Federal Energy Minister Promotes Mass Timber in B.C. Visit
Published 3:36 PM Monday, November 10, 2025
On November 10, 2025, Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, accompanied by Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, visited Castlegar, British Columbia. Their visit aimed to draw attention to Kalesnikoff Lumber’s state-of-the-art mass timber production facility and highlight the Canadian government’s commitment to supporting domestic industries through its recently unveiled 2025 budget.
Innovation in Mass Timber Production
Kalesnikoff Lumber has made a significant investment in sustainability and innovation with its 100,000 sq. ft. mass timber facility, which cost $30 million and opened its doors in June 2025. This facility was supported by a $3 million investment from Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program. The facility not only produces traditional lumber but also specializes in high-tech, value-added low-carbon building components, such as prefabricated wall and floor systems. The cutting-edge production processes utilize both glued-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber, further enhancing the structural capabilities of wood products.
A Commitment to Canadian Materials
The Canadian government’s 2025 budget emphasizes the importance of adopting Canadian materials in construction. This includes promoting the use of mass timber and softwood lumber, alongside a commitment to modifying federal procurement processes. Under these new guidelines, companies contracting with the government will be required to source Canadian lumber, ensuring that local industries benefit from increased demand.
Hodgson stated that the Liberal government’s Build Canada Homes plan epitomizes this commitment with its aim to facilitate 500,000 housing starts annually over the next decade. This ambitious initiative stresses the importance of incorporating manufactured homes that utilize mass timber, a move intended to reduce costs and provide more affordable housing options for Canadians.
The Future of Sustainable Housing
During his visit, Hodgson remarked on the significant potential of mass timber in the construction industry. “When you look at a facility like this, you can see that the goal is attainable,” he noted. “This is the opportunity – we need to change the way we build. We are here because this is the future.” His words underscore a broader vision of embracing sustainable building practices as a means to achieve cost-effective and environmentally friendly housing solutions.
The practical benefits of mass timber extend beyond affordability; its use also lowers construction times and increases precision and predictability in projects. As Hodgson emphasized, leveraging technologies in timber can help construction companies establish more streamlined processes, allowing for quicker completion while maintaining high-quality standards.
Financial Support and Future Initiatives
The implications of the 2025 budget go beyond mere promotion; it includes substantial financial support aimed at fostering industry growth. This includes up to $700 million in loan guarantees over two years to assist companies in maintaining and revamping their operations amid this transformative period. In addition, an allocation of $500 million over three years, commencing in the 2026-27 fiscal year, will renew and expand Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector programs, focusing on market and product diversification and initiating new export measures.
Conclusion
The visit by Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Stephen Fuhr to Kalesnikoff Lumber’s mass timber facility is a pivotal move toward embracing sustainable building materials in Canada. The integration of mass timber into large-scale construction aligns with the government’s broader housing initiatives and demonstrates a commitment to both the environment and the economy. As Canada positions itself at the forefront of this innovative sector, the potential for growth in the mass timber industry appears promising—driven by governmental support, technological advancements, and a commitment to future-proof Canadian construction.
