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The Wood Innovation Group
Welcome to the TWIG Newsletter! We're working to help shape the future of the value-added wood products industry. Our events and programming provide a dynamic platform for professionals to connect, learn, and share innovative ideas. Our newsletter is dedicated to those interested in using creativity and design to transform wood into finished products while blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
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Your voice matters. If you have events, projects, or ideas to share, reach out to us at info@twigbca.ca
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Sea 2 Sky Wood Network
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November 6th, 6:00 - 8:00
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Van Urban Timber, 1126 Resolution Way, Squamish
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VUT hosts a presentation from Phase One Dismantling More Info+
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Wood-First-Wednesday
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November 6th, 6:00 - 8:00
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Steamworks Mount Pleasant, 2275 Main St, Vancouver
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The Vancouver group meets as usual, touring local craft breweries in the city More Info+
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Vancouver Island Wood Network
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November 13th, 6:00 - 8:00
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The Vancouver Island groups start back up with a meeting at a local establishment More Info+
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Timber Tech Connect - The Hive
November 14th, 6:00 - 8:00
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Concept Lab, 300 – 397 W 7th Ave, Vancouver
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Innovation in the Value-Added Wood Sector: Foundations and Future Direction
As TWIG works to hone its place among other organizations in BC’s value-added wood sector, we have been asking ourselves important questions about our unique role. Many great organizations in BC are advancing the sector, supporting their members, and helping shape the future of the industry. Programs like the Wood First Program and the BC Mass Timber Demonstration program provide valuable support for innovation, and centers like CAWP and FPInnovations drive innovation through research. Local companies are also investing in innovation through specialized equipment and advanced facilities to produce tailored products. So, where does TWIG fit within this innovation ecosystem?
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TWIG is putting its focus on the people in the industry who add value through professions such as design, engineering, research, tooling and machinery, education, and sustainability. These individuals may not be “hands-on” with wood in the traditional sense, nor do they fit within conventional definitions of the wood industry. Yet, their work is fundamental to the end value of wood products today. These professionals work not “in” the industry but “on” it, driving the critical developments needed to achieve higher-value products. As TWIG grows, we seek to modernize the definition of value-added to include these essential professionals as a core part of the industry’s future.
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The wood industry’s identity and definitions are deeply rooted in its history. Early industry activity was tied to the types of trees we logged, the intended uses of that timber, and the industries that developed around this resource. Initially, fallers marked the first step of the value chain, converting trees to logs, followed by sawmills producing dimensional lumber and timbers. Specialized industries soon followed, producing cedar shakes, finishing products, and other specific goods. This sector supplied overseas markets and fueled BC’s infrastructure and urban growth. Much of the wood industry’s current framework remains tied to these traditional methods of operation.
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Since the early 1800s, BC’s timber has supported a chain of innovation, from early shipbuilding to today’s sophisticated wood applications. Yet, innovation has often come from outside BC, driven by people from industrialized regions who recognized BC’s abundant wood supply. In many ways, this dynamic is still embedded in our DNA, which is why fostering innovation within BC is so essential—and why it’s time to expand our definition of the value-added sector to include a broader ecosystem of innovators.
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This shift is about BC innovation for BC wood, by BC people.
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With forest-felt regards,
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Patrick Christie and The TWIG team
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Call for Participants
Wood Design Challenge
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January to September 2025
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A reimagined version of our Shape program held in 2023, the Shape & Structure (S&S) Program for 2025 offers a unique opportunity for designers, makers, and wood industry professionals to collaborate and innovate fresh ideas for BC’s wood industry. Over 8 months, participants will reimagine waste materials, by-products, and underutilized wood to create high-value products with real market potential, contributing to both a sustainable circular economy and the future of BC’s wood industry.
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Shape & Structure gives participants the chance to engage with experts in wood innovation, materials science, and design while developing eco-friendly, higher-value products. You’ll build connections, expand your skills, and contribute to shaping the future of BC’s diverse wood sector. Whether you’re looking to challenge your creativity or gain industry knowledge, the program provides hands-on opportunities to drive personal and professional growth.
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Participants will take part in monthly online sessions, guided by professionals with experience in wood product design and supported by UBC’s Centre for Advanced Wood Processing. The program culminates in a final showcase in September 2025, where participants will present their work to demonstrate what’s possible for BC wood products.
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Impact of Your Participation
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Your involvement in the Shape & Structure Program could have a lasting impact on BC’s wood industry. By tapping into your creativity and applying your skills, you’ll help reduce waste, promote sustainable practices, and drive economic growth in the wood sector. The products you help create will demonstrate what’s possible for a future where higher-value products lead to more efficient resource use, benefiting both BC’s local communities and the environment.
