The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has released a study that looks at the advantages of integrating mass-timber construction methods to infrastructure development projects in the mining sector.

The study assesses the advantages of employing mass timber, and particularly cross-laminated timber, as a solution for the infrastructure challenges faced by communities engaged in the mining sector.

Some of the factors underpinning this study include: long-term durability, the health and well-being of community members, workforce stability, reducing carbon emissions, and bolstering Canada’s bioeconomy.

It finds that mass timber construction offers a host of economic, social and environmental benefits for the sector, including the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the potential for structures to be disassembled and transported to other sites for reassembly and re-use, and the potential to bolster the region’s bioeconomy.

It recommends key stakeholders in the mining and forestry sectors cooperate on advancing mass-timber use, and that the public and private sectors invest in partnerships to develop modular building prototypes.

“Mass timber construction presents a tremendous opportunity for the mining and resource development sectors to reduce their carbon footprint and project timelines,” says Chris Walton, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy. “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.”

Earlier this year, the CEDC released its 2023–2025 strategic action plan, titled “Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The plan positions 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 Thunder Bay CEDC developed the study in conjunction with the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy.