As previously mentioned, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has issued an amendment to Ontario’s Building Code (OBC) 2024—Ontario Regulation 163/24—that allows encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) up to 18 storeys high. (The previous was 12 storeys.)

The changes, which have been in effect as of January 1, 2025, are intended to promote and expand the use of wood construction. In addition to the height change, other amendments include:
• expanding the occupancies where EMTC can be used as the primary structural material,
• relaxing the amount of mass timber that must be encapsulated;
• moving administrative provisions from the 2012 Building Code into the 2024 Building Code to continue to allow Temporary Health and Residential Facilities; and
• minor housekeeping and editorial changes, including updates regarding some standards referenced in the Building Code.

These changes have now been included in the Ontario Amendment document. Email the Ministry to request a copy.