N.S. to prioritize using timber in new construction, heating of public buildings

Nova Scotia plans to use more wood to build and heat public buildings.

The Nova Scotia government says it’s turning to timber every opportunity it can in the construction and renovation of new public buildings, while also moving to heating public buildings with wood products.

The province’s Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton and Public Works Minister Fred Tilley announced the province’s new priority to utilize wood products outside the Ledwidge Lumber facility in Enfield, N.S., Thursday morning.

“Now more than ever, we want to use local products for building and heating in Nova Scotia,” said Tilley. “That’s why government is leading by example and using more wood products in our own buildings.

“It’s one of many steps our government is taking to make Nova Scotia more self-reliant and energy-secure and to grow our economy and create jobs through innovation in our forestry sector.”

The announcement comes on the heels of Northern Pulp’s announcement this week that the company, which had long operated a paper mill in Abercrombie, N.S., is leaving the province for good.

Northern Pulp was forced to shut down its mill in 2020 after failing to meet environmental guidelines set out by the province regarding its new wastewater treatment facility.

The closure and permanent departure leaves a major void in the timber economy, with the absence of a major buyer of low-grade wood, which was a key source of revenue for woodlot owners, sawmill operators and others in the forestry sector.

“This will produce economic benefit for Nova Scotian families while we increase the use of local, sustainable products,” said Rushton. “Building and heating with wood will produce jobs and reduce our carbon footprint. It’s a great way to support our forestry sector and take charge of our low-carbon future.”

Currently, 20 public buildings across the province, including schools and hospitals, are using wood-based heating systems and the province says two more are in development.

Tilley said the province is updating its design and procurement policies to make wood a preferred choice in future construction and renovation projects, while transitioning oil-based heating systems to wood.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page