Fedeli 14-Storey Wood Bill Passes Second Reading
April 26, 2018QUEEN’S PARK — Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is pleased the Ontario Legislature provided all-party support today on Second Reading of his Bill 19, The Ontario Forestry Revitalization Act (14-Storey Wood Buildings), 2018.
Fedeli re-introduced the bill he tabled in the Ontario Legislature last fall after it died following Prorogation last month.
The Act would amend the Ontario Building Code to allow for wood frame construction to be used in mid-rise buildings up to 14 stories, instead of the current six stories, to accommodate a building the University of Toronto has in the works. It would also allow for a 12-storey building being planned by George Brown College in Toronto.
“This change will further boost the Northern forestry industry, and create jobs and growth,” Fedeli said.
Fedeli originally introduced a Private Members’ Bill in 2012 seeking an increase in the maximum height of wood-frame buildings from four to six stories. That change was eventually adopted by the government in 2015.
“This legislation is a win-win solution for Ontario. By increasing the use of wood harvested in residential construction, we help Northern Ontario by providing jobs, and we help southern Ontario meet targets to reduce urban sprawl and reduce construction costs,” Fedeli said.
He added that wood-frame construction can reduce the carbon footprint and increase the energy efficiency of mid-rise buildings while meeting or surpassing other buildings when it comes to fire safety standards.
Fedeli’s bill received letters of support from the Ontario Home Builders Association, Canadian Wood Council, the University of Toronto and George Brown College.
Video of Fedeli speaking to the bill can be found online here: https://youtu.be/wT1tDjkvfVY