B.C. has launched the Mass Timber Action Plan and announced $1.2 million in funding for four new mass-timber housing and infrastructure projects as part of the StrongerBC Economic Plan.

The projects for the province’s new mass timber demonstration program range from multi-unit homes to mixed-use commercial and industrial buildings.

“Building a strong foundation for sustainable forestry will help us accelerate demand for mass-timber product, talent and technology,” said George Chow, minister of state for trade. “As chair of the Mass Timber Advisory Council, I am excited for this opportunity to establish B.C. as a leading innovator and supplier of low-carbon goods and services.”

The University of Victoria has three mass timber construction projects in development: a new student housing and dining facility; an engineering and computer science expansion; and the National Centre for Indigenous Laws.

“We have invested $575 million into seven different projects that involve mass timber at post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. The diversity of projects showcases the versatility of mass timber and its contribution to learning spaces and new student housing,” said Anne Kang, minister of advanced education and skills training. “It’s inspiring to see students learning and living in these spaces that truly are setting the example of how to build better for all British Columbians.”

B.C. legislation now allows for mass timber buildings up to 12 storeys. Twenty-two B.C. communities have adopted this standard and, as of December 2020, 285 mass-timber buildings completed or underway in the province – the most in Canada.

In 2021, the B.C. government provided funding for 12 mass-timber demonstration and research projects and established an advisory council to help accelerate the adoption of mass-timber building systems.