Mass Timber Construction Moves Into Mainstream in Canada

In an interview with Sustainable Biz Canada, DIALOG architect and partner Craig Applegath said mass timber construction is gaining a stronger foothold, supported by updated building codes, expanded production capacity, and rising client demand.

Research from DIALOG indicates that 40% of Canada’s mass timber buildings have been completed within the past five years. Roughly 140 projects were in planning or under construction in 2024, a figure Applegath said has likely grown. “That gives you sort of a magnitude of what’s going on,” he said. “These are larger projects, so that’s big bucks; that’s a lot of capital being allocated for mass timber.”

Applegath pointed to three main drivers behind the shift. The 2020 National Building Code increased allowable heights for encapsulated mass timber buildings from six to 12 stories, signaling broader acceptance among developers, lenders, and insurers. Provinces including British Columbia and Ontario have since moved to permit buildings up to 18 stories.

At the same time, the number of mass timber fabricators has expanded across Canada, improving supply availability while reducing lead times and costs for CLT panels. Demand has also strengthened, particularly among municipalities and educational institutions seeking lower-carbon construction options.

Applegath added that federal investment in defense-related infrastructure is expected to support further adoption of mass timber. While Canada’s slower housing market presents a near-term challenge, he said many organizations are turning to mass timber as part of broader decarbonization strategies.