June 18, 2024. The Town of Gibsons, BC, has taken a significant step towards sustainable development by approving Massive Canada’s mass timber, pre-fabricated home project. Mayor White said: “When we recognize our housing needs (this project) fits right in.” Councilor Croal said “this is the most exciting project that’s come to this table in the 6 years I’ve been sitting on Council.”
Council endorsed a Development Variance Permit. As explained by Massive’s CEO Gaetan Royer, innovative proposals rarely fit neatly in standard Zoning Bylaws. The proposed six-storey, 124-unit rental housing building, a first of its kind building in the Town of Gibsons, aligns with contemporary trends in eco-friendly mass timber structure, modular construction and urban design. The project will now be brought forward for final approval on July 10, 2024.
The Project: A Leap Towards Sustainability
The project combines a mix of affordable rental units and strata properties. Mass timber, a robust and sustainable building material, is gaining popularity for its environmental benefits. This includes lower carbon emissions and better thermal efficiency compared to traditional materials like concrete and steel. Prefabrication further enhances sustainability by reducing waste and speeding up the construction process.
Council’s Support and Community Impact
Council’s support reflects a growing commitment to sustainable urban development that tackles the ongoing housing crisis on BC’s Sunshine Coast. The approval came after careful consideration of the project’s environmental benefits, its alignment with the town’s long-term planning goals, and positive feedback from several community groups.
Benefits of Mass Timber and Prefabrication
- Environmental Impact: Mass timber significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to concrete and steel. The use of wood, a renewable resource, helps sequester carbon and contributes to climate change mitigation.
- Energy Efficiency: Buildings constructed with mass timber have better thermal performance, leading to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling.
- Speed and Quality: Prefabricated components are manufactured in a controlled environment. This ensures high quality and reduces construction time on-site. This method also minimizes disruption to the surrounding community during construction.
- Economic Growth: The project is expected to stimulate local economic activity by creating jobs and attracting new residents, thus enhancing the vibrancy of the Gibsons community.
Looking Ahead
The approval of this innovative project marks a forward-thinking approach to urban development in Gibsons. It encourages the use of sustainable building materials and methods. The building will also feature Canada’s first mass timber parkade (see related Construction Canada post at this link).
