Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has released a study exploring advantages of integrating mass timber, with a focus on Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), in mining infrastructure.
The report follows the 2023-2025 strategic action “Shaping a Sustainable Future” which was dedicated to positioning Thunder Bay as a world leader in the mining and forest products services, supply, and manufacturing sectors.
“As we work to advance the goals of our strategic plan, the CEDC is committed to supporting the mining and forestry industries as well as attracting, integrating, and retaining a highly skilled workforce,” said Jamie Taylor, CEO Thunder Bay CEDC. “This study brings forestry and mining together and illustrates the multifaceted benefits of employing Mass Timber in the construction of workforce communities and mining camps with a focus on the environmental, health and economic impacts.
“Presenting a compelling case for Mass Timber as a cornerstone of sustainable development in the region.”
The goal of the study is to assess the advantages of employing Mass Timber, particularly Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), as a solution for the infrastructure challenges faced by communities engaged in the mining sector.
“Mass Timber construction presents a tremendous opportunity for the mining and resource development sectors to reduce their carbon footprint and project timelines,” say Chris Walton, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE). “Working with CEDC on the project has brought us one step further in supporting Ontario’s Forest and advanced manufacturing sectors, creating and keeping value in the North”
The CEDC presented the study at the Cen Can Expo Conference at the Elks Lodge Sept. 14. It can be viewed at https://gotothunderbay.ca/key-sectors/bioeconomy/
