is a powerful program designed for comprehensive shearwall design and lateral load analysis in multi-storey wood-frame buildings. It supports both flexible and rigid diaphragm analysis, calculates hold-down and drag-strut forces, and allows for detailed customization including openings, varied roof shapes, and imported CAD footprints. With capabilities to design up to six-storey structures and generate elevation views, it streamlines the structural design process for engineers and designers alike.
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