BC TO ALLOW SIX STOREY WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION

The Province will increase the limit on wood-frame construction in the BC Building Code from four to six storeys in January 2009, Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman announced today.

“We are working with builders, designers, local governments and other stakeholders as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of buildings on our environment,” Coleman said. “It is one of the many steps we are taking across government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Raising the roof on wood-frame construction will open opportunities for construction of mid-rise, medium-density housing. This type of building provides an option for communities that want to take advantage of the environmental benefits of density while preserving the character of their communities.

In the near future, the Province will announce details of an innovative demonstration project with the Canadian Wood Council that will provide additional insights into six-storey wood construction in British Columbia.

The demonstration project will give builders, designers and local governments an opportunity to see how six-storey wood-frame construction can be used effectively in British Columbia.

“Opening up the use of wood in mid-rise construction presents exciting opportunities to reduce the cost and environmental impact of buildings,” said Mary Tracey, executive director of the B.C. branch of the Canadian Wood Council. “We look forward to working with the Province on a demonstration project that will showcase how wood can be used safely in buildings over four storeys.”

It will also enable the Province to evaluate building social housing using six-storey wood frame construction.

“We are delivering on our commitment to innovative, safe construction practices,” Coleman said. “The demonstration project is one way the Province will work with those involved in building – local governments and designers – to make sure they have the tools they need to successfully apply the new Building Code provisions.”

More details on the demonstration project will be available once the agreements have been finalized.

Updates will be available at www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building/wood_frame/index.htm.

Editor's Comments: What were the safety concerns surrounding limiting wood frame buidling to six storeys? What has changed? Is the wood stronger? Construction techniques better? Remember changes in condo construction was also considered to be a good idea. Seems to me, it was the same group of people who approved those changes also. Time will tell.