Possible building code changes good news for the North, Fedeli says

NORTH BAY – An announcement today by Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli should be well-received by Northern Ontario forestry communities.

Fedeli said today he is pleased with word of proposed amendments to the Ontario Building Code to allow for wood-frame construction in buildings up to six storeys.

The former North Bay mayor introduced private members bills on two occasions to increase the limit on wood-frame buildings to six storeys from the current four. His second attempt to get this adopted, Bill 13, passed second reading last fall.

“This is the culmination of more than two years of work and persuasion at Queen’s Park,” said Fedeli. “Despite government members originally voting against my bill at committee, it’s very rewarding to see all of this work is now paying off. There’s no doubt this will provide a boost to Northern Ontario’s forestry industry and help create jobs.”

These changes would be similar to those made in British Columbia in 2009, which had an immediate impact on the economy there, Fideli said today in a release.

“It will also help southern Ontario meet growth and density targets as laid out in the Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan, and will provide a reduced carbon footprint in the construction of mid-rise buildings. It’s a win-win for Ontario.”

The regulatory review of the implications of adopting wood-frame construction in five- and six-storey applications includes a 45-day comment period prior to possible regulatory approval being given.