The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) and the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of steel-timber hybrid structural solutions in Canada. This collaboration marks a major step toward advancing sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective building practices that combine the best qualities of steel and timber. Steel-timber hybrid systems, such as composite floor assemblies, leverage the durability and strength of steel with the renewable, low-carbon benefits of wood. Together, these materials create structures that not only meet the performance demands of larger and taller buildings but also support affordability, faster construction timelines, and reduced environmental impact.

To drive this initiative forward, CWC and CISC have established a joint Technical Steering Committee tasked with overseeing the strategic use of funds and guiding technical research and development. The committee will produce technical guidance, best practices, and publications to help architects, engineers, and builders implement code-compliant hybrid systems in real-world projects.

“By working together, we aim to provide the industry with the resources it needs to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable building solutions,” said Robert Jonkman, Vice-President of Engineering at CWC. Logan Callele, Director of Engineering at CISC, emphasized that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing construction practices that address both performance and affordability challenges in the built environment.

With hybrid construction poised to play a larger role in Canada’s future building landscape, this partnership represents a significant opportunity to scale adoption through technical support, knowledge sharing, and industry engagement. Details on new resources and upcoming publications will be released in the months ahead, ensuring Canada’s design and construction community has access to the tools needed to embrace hybrid solutions with confidence.

By uniting the expertise of two of Canada’s leading construction organizations, the initiative will help shape the future of modern building design—promoting sustainable practices, improving cost efficiency, and ensuring structural performance for projects across the country.

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