Ont. investing $3.5M in mass timber mfg.

PHOTO: Lumber/
Stewart Black via Flickr

ST. THOMAS – The Ontario government is investing $3.46 million in Element5 to help the mass timber manufacturer expand its operations. The company is an Ontario-certified manufacturer of cross-laminated timber, part of the fast-growing field of advanced wood construction which reportedly builds faster and more efficiently than traditional building materials.

This funding will more than triple the company’s production, creating 32 new jobs, increasing revenue by over 300 per cent and boosting export sales by nearly 600 per cent.

“With more space and new equipment, Element5 will be able to meet growing demand for their high-quality products and get more building projects done quickly and efficiently,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. “This company is an advanced wood construction success story, powering growth and development across Ontario, Canada and the U.S.”

Advanced wood construction assembles building materials off-site before installation, reportedly reducing on-site disruption, completing projects up to 50 per cent faster and reducing costs by up to 20 per cent. Advanced wood construction also purports to offer environmental benefits, by using wood as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials while supporting the forestry sector.

The Ontario government has released an action plan designed to expand wood construction in the province. The Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan tries to position Ontario to lead the sector by using more wood in the construction of mid-rise and tall multi-family residential, commercial and industrial buildings: creating forest sector opportunity by diversifying and growing demand for sustainably-harvested wood.

“With our sustainably-managed forests, forest sector expertise and access to key export markets, Ontario has a unique advantage in wood construction,” said Nolan Quinn, Associate Minister of Forestry. “Our government’s action plan will use that advantage to expand the forest sector, create jobs and grow communities by building homes and businesses faster.”

The Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan will be available for public review and comment on the Environmental Registry, ending on September 30.

The investment in Element5 and the release of the draft action plan advances Ontario’s forest sector strategy goals – including increasing wood use and growing markets – by making more pre-manufactured building materials available to support faster construction across the province.

“The ongoing support from the province is a cornerstone of Element5’s strategic planning. More importantly, it reflects our shared vision to position Ontario as a leader in advanced wood construction and manufacturing, not only in Ontario, but across Canada and North America. This vision aligns seamlessly with our collective goals around intelligent natural resource use, affordable housing, and responsible environmental impact,” said Patrick Poulin, President and CEO of Element5.