Federal Energy Minister Promotes Mass Timber in Castlegar Visit
Published 4:36 PM Monday, November 10, 2025
On November 10, 2025, Castlegar became a focal point in the conversation about sustainable building materials as Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, alongside Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, visited Kalesnikoff Lumber. This visit not only showcased the company’s newest mass timber production facility, but also reinforced a broader governmental commitment to a "buy Canadian" strategy outlined in the 2025 budget.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The centerpiece of the visit was Kalesnikoff Lumber’s impressive 100,000 sq. ft. mass timber facility, which opened in June 2025 with a significant investment of $30 million, partly supported by a $3 million contribution through Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program. This modular facility is a testament to the growing potential of mass timber in Canada’s construction industry.
What is Mass Timber?
Mass timber production focuses on transforming traditional lumber into value-added building components. This includes prefabricated wall and floor systems, as well as complete modules thanks to the comprehensive construction capabilities of Kalesnikoff’s facility. Utilizing materials such as glued-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber, mass timber is increasingly utilized in a variety of structures—from residential homes and apartment buildings to public infrastructure like schools, libraries, and recreational facilities.
Government Support for Canadian Materials
A critical aspect of the federal strategy is emphasizing the use of Canadian materials like mass timber and softwood lumber in construction projects. The 2025 budget emphasizes a transition in federal procurement processes, mandating that companies contracting with the government source their lumber domestically. Minister Hodgson emphasized that these initiatives are aligned with the Liberal government’s larger goal set out in the "Build Canada Homes" plan, which aims to achieve 500,000 housing starts per year over the next decade.
Driving Down Costs with Innovation
Minister Hodgson elaborated that the Canadian government aims to drive affordability in housing through innovative construction methods. “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 mentioned during the visit. He highlighted the importance of mass timber materials in achieving that goal, indicating that such products can significantly lower construction costs while providing durable and sustainable alternatives.
A Future-Oriented Vision
During his tour, Hodgson reiterated, “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.” This sentiment encapsulates the growing recognition of mass timber not only as a viable option but as a necessary evolution in the construction industry.
Economic Investments and Support for Innovation
In addition to promoting mass timber, the 2025 budget includes substantial financial backing for the forest industry. It outlines plans for up to $700 million in loan guarantees over two years, designed to provide companies with the financial support they need to adapt and transition during this pivotal period. Furthermore, the budget allocates $500 million over three years, beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year, to renew and expand programs focused on market diversification and new export initiatives within Natural Resources Canada.
Conclusion
The visit to Castlegar by Minister Hodgson and Secretary Fuhr serves as a significant milestone in Canada’s journey towards sustainable building practices. With the establishment of advanced mass timber facilities like Kalesnikoff Lumber’s and strong governmental backing, the future of construction in Canada appears poised for transformation—one that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and the local economy. As the federal government pushes forward with its housing strategy, the emphasis on mass timber may well mark a new chapter in the country’s architectural story.
