Woodrise 2025
Program
Offsite Events
Discover the innovative world of timber construction through a series of exclusive offsite tours during Woodrise. Explore Vancouver and beyond as you visit groundbreaking commercial, community, and residential projects that highlight the beauty, sustainability, and ingenuity of wood in modern architecture.
Presented by Wood Works Canada.
Pre-Congress Tour
22 September 2025, Monday
1. Exploring Innovation in Wood Construction: Commercial, Community, and Housing Projects
(East Vancouver, Half Day)
(East Vancouver, Half Day)
- 1 PM - 4:30 PM
- Vancouver (East)
- CAD 49
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
Join us for an immersive journey through Vancouver’s vibrant East Van, where innovation meets sustainability in mass timber construction. This exclusive tour will take you inside some of the most striking and forward-thinking mass timber buildings, highlighting their architectural beauty, structural ingenuity, and environmental benefits. Discover firsthand how this renewable material is shaping the future of urban development and redefining modern design.
Examples of Tour Stops
PNE Amphitheatre
Currently under construction, the PNE’s new amphitheatre will feature a precedent-setting starburst mass timber arch roof. Once complete, it will be one of the largest free-span timber roof structures in the world, reinterpreting traditional concrete shell typologies to harness the compression and carbon-sequestering capacity of mass timber, spanning more than 340 feet. The design incorporates 60 arches arranged in six barrel-vaulted segments that intersect at diagonal planes, forming 80-foot-high arcs that perfectly frame the picturesque North Shore Mountains for which Vancouver is known. Following the gentle slope of nearby Windermere Hill, the roof structure will settle into the landscape on three points, creating an intimate atmosphere beneath its warm wooden canopy.
oN5
Named for its location near the intersection of Ontario Street and East Fifth Avenue in Vancouver, this innovative four-storey project demonstrates what is possible with mass timber construction including new approaches to insulative cross-laminated timber (CLT) assemblies and damage-resistant seismic design.
The Hive
The bold design of this 10-storey tall wood office building in Vancouver’s emerging False Creek Flats neighbourhood features a honeycomb-shaped exterior, an expression of the mass timber building’s unique perimeter-braced seismic system.
Disclaimer:
Please note that some destinations are being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
Post-Congress Tours
25 September 2025, Thursday
2. Exploring Innovation in Wood Construction: Commercial, Community, and Housing Projects in Vancouver
(East Vancouver, Full Day)
(East Vancouver, Full Day)
- 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Vancouver (East)
- CAD 125
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
- Lunch included
Join us for an immersive journey through Vancouver’s vibrant East Van, where innovation meets sustainability in mass timber construction. This exclusive tour will take you inside some of the most striking and forward-thinking mass timber buildings, highlighting their architectural beauty, structural ingenuity, and environmental benefits. Discover firsthand how this renewable material is shaping the future of urban development and redefining modern design.
Examples of Tour Stops
PNE Amphitheatre
Currently under construction, the PNE’s new amphitheatre will feature a precedent-setting starburst mass timber arch roof. Once complete, it will be one of the largest free-span timber roof structures in the world, reinterpreting traditional concrete shell typologies to harness the compression and carbon-sequestering capacity of mass timber, spanning more than 340 feet. The design incorporates 60 arches arranged in six barrel-vaulted segments that intersect at diagonal planes, forming 80-foot-high arcs that perfectly frame the picturesque North Shore Mountains for which Vancouver is known. Following the gentle slope of nearby Windermere Hill, the roof structure will settle into the landscape on three points, creating an intimate atmosphere beneath its warm wooden canopy.
oN5
Named for its location near the intersection of Ontario Street and East Fifth Avenue in Vancouver, this innovative four-storey project demonstrates what is possible with mass timber construction including new approaches to insulative cross-laminated timber (CLT) assemblies and damage-resistant seismic design.
Vienna House
BC Housing and its partners are bringing Vienna House — a groundbreaking seven-story, 123-unit affordable rental housing development in Vancouver’s vibrant Kensington–Cedar Cottage neighbourhood — to life. This innovative project is designed to provide secure, high-quality homes while fostering a strong sense of community. With sustainability and livability at its core, Vienna House will set a new standard for affordable housing in the city.
