Federal Energy Minister Promotes Mass Timber in B.C. Visit
Published: 11:36 PM Monday, November 10, 2025
On November 10, 2025, Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, embarked on a significant tour of Kalesnikoff Lumber in Castlegar, British Columbia. Their visit aimed to showcase the company’s latest mass timber production facility and emphasize the 2025 federal budget’s commitment to promoting Canadian manufacturing through its "Buy Canadian" strategy.
The New Facility: A Step Towards Sustainable Building
The centerpiece of the visit was Kalesnikoff’s extensive 100,000 sq. ft. mass timber production facility, launched in June at the cost of $30 million. The project was bolstered by a $3 million investment from Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program. This state-of-the-art facility specializes in mass timber production, which transforms standard lumber into value-added, low-carbon construction components such as prefabricated wall and floor systems.
This innovative facility employs advanced technologies like glued-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber to produce entire modular units. These products can be utilized in various applications, from residential construction to large public buildings like schools and recreational facilities.
A Commitment to Canadian Materials
Hodgson highlighted the federal government’s commitment to leveraging Canadian resources in the construction sector. The 2025 budget emphasizes the incorporation of mass timber and softwood lumber in federal construction projects, mandating that companies partnering with the government source Canadian lumber. This strategy not only supports Canadian industry but also aims to reduce carbon footprints by promoting sustainable building practices.
“The prime minister has been very clear that he wants the bulk of that new home development to be through manufactured homes because it drives down the cost,” Hodgson remarked. “He wants those manufactured homes to use mass timber, because that again will drive down costs.” This sentiment aligns with a broader goal, which envisions 500,000 new housing starts annually over the next decade, geared towards increasing affordability.
Transforming the Construction Landscape
The implementation of mass timber in construction is seen as a game-changer. Hodgson emphasized the need to rethink traditional building methods: “When you look at a facility like this, you can see that the goal is attainable… This is the opportunity – we need to change the way we build. We are here because this is the future.” Mass timber is not only more sustainable but also significantly reduces construction times, resulting in increased precision and predictability during the building process.
Financial Support for the Forest Industry
To support this transformation, the 2025 budget includes notable financial provisions. It features up to $700 million in loan guarantees over the next two years, aimed at providing companies with the financing necessary to maintain and restructure their operations amidst this shift towards sustainable practices. Additionally, there’s a planned allocation of $500 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, to renew and expand Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector programs. These programs will focus on diversifying markets and products, including developing new export initiatives.
Conclusion
The visit to Kalesnikoff Lumber not only underscored the Canadian government’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction sector but also showcased the promising future of mass timber building. As the country grapples with housing shortages and environmental challenges, initiatives like these pave the way for smarter, greener construction methods that benefit both the economy and the environment. Through collaboration and investment, Canada aims to lead the way in adopting sustainable practices that honor its vast natural resources while meeting the needs of its growing population.
