Event Schedule:
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Exhibitor Social
Reception and networking event.
Exhibitors:
7:30 AM
Breakfast and Registration
8:00 AM
Speakers
Hon. Kim Masland
Minister of Natural Resources
Government of Nova Scotia
Kevin Merriam
Executive Director
Maritime Lumber Bureau/ WoodWorks Atlantic
Opening
Opening remarks.
8:30 AM
Speaker
Dr. Antony Wood
Professor-in-Practice
College of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology
Tall buildings have enjoyed a major uptake in almost all major cities globally in the last few decades. But are they – and the push for greater urban density – creating habitats and patterns of life that are truly sustainable in terms of social, cultural, and economic sustainability, as well as the carbon equation? This presentation outlines areas where the typology, and cities as a whole, need to develop, introducing a number of exemplars from around the world.
Recognizing that buildings are the third largest emitting sector in Canada, jurisdictions across the nation have taken action to decarbonize the built environment through climate policies and building standards. Historically the focus has been on improving energy efficiency and reducing operational emissions, but reducing embodied carbon emissions has increasingly been getting more attention. This presentation will explore how municipalities across Canada are taking climate action by introducing provisions to reduce embodied carbon in construction. It will highlight a range of policy approaches and showcase how wood products can play a pivotal role in climate change mitigation. Join us to learn how wood can drive meaningful change in the building sector’s decarbonization efforts and support Canada’s transition to a low carbon future.
10:30 AM
Exhibitor Break
Keeping Timber on the Table: A multi-unit residential case study comparison of concrete versus mass timber
Engineering abstract: This presentation will explore the feasibility and competitiveness of mass timber versus concrete for a proposed 12-storey residential building in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This session will delve into the Tallwood Feasibility Study, which evaluates trade-offs in cost, schedule, embodied carbon, construction efficiency, and more, using optimized designs tailored to each material. The presentation aims to address misconceptions about mass timber’s affordability and complexity, highlighting integrated design strategies and early collaboration to make timber a viable option. Fathom Architecture will also share insights on architectural drivers for the study.
Architecture abstract: Fathom Studio will share the design vision for Nova Scotia’s first proposed tall-midrise mass timber building – a project that responds directly to the province’s urgent housing needs, while advancing sustainability and material innovation. The presentation will explore why mass timber is preferred over conventional construction, emphasizing its ability to create environments that feel warm, livable, and rooted in nature, while addressing the complex challenges of fire safety, acoustics, and building system integration. At the heart of this process was Fathom’s collaborative approach, bringing together architects, engineers, and builders in an iterative design dialogue that balanced code constraints with the project’s aspirations. The outcome is more than a building. The outcome sets a precedent for future timber development across Canada, demonstrating how design integration can drive cost effective solutions and help catalyze new industry opportunities.
12:30 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM
Speaker
Brandon Searle
Director of Innovation and Operations
UNB – Off-site Construction Research Centre
This presentation explores the potential of off-site construction (OSC) to enhance productivity within the Canadian construction sector. It begins with an introduction to the University of New Brunswick’s Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC), highlighting its programs and current research focus The session then delves into the key challenges facing traditional construction practices and outlines how OSC methods can play a role in addressing these issues. Drawing on current research, case studies, and industry trends, the presentation emphasizes the strategic enablers required to scale OSC nationally, including policy support, workforce development, and digital innovation. Attendees will gain insight into how OSC can lead to a more efficient, productive and sustainable, and resilient construction sector.
Mass Timber Solutions for Rapid, Low-Carbon Housing Delivery
Governments at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels are rolling out funding streams and policy tools to accelerate housing supply while advancing climate goals. For practitioners, this means finding delivery models that can achieve speed, affordability, and sustainability simultaneously. This session highlights a variety of recently completed mid-rise case studies that showcase how prefabricated mass timber systems compress delivery schedules, improve cost certainty, and reduce site labour while providing low-carbon, dignified housing environments. Attendees will take away replicable strategies around design optimization, procurement models, and integration with contractors and trades—practical tools for aligning projects with government initiatives and funding opportunities. By grounding lessons in real-world delivery, the presentation offers a roadmap for architects, engineers, builders and developers seeking to scale sustainable housing solutions.
3:30 PM
Exhibitor Break
Explore how mass timber is transforming the future of construction at this engaging panel discussion. Industry leaders will share insights on design innovation, sustainability, and project delivery, highlighting opportunities and challenges shaping Canada’s growing mass timber sector.
If you have any questions please contact our team at info@atlanticwoodworks.ca, or reach out directly to: Vinny Correa, Technical Advisor – vcorrea@mlb.ca
Countdown to the Event
Join us November 19–20, 2025, at the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites for Atlantic Canada’s premier event dedicated to wood design and construction. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an emerging designer, or simply passionate about innovative building solutions, this event is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead in the evolving world of wood construction.
Your registration includes:
- Admission to six sessions, including an inspiring keynote and insightful panel discussions
- Breakfast and lunch provided on Thursday, November 20
- Unlimited access to the exhibit hall, featuring the latest products and services
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Free coffee and tea served in the exhibit hall throughout the event
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An invitation to the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, November 19 (registration required)
Date and time
Wed, Nov 19, 2025 6:00pm to 9:00pm (AST)
Thu, Nov 20, 2025 8:00am to 5:00pm (AST)
Location
The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
1515 South Park Street Halifax, NS B3J 1G9
WoodWorks Atlantic Funding Partners:
WOOD SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE: 2025 HALIFAX
The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
1515 South Park Street Halifax, NS B3J 1G9
NOVEMBER 19TH, AND 20TH