The Hive
The bold design of this 10-storey tall wood office building in Vancouver’s emerging False Creek Flats neighbourhood features a honeycomb-shaped exterior, an expression of the mass timber building’s unique perimeter-braced seismic system.
Disclaimer: Please note that some destinations are being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
3. Sustainable Stroll: Exploring Vancouver’s Mass Timber Homes, Offices, and Restorations by Foot and Transit
(Vancouver, Full Day)
(Vancouver, Full Day)
- 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Vancouver
- CAD 125
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
- Lunch included
Embark on an exciting and sustainable tour through Vancouver, where you’ll explore the cutting-edge world of mass timber construction. Blending the efficiency of public transportation with the charm of walking, this tour offers a firsthand look at some of the city’s most innovative architectural achievements—from transformative social housing projects to bold commercial restorations.
Examples of Tour Stops
Khupkhahpay'ay Housing
Discover how the Vancouver Native Housing Society is transforming the urban landscape with a nine-story social housing project that will provide 81 much-needed residential units.
Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency Project
Learn about this ambitious mixed-use development in Davie Village, part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy. This towering mass timber-hybrid structure will not only provide affordable housing but also serve as a vital hub for community and social services.
837 Beatty Street
Step into the heart of the Crosstown Tech District and see how mass timber plays a role in commercial restoration. This project seamlessly blends a historic brick-and-beam structure with modern office functionality, creating a unique and dynamic workspace.
The Hive
The bold design of this 10-storey tall wood office building in Vancouver’s emerging False Creek Flats neighbourhood features a honeycomb-shaped exterior, an expression of the mass timber building’s unique perimeter-braced seismic system.
Disclaimer: Please note that some destinations are being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
4. Crafting Community: An Exploration of North Vancouver’s Community Timber Landmarks
(North Vancouver, Full Day)
(North Vancouver, Full Day)
- 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- North Vancouver
- CAD 125
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
- Lunch included
Join us for an immersive journey through North Vancouver’s trailblazing community buildings, where innovative design and sustainability converge with state-of-the-art mass timber technology. On this tour, you’ll explore a range of rejuvenated structures and prefabricated mass timber buildings, each designed with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. From adaptive reuse projects to LEED-certified and Passive House designs, these landmarks demonstrate the transformative power of wood in creating sustainable, energy-efficient spaces.
You’ll also experience a profound cultural connection as we visit the First Nation-inspired Tsleil-Waututh Administration and Health Centre, where the design reflects the community’s deep ties to nature. Each stop on this tour showcases how mass timber is shaping North Vancouver’s architectural landscape—blending beauty, functionality, and eco-conscious construction for a more resilient future.
Examples of Tour Stops
North Vancouver City Hall
This adaptive reuse of the 1970s municipal hall uses sustainable, locally sourced laminated strand lumber (LSL) in a large-panel mass-timber structure. The 70-metre atrium, supported by glulam columns, connects municipal departments and the public, creating a light-filled, open civic gathering space.
Maplewood Fire and Rescue
Built with heavy timber and local stone, this post-disaster hub features LEED® and passive house principles. Designed to be Net Zero Carbon, the building uses solar panels to power its lighting systems, ensuring continuous emergency services with robust backup systems.
Tsleil-Waututh Administration and Health Centre
This two-storey mass timber building features a stepped, wavy roof, symbolizing the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation's connection to water. The design incorporates undulating wood trusses and an open, naturally lit gathering space, with exposed composite trusses to maximize light.
Lonsdale1
A zero-lot-line building built in just 10 days, Lonsdale1 combines prefabricated mass timber with virtual design and construction technology. This efficient, sustainable project highlights the potential of combining digital tools with eco-friendly building systems.
Disclaimer: Please note that some destinations are being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
5. Legacy of Wood: Vancouver 2010's Vision for Sustainable Architecture and Future Olympic Athletes
(Vancouver, Full Day)
(Vancouver, Full Day)
- 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Vancouver
- CAD 125
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
- Lunch included
Join us on an exciting journey through Vancouver’s innovative mass timber projects, where the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics continues to inspire sustainable architecture and the development of future Olympic athletes. From the iconic Richmond Oval to cutting-edge community and corporate spaces, discover how these stunning buildings, crafted from locally-sourced wood, are shaping a greener, more sustainable future. Explore how Vancouver 2010’s forward-thinking vision still impacts the city’s architecture and the training grounds of tomorrow’s champions.
