Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) has announced a strategic partnership with Woodsure, a division of Axis Insurance Managers Inc., aimed at enhancing the adoption of wood construction across Canada. This collaboration will merge the strengths of CWC’s WoodWorks program with Woodsure’s insurance solutions, fostering growth in the wood construction sector.
“We are excited to welcome Woodsure as a partner within our WoodWorks program,” Rick Jeffery, president and CEO of the Canadian Wood Council, said in a statement. “This partnership represents our shared commitment to advancing wood construction and promoting sustainable building practices. By combining our resources, we are poised to positively impact the industry.”
However, the transition to new construction technologies often encounters barriers, particularly concerning access to adequate insurance for advanced wood buildings.
Roland Waldmeier, national senior vice-president of construction, contracting, and real estate at Axis Insurance Managers Inc., emphasized the need for the insurance sector to evolve alongside the wood industry.
“Insurance should not only keep pace with innovation but actively support the mass timber and wood frame sectors, which are crucial to Canada’s social and economic objectives. Our goal is to develop innovative insurance solutions that facilitate growth in the Canadian wood industry,” Waldmeier noted.
This partnership aims to empower architects, builders, and developers to confidently select wood as their primary material, supported by insurance products that address the unique challenges of wood construction.
“Specialized insurance solutions are essential for accelerating the adoption of wood construction,” explained Connie Rowley, Senior Vice President of Woodsure. “By providing tailored coverage, we can help mitigate financial risks and encourage developers to invest in mass timber projects.
“These enhanced insurance products will address concerns related to fire safety, structural integrity, and long-term reliability, ultimately fostering broader acceptance of this eco-friendly building material.”