Federal Energy Minister Promotes Mass Timber in B.C. Visit

Published: November 10, 2025

On November 10, 2025, Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, joined by Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, embarked on a significant visit to Castlegar, British Columbia. Their aim was to tour Kalesnikoff Lumber’s cutting-edge mass timber production facility and to advocate for the 2025 budget’s buy Canadian strategy. This visit underscores a broader commitment from the Canadian government to promote sustainable building practices and support domestic industry through innovative construction methods.

A Tour of Innovation

The centerpiece of the visit was the 100,000 square foot modular facility opened by Kalesnikoff Lumber in June 2025. This $30 million facility was made possible with a $3 million investment from Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program. The facility represents not just an investment in local infrastructure but also a progressive shift towards mass timber, a building material with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional alternatives.

Mass timber production takes standard lumber and enhances it into value-added components for construction—ranging from prefabricated wall and floor systems to entire modular buildings. The facility incorporates glued-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber, both of which are known for their strength and sustainability. The applications of mass timber are extensive, including residential homes, apartment complexes, and public facilities like schools, libraries, and recreational buildings.

Supporting Canadian Materials

Central to Hodgson’s message during the visit was the Canadian government’s commitment to utilizing local materials in construction. The 2025 budget emphasizes the importance of sourcing Canadian lumber—specifically mass timber and softwood lumber—in federal procurement processes. By mandating that companies contracting with the government prioritize Canadian materials, the government aims to bolster the domestic lumber industry while advancing eco-friendly building practices.

Hodgson articulated a vision that aligns with the federal government’s Build Canada Homes plan, which aspires to achieve 500,000 housing starts per year over the next decade. “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. He wants those manufactured homes to use mass timber, because that again will drive down the cost,” Hodgson explained during the visit.

A Vision for the Future

Minister Hodgson’s enthusiasm was palpable as he toured the facility. "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," he remarked with optimism.

The use of mass timber not only supports sustainable practices but also streamlines construction methods. Mass timber solutions reduce construction times and enhance precision, providing predictability in project timelines and costs. This innovation is crucial in addressing the ongoing housing challenges while supporting a greener future.

Financial Support for Transition

The 2025 budget also allocates up to $700 million over two years in loan guarantees to ensure that companies in the sector can access the necessary financing during this transformative phase. Additionally, the budget includes $500 million over three years starting in 2026-27, aimed at renewing and expanding Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector programs focused on market and product diversification. This includes initiatives to help Canadian companies explore new export opportunities tailored to meet evolving global market demands.

Conclusion

The visit by Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr to Kalesnikoff Lumber’s mass timber facility is a vital step in Canada’s commitment to sustainable development and bolstering local industries. By emphasizing the importance of mass timber in construction, the government is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future, while simultaneously addressing critical housing needs across the nation. The advancements at Kalesnikoff Lumber stand as a beacon of what can be achieved when innovation meets environmental consciousness, setting a precedent for future construction initiatives in Canada.

Chris Kalesnikoff (L) explains the mass timber production process to energy minister Tim Hodgson (R) on a tour of the Kalesnikoff facility on Nov. 10. (Betsy Kline/Castlegar News)

This visit signifies not just a local initiative but rather a nationwide shift towards reimagining construction in Canada—an exciting future framed by sustainability and innovation.