Dear Members, Stakeholders, and Industry Colleagues:
As Board Chair of the Canadian Wood Council, I am pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report.
Over the years our industry has always met hardship with remarkable resilience and resolve. As we now face unprecedented housing affordability issues and trade uncertainty driven by U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber and shifting policy priorities under a new U.S. administration, the path forward is complex. In this environment, the Canadian Wood Council continues to offer steady leadership as a trusted authority for the wood products industry. Through technical guidance, code and standards leadership, and sector-wide collaboration, we maintain a clear emphasis on strengthening market access and reinforcing wood’s essential role in decarbonizing the built environment.
Kevin Pankratz
While we navigate challenges in the export market, meaningful new domestic opportunities are taking shape. Historic federal investment in housing delivery is driving a coordinated national response to the housing crisis—and wood construction is uniquely positioned to meet this moment, offering proven, practical solutions that align with Canada’s urgent need for more affordable homes and the broader push for low-carbon building practices and factory-built solutions.
As a Board, we remain focused on ensuring strong governance, financial stewardship, and strategic alignment across the organization. In a time of policy shifts and competitive pressures, our oversight helps ensure the CWC is well-positioned to navigate risk, seize emerging opportunities, and deliver long-term value to members and the broader sector.
Seizing new opportunities requires not only market readiness, but also the technical frameworks that make innovation possible. This year, the CWC continued to apply its technical expertise to help expand adoption of new and evolving codes, such as those related to the significant recent opportunities created by encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC), including the move to 18 storeys in British Columbia (BCBC), Ontario (OBC) and the City of Vancouver (VBBL) in 2024.
At the same time, the CWC undertook proactive technical work to stay ahead of anticipated regulatory changes and support the industry’s readiness for future demands. Whether it’s producing seismic design guidance for mid-rise light wood frame buildings in advance of upcoming changes in British Columbia, contributing to the development of regional Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in preparation for growing embodied carbon regulations, or working to clarify design values for Hem-Fir (N), CWC’s efforts are ensuring that critical resources are available where needed.
The CWC’s ongoing work to keep trusted wood design tools and publications current continues across the board. Updates are well underway for the WoodWorks® Software Suite, Advanced Engineering Manual, and the Wood Design Manual to reflect the latest codes and standards. This commitment to technical excellence gives design and construction professionals the confidence to build with wood—backed by a robust library of credible, current resources.
The WoodWorks program also continues to deliver results across Canada, combining government investment and industry insight to accelerate wood adoption and advance the forest sector value chain. Through education, design support, and targeted outreach, WoodWorks achieved a 53% increase in project support interactions in 2024, a notable achievement driven by a strategic focus on developer and municipal engagement.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to recognize the leadership of our President and CEO, along with the entire CWC team. Their dedication, expertise, and forward-looking approach continue to translate strategy into real-world impact.
I would also like to thank my fellow Board members, Member Delegates and Technical Advisors for their commitment and participation and wise counsel over the year. Their participation has been invaluable to the CWC’s success.
Looking ahead, the convergence of market demand, climate policy, and housing urgency makes this a defining moment for wood products. The choices we make today will shape our industry for decades to come. On behalf of the Canadian Wood Council, thank you for your continued commitment and collaboration as we seize this opportunity to lead with confidence and purpose.
Yours truly,
Kevin Pankratz
Board Chair
Canadian Wood Council
Dear Members, Stakeholders, and Industry Colleagues:
As Board Chair of the Canadian Wood Council, I am pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report.
Over the years our industry has always met hardship with remarkable resilience and resolve. As we now face unprecedented housing affordability issues and trade uncertainty driven by U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber and shifting policy priorities under a new U.S. administration, the path forward is complex. In this environment, the Canadian Wood Council continues to offer steady leadership as a trusted authority for the wood products industry. Through technical guidance, code and standards leadership, and sector-wide collaboration, we maintain a clear emphasis on strengthening market access and reinforcing wood’s essential role in decarbonizing the built environment.
While we navigate challenges in the export market, meaningful new domestic opportunities are taking shape. Historic federal investment in housing delivery is driving a coordinated national response to the housing crisis—and wood construction is uniquely positioned to meet this moment, offering proven, practical solutions that align with Canada’s urgent need for more affordable homes and the broader push for low-carbon building practices and factory-built solutions.
As a Board, we remain focused on ensuring strong governance, financial stewardship, and strategic alignment across the organization. In a time of policy shifts and competitive pressures, our oversight helps ensure the CWC is well-positioned to navigate risk, seize emerging opportunities, and deliver long-term value to members and the broader sector.
Seizing new opportunities requires not only market readiness, but also the technical frameworks that make innovation possible. This year, the CWC continued to apply its technical expertise to help expand adoption of new and evolving codes, such as those related to the significant recent opportunities created by encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC), including the move to 18 storeys in British Columbia (BCBC), Ontario (OBC) and the City of Vancouver (VBBL) in 2024.
At the same time, the CWC undertook proactive technical work to stay ahead of anticipated regulatory changes and support the industry’s readiness for future demands. Whether it’s producing seismic design guidance for mid-rise light wood frame buildings in advance of upcoming changes in British Columbia, contributing to the development of regional Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in preparation for growing embodied carbon regulations, or working to clarify design values for Hem-Fir (N), CWC’s efforts are ensuring that critical resources are available where needed.
The CWC’s ongoing work to keep trusted wood design tools and publications current continues across the board. Updates are well underway for the WoodWorks® Software Suite, Advanced Engineering Manual, and the Wood Design Manual to reflect the latest codes and standards. This commitment to technical excellence gives design and construction professionals the confidence to build with wood—backed by a robust library of credible, current resources.
The WoodWorks program also continues to deliver results across Canada, combining government investment and industry insight to accelerate wood adoption and advance the forest sector value chain. Through education, design support, and targeted outreach, WoodWorks achieved a 53% increase in project support interactions in 2024, a notable achievement driven by a strategic focus on developer and municipal engagement.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to recognize the leadership of our President and CEO, along with the entire CWC team. Their dedication, expertise, and forward-looking approach continue to translate strategy into real-world impact.
I would also like to thank my fellow Board members, Member Delegates and Technical Advisors for their commitment and participation and wise counsel over the year. Their participation has been invaluable to the CWC’s success.
Looking ahead, the convergence of market demand, climate policy, and housing urgency makes this a defining moment for wood products. The choices we make today will shape our industry for decades to come. On behalf of the Canadian Wood Council, thank you for your continued commitment and collaboration as we seize this opportunity to lead with confidence and purpose.
Yours truly,
Kevin Pankratz
Board Chair
Canadian Wood Council
Kevin Pankratz
