Construction of 14-Story Mass Timber Tower at University of Toronto Aided by Federal Contribution

Natural Resources Canada (NRC) announced on Thursday (1-18-24) that it was making a federal contribution of $3.9 million (CAD) to the University of Toronto for the construction of a 14-story mass timber academic and research tower on its St. George campus. The contribution comes through the Green Construction Through Wood (GCWood) program.

The new building, with its innovative design and creative wood structure, will provide a new and creative workspace for several faculties and function as a living laboratory to further the university’s innovation agenda. The structure is being constructed almost entirely from engineered Canadian timber.

According to the press release, the project is helping to expand Canada’s wood market into tall wood buildings, creating good jobs in the forest and construction sectors that contribute to Canada’s fight against the climate crisis.

Across Canada, the construction sector is transforming, with more low-carbon solutions like wood-based materials and systems being used, NRC said. From conservation to sustainable development, Canada’s forest economy supports many communities and directly employs hundreds of thousands of Canadians who will continue to contribute economically to building a net-zero future.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said:

“The Government of Canada’s Green Construction Through Wood program is supporting more sustainable Canadian materials for the construction industry. The University of Toronto’s Academic Wood Tower project is one of many examples of innovative technologies being used to create resilient and low-carbon buildings, while preventing carbon emissions. I congratulate all those involved in this important project.”