B.C. EXPANDING USE OF MASS TIMBER IN BUILDINGS

FRONT
The proposed code
changes to the
B.C. Building and Fire
Codes would enable
taller mass timber
buildings, as many as 18
storeys for residential
and office buildings,
instead of the current
12-storey limit.
B.C. is proposing changes to the building code to expand the use of mass timber to build taller buildings.
THE GOVERNMENT OF B.C. announced proposed changes to the
building code to expand the use of mass timber to build taller buildings.
These changes will allow buildings, such as schools,
shopping centres and housing to be built faster, leading to
a better environment and economy.
“These proposed mass timber building code changes
align with our recent work to deliver more homes near
transit hubs by allowing taller buildings and more sustainable housing options near transit,” said Ravi Kahlon,
Minister of Housing. “These changes will also help reduce
carbon pollution, support the forestry sector, create jobs,
build more homes and lead to more vibrant, healthier
communities.”
The proposed code changes to the British Columbia Building and Fire Codes (BC Codes 2024) would
enable taller mass timber buildings, as many as 18 storeys
for residential and o昀케ce buildings, instead of the current
12-storey limit. The changes would also allow for more
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RENEW CANADA – MARCH/APRIL 2024
exposed mass timber or fewer layers of encapsulation in
buildings, depending on a building’s height, and allow
more building types, such as schools, shopping centres
and industrial facilities, to be built using mass timber.
“Mass timber is a strong, clean building technology, and
with these changes we can create astonishing buildings
that display our world-class mass timber sector,” said
Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development
and Innovation. “Through our Mass Timber Action Plan,
we are investing in mass timber training and 昀椀nding new
avenues to grow our economy while reducing our environmental impact.”
The proposed changes are posted for public comment
on the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction
Codes website. After the comment period, the B.C. government will decide on what changes are ready to move
forward and what changes, if any, need further technical
analysis. Key changes are expected to be adopted as soon
as spring 2024.
RENEWCANADA.NET
GOVERNMENT OF B.C.
B.C. EXPANDING USE OF
MASS TIMBER IN BUILDINGS

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