Wood Bill Comes Up This Week

Vic Fedeli

A significant forestry industry bill is set to be debated in the Ontario Legislature this week. Bill 13 would amend the Ontario Building Code to allow for wood frame construction to be used in mid-rise buildings up to 6-stories, instead of the current four stories. Conservative MPP Vic Fedeli is bringing forward the bill for second reading on Thursday and he maintains the change is needed to boost the Northern forest industry, and create jobs and growth. Fedeli calls it a win-win solution. He says it helps northern Ontario by providing jobs, and it helps southern Ontario meet targets to reduce urban sprawl and reduce construction costs. Fedeli adds that wood-frame construction can reduce the carbon footprint and increase the energy efficiencies of mid-rise buildings.