Following in the footsteps of jurisdictions in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, the City of Calgary announced that it will accept building permit applications for six-storey wood frame buildings, effective October 29. Currently, Alberta’s provincial Building Code stipulates that wood frame construction is limited to four storeys.

According to Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, “Six storey wood buildings are easier and cheaper to build than using other materials, which makes for more affordable homes.”

The City is implementing these changes for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to housing affordability, construction savings and overall building sustainability.

“Other jurisdictions have demonstrated that this efficient and cost-effective building style can be done while also addressing fire safety concerns,” says Marco Civitarese, Calgary’s Chief Building Official. “Our priority is to keep Calgary competitive in the housing market by giving developers more options when they build.”

The decision to allow a two-storey increase for wood frame building applications follows two years of ongoing review and discussion of the National Building Code. The City also plans to adopt enhanced Fire Safety Plans during construction of any wood frame structures.