In order to combat current economic uncertainty, the Legault government confirms that the number of floors authorized for the construction of solid wood buildings goes from 12 to 18. It also allows the use of this material for a multitude of types of buildings.
The Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) gives its downstream and publishes the conditions to be observed for the construction of building wood.
At the heart of a trade war with the United States, Quebec wishes to offer more predictability to the timber sector. Prices are stable for the moment, but the threat of prices of 34.45 % on Canadian wood, which is to come into force this month, worries producers.
If the prices explode, the impact will be severe. The new regulations will not be enough to avoid the collision, but it could alleviate the shock in Quebec.
“It is a strategic sector that creates jobs in all regions of Quebec. In the context of a trade war with the United States, it is added value, “said the Minister of Labor, Jean Boulet, in an interview with our parliamentary office, arguing that this measure will be economically beneficial and that it is necessary to promote it.
The main objective is also to encourage the use of this natural resource here in Quebec.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL OF QUEBEC
“Promoters and construction professionals will no longer have to proceed on a case -by -case basis. It will simplify the process and reduce deadlines. I see a lot of benefits there, ”he says. “It will highlight our wood here in Quebec.”
Wood in supermarkets
The Minister enabled the use of wood to a greater number of main uses (see box). For example, wood can be used for the construction of shops, supermarkets, factories and elder residences.
Wood can also be more visually enhanced.
“It is an efficient, aesthetic material. It is a solution for the future. We are also talking about occupants’ comfort and safety. I thought there were only advantages, ”concludes the minister.
In addition, the use of wood contributes to the fight against climate change, he underlines.
“It is a renewable material, with a very low carbon footprint,” explains Jean Boulet.
Quebec expertise
By increasing the use of wood in constructions, the government believes that it will create well -paid jobs, while stimulating local expertise in terms of lumber.
“It makes our world work here, architects, to develop modern plans. And, it will deepen the expertise that we have in Quebec in this sector, “he says. “It’s really one more step towards sustainable innovation. This widens the possibilities of building in solid wood up to 18 floors, without having to go through a request for particular authorization to the RBQ. So it will be super beneficial. ”
A practical guide will be published by the RBQ in the coming hours to explain this new measure in detail.
New buildings authorized up to 18 floors
- Schools
- Restaurants
- Community rooms
- Libraries
- Museums
- Daycares
- Passage from 0 to 18 floors
Increased permitted height (from 12 to 18 floors)
- Hotels
- Housing buildings
- Offices
- Banks
New uses allowed up to 12 floors
- Boutiques
- Supermarkets
- Department stores
- Parking
- Passage from 0 to 12 floors
Authorized up to 10 floors
- Garages
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Seniors (RPA) residences
- Passage from 0 to 10 floors
