Federal Energy Minister Promotes Mass Timber in Castlegar Visit
Published: November 10, 2025
In a significant move towards sustainable construction practices, Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, accompanied by Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, visited Castlegar on November 10. Their primary focus was to tour Kalesnikoff Lumber’s cutting-edge mass timber production facility, unveiling the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing Canadian materials in construction as outlined in the 2025 budget’s Buy Canadian strategy.
A Strategic Investment in Sustainable Building
The tour took place at Kalesnikoff Lumber’s recently inaugurated 100,000 square foot mass timber production facility, which opened its doors in June 2025 following a substantial $30 million investment. This facility was bolstered by a $3 million contribution from Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program, signifying a robust governmental support for the forestry sector’s growth and innovation.
This state-of-the-art facility specializes in converting traditional lumber into value-added, low-carbon building components. These include not only prefabricated wall and floor systems but also entire modules equipped with full modular construction capabilities. Using advanced techniques with glued-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber, Kalesnikoff is positioning itself as a leader in the mass timber revolution—an essential step toward sustainable construction.
Transforming Construction Practices
Mass timber offers a myriad of benefits, making it an appealing alternative to traditional materials. It significantly reduces construction times and enhances precision, streamlining the building process from start to finish. Hodgson highlighted that by adopting mass timber, Canada can effectively meet its growing housing demands.
“The prime minister has been very clear,” Hodgson shared during his visit. “He wants the bulk of that new home development to be through manufactured homes because it drives down costs. He wants those manufactured homes to use mass timber, because that again will drive down the cost.” This visionary approach aims to facilitate 500,000 housing starts annually over the next decade as part of the Liberal government’s Build Canada Homes plan.
Supporting Local Economy
The commitment to sourcing Canadian lumber aligns perfectly with Kalesnikoff’s mission and capabilities. The government’s 2025 budget emphasizes the necessity of securing Canadian materials in federal procurement processes. Companies contracting with the federal government will now be required to source their lumber domestically, which is intended to bolster the local forestry sector and create jobs.
Moreover, the budget outlines a forward-thinking financing strategy that includes up to $700 million in loan guarantees over two years. This funding aims to provide companies with the necessary credit support to maintain and restructure their operations during this transformative period. To further back the forestry sector, an additional $500 million will be available over three years starting in 2026-27, dedicated to renewing and expanding Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector programs and enhancing new export initiatives.
A Vision for the Future
At the heart of this initiative is the understanding that changing how we build can bring about a sustainable future. Hodgson’s visit served as a catalyst for discussions around innovative practices in forestry and construction. He remarked, “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.”
The potential for mass timber extends beyond just residential homes; it holds promise for public infrastructure as well, with applications in schools, libraries, and recreational facilities. By promoting mass timber, the government is not only addressing housing shortages but also making strides towards a greener construction industry.
Conclusion
The visit by Minister Hodgson and Secretary Fuhr to Kalesnikoff Lumber’s facility in Castlegar underscores a pivotal moment in Canadian forestry and construction. By advocating for mass timber and Canadian materials, the government is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and economically viable future. As the industry embraces this innovative approach, communities can look forward to improved housing solutions, enhanced economic opportunities, and reduced environmental impacts—all vital steps in building a resilient Canada.
As showcased by the advancements at Kalesnikoff Lumber, the future of construction is indeed bright, promising, and firmly rooted in sustainability.
