Mass Timber Modular Construction & Building Resiliency in Canada’s Northern Communities

In Northwestern Ontario, and other northern communities in Canada, a focus on resilient buildings is imminent. This is due to what is predicted to be a steep rise in population directly tied to the mining sector. An increased amount of people will be moving to these mining camps as the need for cobalt, nickel, copper, uranium and more are needed to support the booming tech businesses. The focus for these mining camps is to bring in a skilled workforce of youth, national and global immigrants along with regional Indigenous communities. 

As there can be harsh weather and more challenges that arise up there, the goal is to have a safe, welcoming community that has access to healthcare, education and an affordable but positive quality of life.

That’s where mass timber modular construction with mass timber comes in. Broadly defined, modular construction is the production of standardized components for a structure in an offsite factory. From there, the pieces are assembled on-site. The general benefits of this can drastically assist these communities in reaching their goals of a more wellness-driven and positive quality of life while living in Northern Ontario. 

This article dives into the challenges of building resilience in these communities, a deeper look into the benefits of mass timber modular construction, and how this can strengthen Canada’s Bio-Economy.

The Challenges of Building Resilience in Northern Communities

With a goal of building durable housing solutions with a focus on wellness and health in Northern Canada, it’s important to look at all the challenges we face. When planning housing for these Northern communities, we have to look at several factors from extreme weather to high costs, long-term maintenance and more. So, let’s dive into these challenges.

Extreme Weather & Climate Conditions

In Canada’s Northern communities where these mining camps will be placed, harsh and extreme weather conditions are abundant. This includes extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow and permafrost. With these weather conditions, it’s important to construct and plan housing that can withstand and provide proper insulation and energy efficiency for a healthy, stable environment. 

This means focusing heavily on the challenge that is also building envelope and durability for these reasons. They need to withstand these extreme climate conditions in order to prevent issues like moisture infiltration, mold growth and general structure damage.

Limited Access to Resources, Basic Services & Higher Construction Costs

As you can guess, the further north you go in Canada the more limited the resources are. Since these Northern Communities are quite remote building materials, skilled labour and more can be more complex and expensive. Construction of the buildings also are often more expensive for these same reasons.

On top of this, some basic services (such as clean water or electricity) are lacking in some of these remote, northern communities which presents challenges for building a wellness focused and comfortable living environment.

Long-Term Maintenance

Due to the challenging nature of building up north, long-term maintenance needs to be discussed as a core challenge. Maintaining and repairing buildings is much more complex, and expensive, compared to those in major cities and suburbs. This means ensuring that this maintenance, which is essential in these communities for well-being, is planned out appropriately.

Cultural Sensitivity

At Studio VMA, we’re always focused on building housing solutions that respect, and integrate with the local culture and traditional ways of living in these remote communities. This is essential to focus on, and study prior to construction and planning, in order to have not only acceptance in the community, but have a comfortable and harmonious environment for those living in the homes.

The Solution?

Countless northern communities are home to Indigenous populations. Holding many cultural and traditional activities, a big focus should always be placed on collaboration and careful planning of new developments. The solution to all of the above and collaborating? 

A holistic approach using a Life Cycle Assessment and of course, collaboration amongst governments, local communities, Indigenous groups and construction experts from the beginning. With proper transparency and collaboration, a successful healthy, durable and culturally sensitive housing solution in Canada’s northern communities is possible.

Why Mass Timber Modular Construction?

There are numerous advantages for focusing on Mass Timber Modular Construction in these communities. First and foremost, it has a positive impact on health and wellness as it has been shown to contribute to improved air quality, and a more comfortable, healthy living and working environment for mining camp occupants. Overall, it promotes better physical and mental wellbeing.

In addition to this, construction speed and efficiency is greatly improved with modular construction. This can help diminish a number of construction challenges faced when building these communities in northern Canada, especially in Northwest Ontario. When it comes to mass timber, it’s also a sustainable building material that sequesters carbon dioxide which means when used in construction, the carbon remains stored to help reduce overall emissions. By choosing mass timber in mining camps, for example, it helps mitigate the camp’s carbon footprint.

How this Focus can Strengthen Canada’s Bio-Economy

With Canada’s, and more specifically Ontario’s, connection with forestry and mining we have become leaders in the bioeconomy. This means our province plays an important role in shaping economic, environmental and social landscapes within these regions. 

By embracing the potential of mass timber modular construction, we can simultaneously grow the economy, improve social well-being and environmental sustainability practices thus strengthening the overall economy in northern Canada. 

By focusing on Mass Timber Modular Construction, northern Canada and mainly mining camps, can find innovative ways to boost the economy in these areas while supporting and respecting Indigenous communities and developing comfortable and sustainable living environments for the occupants.

Curious to learn more about how Studio VMA supports these developments and innovates? Contact us today!