The beginning of 2015 saw changes to Toronto's building code that will allow wood construction up to six stories. Supporters of the code change see multiple potential benefits from the code change.
"New rules went into effect Thursday allowing developers to construct wood-frame buildings up to six storeys," reports Luke Simcoe. "The height restriction had previously been capped at four due to safety concerns."
"Although two extra storeys may not seem like much…the code change could spur a mid-rise housing boom in the city," explains Simcoe, thanks to the savings offered by wood construction as compared to cement.
Simcoe quotes Paul Stevens, a principal at ZAS Architects in Toronto, who also explains that wood construction "allows for more creative building forms, and…the change could bring variety to a Toronto skyline dominated by concrete condos."
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