Boost for St. Thomas Mass Timber Company to Triple Production

A St. Thomas-based timber manufacturer, Element5, is set to dramatically increase its production thanks to a $3.5-million boost from the provincial government. This significant funding aims to help the company meet the increasing demand for mass timber construction.

Announced on Tuesday, the funding will come from Ontario's forest sector investment and innovation program. This initiative provides capital specifically for manufacturers and processors of wood across the province to modernize and expand their operations.

Element5, a supplier of wood panels used in construction, is considered a leader in innovative mass timber building materials. With the new funding, Element5 will be able to more than triple its production, according to Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s associate minister of forestry.

The increased production is timely, as demand for cross-laminated timber products is expected to grow by up to 25 per cent per year for the next decade. The funding will also create 32 new jobs, increase revenue by over 300 per cent, and boost the company's export sales by nearly 600 per cent.

Quinn highlighted that supporting amendments to Ontario’s building code will further allow for more wood construction, aiding in building homes and businesses more efficiently. This is part of a broader effort by the province to use advanced wood construction to speed up development and reduce costs.

Earlier this year, the government expanded the use of mass timber construction to allow buildings up to 18 storeys, aligning Ontario with practices in other regions like British Columbia and the U.S. This is seen as a crucial step toward meeting the goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031 to address the housing shortage.

Paul Calandra, Ontario’s minister of municipal affairs and housing, emphasized that mass timber construction is an innovative way to reach the province's ambitious housing targets.

In addition to this investment in Element5, St. Thomas is also seeing growth in other sectors. The Volkswagen EV battery plant, projected to open in 2027 and employing 3,000 workers, will further bolster the city's economy. An updated report suggests that the city's population could nearly double by 2051.

St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston reflected on the foresight and planning that has led to this growth, stating that the city has been preparing for this expansion for years.

The $3.5-million investment in Element5 marks a significant opportunity not only for the company but also for St. Thomas and Ontario as a whole.