Examples of Tour Stops
Richmond Oval
The Richmond Olympic Oval was built for the 2010 Winter Olympics and features one of the largest wood roof spans in the world. It was fabricated with hybrid glulam timber-steel arches and 452 WoodWave panels that used wood salvaged from pine beetle-killed forests.
VanDusen Botanical Gardens Visitors Centre
The petal of a native British Columbian orchid is the inspiration for the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre’s curvaceous, undulating timber roof floating over rammed-earth-and-concrete walls.
Alliance Française de Vancouver
Their new home, what AFV calls “a new and improved Francophone centre,” is a sleek four-storey mass timber and steel hybrid structure. The building features a 165-seat theatre, classrooms, an art gallery, artist studios, a demonstration kitchen, a large library with advanced digital media options, a public café and a rooftop terrace for community gatherings.
Fast+Epp Home Office
Fast + Epp’s four-storey home office building embraces design elegance and curiosity, traits that the firm has become known for.
Disclaimer: Please note that some destinations are currently being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
6. University of British Columbia Sustainability and Innovation Tour: Exploring Wood, Energy, and Design Excellence
(Vancouver, Full Day)
(Vancouver, Full Day)
- 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- UBC
- CAD 225
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
- Lunch included
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has been at the forefront of forest product research and wood use for decades. This unique tour offers an in-depth look at both the cutting-edge research facilities and the impressive mass timber buildings across campus.
Examples of Tour Stops
Brock Commons Tallwood House
A groundbreaking 18-story hybrid mass timber structure at UBC, with mass timber elements featured on the 18th floor. This project set global precedents for sustainable high-rise wood construction.
Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS)
A living laboratory for sustainability, CIRS showcases extensive wood use in its design, demonstrating the environmental and structural benefits of timber in reducing carbon emissions.
UBC Earth Science Building
Featuring a striking multi-story atrium constructed with glulam beams and CLT, this building exemplifies the strength and versatility of mass timber in institutional construction.
UBC Gateway
Designed as a landmark entrance to UBC, this innovative structure integrates engineered wood elements to create a visually striking and sustainable academic hub.
UBC Bioenergy Demonstration and Research Facility
A pioneering facility that utilizes wood biomass to generate renewable energy, reinforcing the role of wood in both sustainable construction and energy solutions.
UBC District Energy Centre
Featuring exposed wood elements, this facility highlights the aesthetic and functional applications of timber while supporting a sustainable energy system for the campus.
Centre for Advanced Wood Processing
Canada’s leading education and research hub for wood product manufacturing, this facility is designed to promote innovation in timber construction and design.
Gateway Health Building
This state-of-the-art healthcare facility incorporates mass timber elements, demonstrating the material’s benefits for creating warm, natural, and sustainable indoor environments.
FPInnovations Research Facility
A leading center for forestry innovation, this facility integrates wood construction to reflect its mission of advancing wood science and technology for a more sustainable future.
Disclaimer: Please note that some destinations are being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
7. The Timber Trail: Exploring BC’s Forest, Factory, and Future
(Kootenay Region, Multi Day)
(Kootenay Region, Multi Day)
- 26 hours: Tour will leave on Thursday, 25 September and return on Friday, 26 September
- Kootenays (Map)
- CAD 1799
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
- lunch, dinner and breakfast included
- Single occupancy hotel included
- Return Flight from Vancouver included: Flights will depart Vancouver Thursday morning and return Friday morning.
Step into the heart of British Columbia’s awe-inspiring Kootenay region, where nature’s beauty and innovation converge. This exclusive tour will take you on a captivating journey through lush forests, sweeping alpine meadows, arid deserts, and rugged mountain ranges. You’ll witness the complete lifecycle of mass timber—a sustainable building material revolutionizing the construction industry.
