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The Wood Innovation Group
TWIG is building connections across BC’s wood value chain—from forest to finished product. Through events, workshops, and community gatherings, we create space for learning, exchange, and collaboration—helping lay the groundwork for wood products that reflect the strength and potential of a complete BC value system.
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This newsletter is dedicated to those who see potential in BC’s forest resources and want to be part of shaping what comes next—through creativity, design, hands-on work, or new ways of thinking. It’s about blending tradition with technology and contributing to a more resilient, locally rooted forest economy.
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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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Digital Wood - Mini Symposium
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A mini symposium discussing the state of the art in digital design, engineering and fabrication of timber systems and innovative prefabricated building approaches.
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Wood-First-Wednesday
November 5th, 6:00 - 8:00
Brewhall, 97 E 2nd Ave, Vancouver
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A casual monthly meetup for anyone interested in wood—connecting professionals, students, and community members to share ideas, ask questions, and build relationships.
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Shop Tours
November 5th, 6:00 - 8:00
Kettle River & Legacy Timberworks
#117 - 1111 Pioneer Way, Squamish
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See how two leading timber builders shape West Coast architecture through precision and craft. Come connect, ask questions, and get close to the work. More Info+
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More info for these events will be expanded on below, and the up-to-date TWIG events can be found online at twigbc.ca/events/
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Greetings to our wood-interested and wood-adjacent readers.
At TWIG, we continually create and organize events that attract a diverse range of people, from industry professionals to those curious about getting involved with wood. We’ve learned from the people we’ve met over the years that many enter the industry through other avenues of practice and study, such as engineers and software-driven practitioners who discover Mass Timber through new job opportunities. Then there are those who grew up with a wood shop in the garage or are part of families with generations in the logging trade. What defined the people of the “wood industry” fifty years ago looks very different today, and we are always looking for ways to include those who are just stepping into the world of wood.
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There are professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers whose work isn’t directly wood-focused but whose businesses are entirely dependent on it. For example, Rangate is primarily a metal-focused company that provides specialized tooling, equipment, and clamping systems for the wood-based manufacturing industry. Some installation teams evolved alongside the rise of Mass Timber, shifting from other materials and becoming early adopters of this new way of building. Their work now connects deeply with fabricators, architects, and engineers. Beyond that, professionals in government, research, education, and policy all play roles in shaping BC’s broader wood ecosystem.
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Today, the wood industry in BC extends far beyond traditional definitions that have governed the industry for decades. It’s an interconnected web of people, professions, and practices, with wood as the shared thread that ties it all together. At TWIG, we are creating spaces where these connections overlap and spark new ideas, places where innovation grows from conversations at the intersections of disciplines.
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As we move forward, we invite you to stay involved, bring your ideas to the table, and continue helping shape the future of BC’s wood industry alongside us.
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With forest-felt regards,
Patrick Christie and The TWIG team
info@twigbc.ca
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LogJam Recap
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We were blown away by what unfolded at our first Wood Design Hackathon, LogJam, created in partnership with MakerLabs. For years, we’ve said TWIG events need to “make more sawdust,” meaning it’s time to build with wood, not just talk about it.
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The event brought together a wide range of participants, from high school students to seasoned wood professionals, all exploring how technology intersects with wood design, craft, and construction. Teams were split into groups, with at least one MakerLabs member per team to operate machines and help execute ideas. Some groups realized complete concepts, while others ran tests and explored approaches. Everyone left with new insights and a shared excitement to do it again.
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Stay tuned for LogJam 2 in 2026.
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Presentation of lighting concept
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837 Beatty Recap
We had a great time at our last Timber Tech Connect event with ETRO Construction, touring the 837 Beatty project. The visit offered a close look at how heritage restoration and new mass timber construction are being integrated on this landmark building.
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Built in 1911 during Vancouver’s early industrial boom, the original warehouse at 837 Beatty was constructed in heavy timber and load-bearing masonry—a hallmark of Edwardian industrial architecture. The building’s timbers arrived by train directly beside the site, milled from local forests that once surrounded the city. More than a century later, that foundation has been given new life through a four-storey mass timber addition now rising above the restored structure.
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We’re deeply grateful to Shaun St-Amour, who led our tour and shared his extensive knowledge of high-performance building and Passive House standards as they relate to this project. As the head of ETRO Construction’s Revive team, Shaun embodies the bridge between heritage restoration and modern innovation. A project like 837 Beatty seems tailor-made for his expertise, and we look forward to seeing what the Revive team takes on next as they continue redefining restoration through mass timber.
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Floor 1 - Original Heavy Timber"
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Floor 3 - New Mass Timber
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Digital Wood - Mini Symposium
*Registration closes Nov 12 @ midnight
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A mini symposium discussing the state of the art in digital design, engineering and fabrication of timber systems and innovative prefabricated building approaches.
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This half-day event will have presenters discussing the innovation happening in the construction industry with regard to timber design, engineering and fabrication and the interconnectedness required to achieve a project. The symposium will discuss what is required to complete these challenging projects in timber. In addition, leaders in the prefabrication industry will discuss challenges for companies entering the timber prefabrication sector, with the high risks and upfront investment required. The presenters will discuss strategies companies are adopting. We will start with a discussion of what academia is doing with regard to innovation in timber and educating future leaders in the technology.
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This symposium will feature keynote speaker Russell Loveridge (ETH Zürich) followed by talks from Sheryl Boyle (Carleton University) and AnnaLisa Meyboom (UBC), exploring the state of the art in timber design, digital fabrication, and academic innovation. The afternoon continues with two panel sessions: Challenging the Limits of Wood, featuring Patkau Architects, Spearhead, and Fast + Epp, and Prefab in a Competitive Environment, with insights from Intelligent City, MGA, and Leckie Studio. Each session will explore challenges and strategies in prefabrication, hybrid systems, and project delivery across scales. For the full schedule and registration details, please follow the link below.
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Industrial Wood Finishing Certificate Program
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January 5th to April 10th, 2026
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5-day practical session April 6th to April 10th, 2026
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This part-time online training program with a one-week hands-on practical session is North America’s most comprehensive wood finishing certificate program. The certificate program provides participants with a broad understanding of the field of wood finishing. It's designed for individuals who have some general experience in wood finishing and would like to expand their knowledge.
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We understand that it can be difficult for technical staff and managers to take time away from a production environment to attend training. For this reason, the program is structured in two distinct parts;
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Part 1: Learn all of the theory online through our e-learning website. Requires approximately one hour per day for 12 weeks. Study at home or at work, whatever fits your schedule. Get ongoing phone and email support from an online tutor, and interact with other trainees via online discussions
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Part 2: 6-day practical session, normally in Vancouver or at an alternate facility (depending on where most participants are located). Includes hands-on practice, demonstrations from industry experts and plant tours
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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
- Troubleshot 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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Are you looking to hire someone? Do you have a new position opening up at your company? Let us know, and we can make a posting here to share it with our readers.
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Growing Connections Across our Chapters
TWIG is always looking for new ways to bring people together—through regional events, project tours, workshops, and collaborations that highlight BC’s wood innovation. If you would like to host TWIG in Vancouver, Victoria, or Squamish, please let us know, and we can create an event together.
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Donate to TWIG
At TWIG, we believe the best connections happen informally—and that innovation grows when new relationships are formed. That’s why we keep some of our events free, open, and easy to join.
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To keep this going—and for our funding model to work—we rely on financial contributions from the industry. Your support not only keeps the wheels turning but also shows that the work we do matters.
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If TWIG has offered you connections, inspiration, or opportunities, we invite you to show your support. Every contribution makes a difference.
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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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