Federal Energy Minister Promotes Mass Timber in B.C. Visit
Published: 3:36 pm, Monday, November 10, 2025
In a significant move to promote sustainable construction practices, Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, visited Castlegar, British Columbia, on November 10. Their tour of Kalesnikoff Lumber’s state-of-the-art mass timber production facility underscored the intentions outlined in the 2025 federal budget, particularly its "buy Canadian" strategy.
A Step Towards Sustainable Construction
The newly inaugurated 100,000 square foot mass timber production facility, which opened its doors in June, represents a $30 million investment that was partly funded by a $3 million investment through Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program. This innovative facility marks a significant leap towards reducing carbon footprints in construction by producing value-added building components from lumber.
Mass timber production involves converting traditional lumber into various low-carbon components, such as prefabricated wall and floor systems. With Kalesnikoff’s new setup, the facility can produce entire modular construction units using advanced methods, including glued-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber. These materials are ideal for a diverse array of construction projects, from residential homes and apartment complexes to larger public buildings, including schools and recreational facilities.
Advocating for Canadian Materials
The 2025 federal budget places a strong emphasis on the adoption of Canadian materials in construction. Hodgson highlighted a crucial aspect of this plan: modifying federal procurement processes to mandate the use of Canadian lumber, particularly mass timber and softwood lumber, in projects run by companies contracting with the federal government. This initiative aims to bolster the domestic economy and support local industries.
“Building Canada Homes,” a cornerstone plan proposed by the Liberal government, aims to kickstart 500,000 housing projects annually over the next decade. Hodgson noted the importance of mass timber in this initiative, explaining that the Prime Minister has made it a priority for new home developments to favor manufactured homes, which often lead to lower construction costs.
Efficiency and Economic Viability
The benefits of utilizing mass timber extend beyond sustainability; they also encompass efficiency in construction. Hodgson pointed out that mass timber can significantly reduce construction times while enhancing precision in building strategies. These advantages are essential in addressing the housing demands across Canada, particularly as the country aims to meet ambitious targets for new housing starts.
To support this sector transformation, the 2025 budget allocates up to $700 million over the next two years in loan guarantees aimed at providing companies the financial resources necessary for maintaining and restructuring their operations. Furthermore, a commitment of $500 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, will be implemented to renew and expand Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector programs, focusing on market and product diversification, including newly forged export initiatives.
A Vision for the Future
During his visit, Hodgson reiterated the importance of shifting towards more sustainable building practices. “The goal is attainable,” he stated, emphasizing the opportunities that lie in adopting mass timber methods for construction. He remarked, “This is the future,” solidifying the government’s commitment to fostering a greener construction industry and reinforcing the significance of innovation in building practices.
In conclusion, the visit by Hodgson and Fuhr shines a light on the potential of mass timber to drive economic growth, sustainability, and innovation in Canadian construction. As the nation progresses towards a greener future, the advancements made by facilities like Kalesnikoff Lumber reflect the evolving landscape of the construction industry and its alignment with environmental goals.