A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Kalesnikoff facility, a leading manufacturer known for its expertise in producing advanced mass timber products. With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Kalesnikoff is shaping the future of timber construction. Here, you’ll see firsthand how the company transforms wood into high-performance, eco-friendly building materials that are making a lasting impact on both the environment and the industry. From the forest to the factory, this tour offers an exclusive opportunity to explore how mass timber is driving innovation in construction.
Some PPE will be provided (excluding shoes).
Examples of Tour Stops
Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Facility
North America's most advanced, vertically integrated, multi-species mass timber facility. Through its state-of-the-art 110,000 square foot plant, we produce efficient, responsible and safe CLT, GLT panels, and Glulam beams that are innovating traditional building practices.
Kalesnikoff Lumber Mill
(detailed description TBC)
Kalesnikoff Modular and Prefab Facility
Kalesnikoff’s modular units are self-contained modules that include windows, carpeting, toilets and showers — with robotic technology used to cut spaces in the CLT panels for things like electrical wiring and plumbing.
Community Forest
Embark on a guided tour of a community forest, where you'll explore the sustainable management practices that balance conservation and timber production. Learn how local communities are taking an active role in forest stewardship, ensuring the health and vitality of the ecosystem for future generations.
KMT Kootenay Project
(detailed description TBC)
Disclaimer: Please note that some destinations are being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
8. Wood, Innovation, and Community: A Tour of Vancouver Island's Pioneering Structures and Spaces
(Vancouver Island, Full Day)
(Vancouver Island, Full Day)
- 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Vancouver Island
- CAD 350
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
- Lunch included
- Admission to the Malahat Skywalk
Embark on an enriching journey across southern Vancouver Island, where you’ll witness the innovative use of mass timber in stunning locations. From the heights of the Malahat Skywalk to the cutting-edge buildings in Victoria, this tour promises an immersive experience into the world of sustainable mass timber construction.
Some PPE will be provided (excluding shoes).
Examples of Tour Stops
Malahat Skywalk
Experience the breathtaking Malahat Skywalk, an exciting tourism destination on Southern Vancouver Island. This accessible outdoor recreation structure features a beautifully designed Visitor Centre with a café, constructed with mass timber and light frame wood. From the Visitor Centre, embark on a 650 metre-long treetop walk, which leads you to a spectacular spiral ramp rising 30 metre to an incredible lookout. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Finlayson Arm, the Coast Mountains, and the lush BC forest. The primary structure combines glulam columns with steel X-bracing around the perimeter, showcasing the elegance and strength of mass timber in modern design.
Royal BC Museum
The new Provincial Archives, Research, and Collections (PARC) building for the Royal BC Museum, located on the traditional ancestral territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples, will serve as a vital hub for preserving the province's rich cultural heritage. Home to over seven million significant artifacts and the BC Archives, this state-of-the-art facility will provide critical infrastructure for conservation, research, and education. The PARC building will feature dedicated research labs, learning spaces, and innovative resources, while also being a welcoming open space for the public. It will invite community members and visitors to engage with the collections, listen to diverse stories, and deepen their understanding of BC's history in an accessible, inclusive environment.
330 GoldStream
330 Goldstream is an affordable rent 6-storey apartment building in the Colwood Corners neighbourhood of Colwood. It has 50 studio, 39 1-bedroom, 1 2-bedroom and 12 3-bedroom units.
Starlight Stadium
Starlight Stadium is a premier sports and recreation venue featuring a cutting-edge, premium-grade artificial turf field that can accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. This world-class stadium boasts 18 exclusive VIP suites, multiple concessions with liquor service, an announcer’s booth, and a score clock, ensuring an exceptional experience for fans and guests. With four well-equipped change rooms, Starlight Stadium provides top-tier facilities for athletes. As the home of Rugby Canada, the Westshore Rebels (CJFL football team), and the 2021 Canadian Premier League Champions, Pacific FC Soccer Team, this stadium is a hub for thrilling live sports action and a cornerstone of the local sports community.
Terminus at District 56
As part of this revitalization, Terminus offers businesses a state-of-the-art five-story mass timber commercial building. Floor plans ranging from 65 square metres to 1,230 square metres offer tenants flexibility and the warmth of exposed wood. The project features four storeys of dedicated professional office space over ground-floor commercial and retail space.