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Phase One Dismantling
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November 6th, 6:00 - 8:00
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Van Urban Timber, 1126 Resolution Way, Squamish
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Free | By Donation
Food provided
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The Squamish branch of TWIG has been investigating the role it can play in supporting Circular Economies within the region. Given Squamish's smaller size and the embedded community mindset, there is a lot of potential to activate Circular Economy principles, especially within the wood industries. TWIG's localized networks are one of the functions of the Circular Economy, as the networking aspect of the group brings people together and helps people become aware of each other, sparking new conversations about how material can be used, diverted and re-valued.
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This month we are headed back to Van Urban Timber to host a talk from Phase One Dismantling who have been active
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Since 2012, Phase One Dismantling Services (P1) has been pioneering a sustainable method of residential demolition we call “Ethical Dismantling”. By reverse engineering the building process and using our creative recovery methods we can divert 95% of a home from landfill.
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They divert on average two million pounds of reusable building material per year from our landfill while driving living wage employment and fueling the circular economy.
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P1 is changing the wasteful paradigm.
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Project Presentation - The Hive
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November 14th, 5:30 - 7:30
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Vancouver Concept Lab, 300 – 397 W 7th Ave,
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We are back with Timber Tech Connect, and for our next series of events, we are going to be focused on projects supported by BC's Mass Timber Demonstration Program. The Mass Timber Demonstration Program (MTDP) provides funding for incremental costs in the design and construction of buildings that demonstrate emerging or new mass timber or mass timber hybrid building systems and construction processes.
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The Hive is a 10-storey mass timber office currently under construction at Clark Drive and Great Northern Way in Vancouver, pioneering advanced timber construction techniques. Engineered with a unique perimeter-braced seismic system, its honeycomb design is not only visually striking but also built to withstand seismic activity, eliminating the need for a concrete core. Constructed with glulam beams, CLT panels, and minimal concrete, The Hive emphasizes sustainability, fire resistance, and the natural warmth of exposed wood interiors.
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Alongside its structural innovation, The Hive integrates biophilic features: outdoor balconies, green spaces, and a rooftop garden create an inviting, health-focused workspace. By blending structural resilience with aesthetic appeal, The Hive is setting a new standard for sustainable, resilient mass timber design.
Presenters
‣ Meaghan Henderson - Design Engineer @ Fast + Epp
‣ Ryan McClanaghan + Lindsay Duthie - Architects @ DIALOG
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DFMA Workshop 3
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) is a design approach that focuses on ease of manufacture and assembly efficiency. In North America, due to the fragmented nature of construction whereby the designers, engineers, manufacturers, and contractors all work independently, the bridging of the knowledge gap will help improve the success rate of projects. DfMA will improve projects by reducing time, waste, cost and labour, while increasing quality and efficiency.
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This 3-day hands-on workshop will be a lecture/design/build format. It will be led by UBC Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) and UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) faculty and staff. The expertise from industry leaders in design, engineering, fabrication, and installation will also be called upon to discuss lessons learned in mass timber construction. Participants will be guided through the process of designing mass-timber projects while considering manufacturing technologies.
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The use of digital technology in design and manufacturing are aiding the realization of mass-timber projects. The participants will be supported through a design-build exercise utilizing Computer Aided Design (CAD) software for design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software for manufacturing of components. The project will culminate with the fabrication of components and the assembly of a mass-timber structure.
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For more information please contact Jason at 604 822-0082 or by email at jason.chiu@ubc.ca
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UBC - Industrial Wood Finishing Certificate Course
A unique Industry Training Program
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One-week intensive practical - April 2025
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Part-time online training program with a one-week hands-on practical session
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North America’s most comprehensive wood finishing certificate program.
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The certificate program provides participants with a broad understanding of the field of wood finishing. Its designed for individuals who have some general experience in wood finishing and would like to expand their knowledge.
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Once completed, learners will have the knowledge and experience to do the following:
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- Understand why finish is applied to wood and how wood properties affect finishing
- To be able to identify the best finishing system based on the end-use
- Trouble-shoot wood finishing problems
- Design a safe and efficient finishing facility
This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to start a finishing business or to improve an existing one.
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Expanding regional networks + shop tours
We are seeking leaders and community builders to expand TWIG's regional networks in the communities where they live. We currently operate in Squamish, Victoria and Vancouver and are looking for new places to expand our networks. We would love to see new networks grow in Northern BC, the interior and the Sunshine Coast, so if you know anyone who's a fit or if there are groups already gathering together, help us make the connection.
If you're in one of these networks and want to open your door to the community, please let us know and we can hook you up with our regional organizers.
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If this resonates with you and you are passionate about creating community, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out and connect with us at info@twigbc.ca, and we can schedule a call to explore what might be possible.
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Got an idea? Need some Testing?
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Do you have a concept, product, or prototype that you want to realize? TWIG can work with you to make this happen with financial support through The Wood First Program. Carried out through the Center for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) and its team of technical staff, we are able to provide an array of support on various wood-based projects.
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