Ontario has recently introduced an exciting change to its Building Code, which allows for the construction of 18-storey mass timber towers in Toronto, one of Canada’s most vibrant urban centres. This is a significant shift designed to address the growing housing crisis across the province. Under the new regulations, mass timber buildings will be able to rise to greater heights, bringing about a modern, sustainable approach to high-rise construction.\

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What is Mass Timber Construction?

Mass timber is a modern construction method that uses large, solid wood panels for floors, walls, and ceilings. Encapsulated mass timber refers to timber components that are covered with fire-resistant materials, such as drywall, ensuring safety and durability. This construction technique offers numerous benefits, including faster construction timelines, quieter interiors, and a more sustainable approach compared to traditional building methods.

The introduction of these new building regulations comes at a critical time, as Ontario faces a serious housing shortage. Developers and policymakers are turning to mass timber construction systems as a potential solution. By increasing the allowable height for timber buildings from 12 storeys to 18, Ontario is paving the way for a new era of affordable housing that can be built quickly and efficiently. This change is part of a broader effort to address housing affordability and supply challenges, which are prevalent in cities across Canada.

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A Progressive Approach to Affordable Housing

Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Paul Calandra, emphasized that this innovative change is aimed at boosting the supply of affordable housing while also benefiting the economy. The initiative aligns with the province’s Forest Sector Strategy, which aims to support Ontario’s forestry and manufacturing industries. Mass timber construction is expected to create good-paying jobs in these sectors while accelerating the construction of much-needed homes.

In addition, this move supports the federal government's goal to change the way homes are built in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced over $600 million in investments aimed at promoting mass timber, prefab manufacturing, 3D printing, and other technologies to create “QuickBuilds.” The intention is to build homes smarter, faster, and at a more affordable price for Canadians.

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Sustainable and Efficient Building Practices

Mass timber construction offers several advantages, including its environmental sustainability. Wood is a renewable resource, and the use of timber in buildings helps reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Moreover, this method allows for faster project completion times compared to traditional steel and concrete construction.

Ontario Forest Industries Association President Ian Dunn welcomed these changes, noting that they would help reduce construction costs, accelerate timelines, and provide support to the province’s forestry and technology sectors. Graydon Smith, Ontario's Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, highlighted how this move would create long-term investments in northern communities while expanding Ontario’s largest renewable resource sector.

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Impact on Toronto’s Growing Skyline

Toronto, with its rapidly expanding skyline, will benefit from this updated building code. The city ranks as one of the most densely populated in North America and continues to see an increasing demand for both residential and commercial space. With the new regulations in place, developers now have more flexibility to create taller, more efficient, and sustainable buildings that meet the city's growing needs.

One notable example is the University of Toronto’s 14-storey Academic Wood Tower, which, once completed, will stand as one of North America's tallest mass timber buildings. This cutting-edge project showcases the potential of mass timber construction and positions Toronto as a leader in sustainability and innovation in the construction sector.

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What This Means for the Future of Real Estate

The adoption of mass timber construction signals a significant shift in the way buildings are designed and constructed in Ontario. For real estate professionals and developers, this means an increased opportunity to tap into a growing market for sustainable, cost-effective buildings. It also opens up new possibilities for the development of mid-rise and high-rise structures in Toronto, providing potential solutions to the city’s housing challenges.

With the province's commitment to reducing red tape and fostering innovation, the future of real estate development in Ontario looks promising. As mass timber construction continues to gain momentum, Toronto is poised to become a leader in sustainable urban development, and this change to the building code is just the beginning.