THE MASS TIMBER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
Around the world, mass timber buildings are increasing in size, height and complexity. As of March 2022, encapsulated mass timber construction up to 12 stories tall is allowed in Canada. Prior to this code update, 21 communities in British Columbia and the University of British Columbia had signed on to be early adopters of mass timber construction up to 12 storeys. Advancements in wood products and construction can help to build more resilient, climate -smart communities in British Columbia and Canada. Yet, while building codes only recently are allowing this type of construction, there can still be barriers, such as a lack of knowledge about its application, technical performance, constructability and incremental costs.
Established in the Spring of 2021, the Province of British Columbia, through Forestry Innovation Investment, has invested $5.4 million to accelerate the use of mass timber in B.C. These investments will help B.C. become a province that is more inclusive, resilient and innovative, with an economic recovery focused on job growth and employment recovery in the design, engineering, construction, and product manufacturing sectors. The Mass Timber Demonstration Program (MTDP) in British Columbia provides funding for incremental costs in the design and construction of buildings that demonstrate emerging or new mass timber or mass timber hybrid building systems and construction processes.
The goals of MTDP are to:
-
- Grow British Columbia’s mass timber, engineered wood products industry.
- Grow British Columbia’s industries that support and contribute to mass timber and mass timber hybrid construction (i.e. design, engineering, technical research, virtual design, prefabrication, construction/assembly, etc.).
- Support the province’s economic recovery and growth and help B.C. manufacturers to succeed in evolving domestic and global markets.
All funding has now been assigned and no further Expressions of Interest will be accepted. The MTDP funded 20 development projects across British Columbia in three separate intakes, completing Intake Three in April 2023. Click to learn about the funded projects.
Stay Connected – Subscribe to Our Mailing List
Join the naturally:wood mailing list to receive updates on mass timber building and industry resources, updates, and announcements.
Please note, by filling in this form, you are accepting our privacy policy.