Halifax regional council unanimously passed a motion Tuesday that would knock down barriers to mass timber construction to help expedite housing builds. Photo by ShutterstockArticle contentThere may have been dissension surrounding the Morris Street bikeway, but the Halifax mayor and regional council found common ground with mass timber.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentMayor Andy Fillmore tabled a motion at Tuesday’s council meeting to direct the chief administrative officer to prepare a staff report that, with changes to land-use bylaws and amendments to a municipal planning strategy, would knock down barriers to mass timber construction to help expedite housing builds. That would include the potential to increase the height of built-form requirements from 10 to 12 storeys for mass timber construction.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe motion passed unanimously.Article content“The principal reason (for supporting the mayor’s motion) is that this unlocks some newfound potential in local supply,” Coun. Jean St-Amand (Bedford-Wentworth) said. “I think that’s something that can have a very positive impact to the acceleration of our ability and our capacity to build.Article content“Any opportunity that we have that unlocks that potential, while staying entirely within our safety parameters in our land-use bylaws (and) are generally still reflective in the planning, then it’s worth looking at those alternatives.”Article content A lumber loader moves pulpwood at Ledwidge Lumber in Enfield on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Photo by Francis CampbellArticle contentIn March, the federal government announced it would be investing into the Mass Timber Company, which is aiming to build a $215-million facility in the Elmsdale Business Park to produce mass timber – an engineered wood product – to be used in building construction.Article contentOnce constructed and in operation, the company would employ upwards of 124 people.Article contentArticle contentPatrick Crabbe, Mass Timber Company’s president and CEO, said in an interview with The Chronicle Herald last month that the plant could be built in two to two-and-a-half years. It is still contingent on financing.Article content“This is a remarkable thing for us here,” Fillmore said.Article content“Mass timber is emerging across Canada and around the world as a sustainable carbon-negative and modular construction method that can help address the housing crisis quickly and responsibly. We can make this innovative building approach a viable . . . solution for our city’s housing needs.Article content“The national building code now allows mass timber up to 12 storeys, and that’s a change that reflects updated fire safety standards and engineering advances. This small local change has big housing potential, allowing height for the tall mid-rise building from 10 to 12 storeys but only for mass timber, unlocks more housing on the same footprint.Article content“It’s more economically viable for developers to choose this green method, faster construction and lower embodied carbon. This is smart sustainable growth.”Article contentStaff will return to council with an initiation report sometime this fall.Article content“I see this as an opportunity for an alternative between steel and concrete construction, with concrete at a high premium right now and issues with the States now, with steel and the tariffs,” said Coun. David Hendsbee (Lawrencetown – The Lakes – Chezzetcook – Eastern Shore).Article content
Mayors mass timber motion receives unanimous support from Halifax council
