Dear Members, Stakeholders, and Industry Colleagues:
As Board Chair of the Canadian Wood Council, it is my pleasure to present the 2023 annual report.
2023 has been a period of significant progress and adaptation at CWC. In the face of challenging market conditions, we have remained steadfast in our mission to expand market demand for wood products and champion responsible leadership through excellence in codes, standards, and regulations.
Kevin Pankratz
Our efforts have been supported by a highly capable team that has driven forward numerous key initiatives, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry. This year, we have continued to influence building code updates, particularly with respect to encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) and greenhouse gas emissions policies. These advancements are crucial as we aim to maintain and enhance wood’s position as a preferred material in the evolving landscape of sustainable construction.
Our WoodWorks program has also delivered considerable results, leveraging our industry’s investment to access economic development dollars from federal and provincial governments to develop new technical resources and deliver a robust slate of educational opportunities designed to accelerate the adoption of wood construction in Canada and support the forest sector value chain. These outreach efforts, bolstered by impactful communications campaigns, have significantly raised awareness and engagement within the construction industry, delivering an impressive return on our investment.
As I reflect on the past year, it is apparent to me that our industry stands at a significant moment in its future history. Recognition of wood as a sustainable, renewable construction material has reached an inflection point. Market forces, backed by the efforts of the Canadian Wood Council on multiple fronts, are aligning in ways that will create tremendous opportunities for wood construction going forward.
The advancement of our industry will be bolstered by the widespread adoption of low carbon development policies and sustainable construction practices. This, combined with the pent-up demand for affordable housing, will soon lead to an unprecedented surge in demand for our products once market conditions are resolved. We must be prepared to meet this projected demand.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the members, stakeholders, and staff of the Canadian Wood Council for their hard work and unwavering commitment to expanding market access and advancing the use of Canadian wood products.
Yours truly,
Kevin Pankratz
Board Chair
Canadian Wood Council
As I reflect on the past year, it is apparent to me that our industry stands at a significant moment in its future history. Recognition of wood as a sustainable, renewable construction material has reached an inflection point. Market forces, backed by the efforts of the Canadian Wood Council on multiple fronts, are aligning in ways that will create tremendous opportunities for wood construction going forward.
The advancement of our industry will be bolstered by the widespread adoption of low carbon development policies and sustainable construction practices. This, combined with the pent-up demand for affordable housing, will soon lead to an unprecedented surge in demand for our products once market conditions are resolved. We must be prepared to meet this projected demand.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the members, stakeholders, and staff of the Canadian Wood Council for their hard work and unwavering commitment to expanding market access and advancing the use of Canadian wood products.
Yours truly,
Kevin Pankratz
Board Chair
Canadian Wood Council
Our efforts have been supported by a highly capable team that has driven forward numerous key initiatives, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry. This year, we have continued to influence building code updates, particularly with respect to encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) and greenhouse gas emissions policies. These advancements are crucial as we aim to maintain and enhance wood’s position as a preferred material in the evolving landscape of sustainable construction.
Our WoodWorks program has also delivered considerable results, leveraging our industry’s investment to access economic development dollars from federal and provincial governments to develop new technical resources and deliver a robust slate of educational opportunities designed to accelerate the adoption of wood construction in Canada and support the forest sector value chain. These outreach efforts, bolstered by impactful communications campaigns, have significantly raised awareness and engagement within the construction industry, delivering an impressive return on our investment.
Kevin Pankratz
