The provincially-led national Joint Task Group — Harmonized Variations for Mass Timber (JTG-HVMT) is inviting comments on proposed code changes related to encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC). The proposed code changes build on the 2020 National Model Code provisions for EMTC and would expand the use of mass timber to more building occupancies, enable taller buildings, and vary encapsulation requirements.

The public review will run until January 26th, 2024. UDI is supportive of the proposed code changes, and will be making a submission through the public review website to this effect. If there are any questions regarding this submission, please reach out to Heather at hpark@udi.org before January 24th. UDI would encourage members to make their own submissions, simply expressing support for the code changes.

After the comment period, the BC Government will decide on what changes are ready to move forward and what changes, if any, need further technical analysis. Key changes are expected to be adopted as soon as Spring 2024. Following the public review, a final report will also be prepared by the JTG-HVMT and submitted to the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes for consideration for incorporation into future editions of the National Model Codes. The report and proposed code content will also be made available to any jurisdictions wanting to pursue the expansion of permissions for mass timber construction in a harmonized and coordinated way ahead of any updates to the National Model Codes.

The proposed mass timber building code changes align with the Province’s recent work to deliver more homes near transit hubs by allowing taller buildings and more sustainable housing options near transit.

More information is available on the public review website: https://cbhcc-cchcc.ca/en/advancing-emtc-provisions/, a video summary of the proposed changes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMPpZbse0d4, and in a news release by the BC Government.