Disclaimer: Please note that some destinations are being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
9. Squamish: A Timber-Touched Adventure in British Columbia’s Natural Playground
(Squamish Region, Full Day)
(Squamish Region, Full Day)
- 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Squamish
- CAD 399
- 20 participants / min 12
- included
- Lunch included
- Admission to Sea to Sky Gondola
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Squamish, a scenic drive from downtown Vancouver, where nature’s awe-inspiring beauty meets cutting-edge architecture. This tour showcases the remarkable integration of mass timber in the region’s construction, set against the backdrop of Squamish’s stunning landscapes. From the soaring heights of the Sea to Sky Gondola to pioneering timber developments shaping the community, immerse yourself in the diversified forests and rugged terrain that inspire these sustainable structures. Discover how innovation, sustainability, and the spirit of British Columbia’s coastal environment come together in perfect harmony. Experience the future of architecture, where wood and wilderness converge in an extraordinary setting.
Some PPE will be provided (excluding shoes).
Examples of Tour Stops
Sea to Sky Gondola
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the BC forest with this remarkable facility, designed to seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. The completed facility features a gondola terminal, administration offices, and retail spaces at the base, offering easy access to the forest’s wonders. At the top, just an eight-minute gondola ride away, you’ll find the Summit Lodge, complete with a cafeteria, group dining areas, and a large outdoor viewing deck. Here, you can take in stunning vistas, stroll across a 90-metre suspension bridge, and explore a network of hiking trails and other recreational opportunities. The use of wood throughout the structures, from the base to the summit, was a natural choice, reflecting the area’s rich resources and the craftsmanship of local materials and labor. The result is beautifully embodied in the Summit Lodge, where wood’s elegance and strength elevate the experience of the forest in every way.
Fraserwood Industries Ltd
Step into the heart of innovation at FraserWood, where cutting-edge technology meets unparalleled craftsmanship. With over 60,000 square feet of manufacturing space, FraserWood is a leader in the industry, boasting North America’s largest Radio Frequency Vacuum drying capacity.
Squamish Adventure Centre
Craftsmanship and technology converge in this combined visitor centre, sports museum and economic development office. Thirty-five different composite steel-and-timber roof trusses, each with a unique geometry, comprise the curved, butterfly-like roofs that perch lightly on a supporting structure of exposed timber.
Oceanfront Development
Walk through the development of Oceanfront Squamish, a visionary mixed-use community master-planned by SLA Architects that blends history with modern innovation. Located along the stunning waterfront, this vibrant extension of Downtown Squamish is the result of over a decade of public consultation, ensuring the community is tailored to the needs of its residents and future growth. Oceanfront Squamish features walkable, diverse neighbourhoods that seamlessly integrate residential homes, commercial spaces, and new industries. As part of the development, it creates ample opportunities for jobs and supports local economic growth, while green technologies and ambitious net-zero carbon targets make this community a leader in sustainability. This eco-friendly approach emphasizes environmental protection, ensuring that the development not only complements the natural beauty of the area but also works towards preserving it for future generations. Whether living, working, or visiting, Oceanfront Squamish promises a harmonious, forward-thinking environment for all.
Disclaimer:
Please note that some destinations are being confirmed and will be added to the lineup as soon as details are finalized. We reserve the right to modify or change some destinations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes during construction. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience.
If you have any questions, please contact the Woodrise Program Manager on woodrise2025-program@icsevents.com
Timber & Taps: Reception
- Date: 24 September 2025, Wednesday
- Time: 7 PM till late
- Location: Craft Beer Market False Creek, 85 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC
- Price: CAD 145 + 5% GST
Join us for an exciting evening with fellow Woodrise delegates at the historic Salt Building in the heart of the Olympic Village. Initially built in the 1930s, the building was brought back to life in the lead-up to the 2010 Olympics to host athletes from around the globe before becoming CRAFT Beer Market. The venue features many original wood details, including trusses and pilings.
Experience a typical West Coast evening out—local draft brews, delicious food and live entertainment, all while enjoying views of the water and the North Shore Mountain range.
Please proceed to congress registration (Woodrise 2025 Registration) to purchase tickets with your congress pass.
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