Ontario Investing $3.5 Million in Mass Timber Manufacturer to Build More Homes Faster

Table of Contents

1. Content
2. Quick Facts
3. Quotes
4. Additional Resources
5. Related Topics

ST. THOMAS - The Ontario government is investing $3.46 million in Element5 to help the mass timber manufacturer expand its operations. The company is Ontario's first certified manufacturer of cross-laminated timber, part of the fast-growing field of advanced wood construction which builds faster and more efficiently than traditional building materials.

This funding will more than triple the company's production, creating 32 new jobs, increasing revenue by over 300 per cent and boosting export sales by nearly 600 per cent.

"With more space and new equipment, Element5 will be able to meet growing demand for their high-quality products and get more building projects done quickly and efficiently," said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. "This company is an advanced wood construction success story, powering growth and development across Ontario, Canada and the U.S."

Advanced wood construction assembles building materials off-site before installation, reducing on-site disruption, completing projects up to 50 per cent faster and reducing costs by up to 20 per cent. Advanced wood construction also offers environmental benefits, by using wood as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials while supporting the forestry sector.

The Ontario government has released an action plan designed to expand wood construction in the province. The Advanced Wood Construction Action Planpositions Ontario to lead the fast-growing sector by using more wood in the construction of mid-rise and tall multi-family residential, commercial and industrial buildings: creating forest sector opportunity by diversifying and growing demand for sustainably-harvested wood.

"With our sustainably-managed forests, forest sector expertise and access to key export markets, Ontario has a unique advantage in wood construction," said Nolan Quinn, Associate Minister of Forestry. "Our government's action plan will use that advantage to expand the forest sector, create jobs and grow communities by building homes and businesses faster."

The Advanced Wood Construction Action Planwill be available for public review and comment on the Environmental Registry, ending on September 30.

The investment in Element5 and the release of the draft action plan advances Ontario's forest sector strategy goals - including increasing wood use and growing markets - by making more pre-manufactured building materials available to support faster construction across the province.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"The ongoing support from the province is a cornerstone of Element5's strategic planning. More importantly, it reflects our shared vision to position Ontario as a leader in advanced wood construction and manufacturing, not only in Ontario, but across Canada and North America. This vision aligns seamlessly with our collective goals around intelligent natural resource use, affordable housing, and responsible environmental impact."

- Patrick Poulin
President and CEO of Element5

"Element5 is an Ontario success story, representing the best of our province's innovation in the construction sector as Ontario's first certified manufacturer of cross-laminated timber. We congratulate them on their expansion in St. Thomas, which will create new opportunities for local workers and reinforce Ontario's reputation for manufacturing innovation in the growing field of advanced wood construction."

- Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

"Today's investment is our government's latest commitment to support innovation, helping our partners build homes faster and keep construction costs down while boosting Ontario's economy. We will continue to do everything we can to get shovels in the ground, including cutting red tape to allow an expanded use of mass timber."

- Paul Calandra
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

"The provincial government's investment of almost $3.5 million in this local success story will create new jobs locally and allow Element5 to realize even greater heights in Canada and abroad. I'm looking forward to following their progress and accomplishments in the future."

- Rob Flack
Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London

"The AWC Action Plan builds on Ontario's commitment to advancing the construction and manufacturing sectors and accelerating the adoption of wood solutions in the marketplace. It will create jobs and opportunities along the supply chain that not only maximize the value our forest resources, but also help address the challenges of climate change and housing supply. The plan's key objectives will deliver education and workforce training, support research, progress codes and standards, and encourage innovation and advanced manufacturing techniques that will foster economic development and low-carbon construction."

- Steven Street
Executive Director of WoodWorks Ontario

"The draft Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan marks a significant milestone for Ontario and for St. Thomas. By increasing the use of Ontario wood and promoting its market share in construction, we are demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and innovation. This initiative not only positions Ontario as a leader in advanced wood construction and manufacturing but also supports broader provincial goals related to housing and the environment. Through education, research, and investment in AWC facilities, we are fostering a culture of innovation that will drive economic growth and environmental stewardship in our community and beyond."

- Joe Preston
Mayor of St. Thomas

Additional Resources

Related Topics