MPP Looking For Support With Forest Bill

A bill to amend the Ontario Building Code and possibly boost the forest industry in northern Ontario will be debated at Queen’s Park on Thursday.
Bill 13 would allow for wood frame construction to be used in mid-rise buildings up to 6-stories, instead of the current four stories.
Nipissing Conservative MPP Vic Fedeli says the change is needed to help the local forest sector, and create jobs and growth in northern Ontario.
Fedeli calls it a win-win solution as it will also help southern Ontario meet targets to reduce urban sprawl and reduce construction costs.
He adds that wood-frame construction can reduce the carbon footprint and increase the energy efficiencies of mid-rise buildings.
Before the Legislature was prorogued last fall, the same legislation had passed two readings and committee and was awaiting Third Reading when it died on the Order Paper.
Fedeli says he’s hoping for all-party support, as was witnessed last year, to provide a real boost to the northern economy.