Industry leaders, government officials and many others attended the 2024 WoodWorks Summit at George Brown College's Waterfront Campus to connect and learn from innovators and trailblazers in wood construction. The event was co-hosted by the Canadian Wood Council and George Brown College's Brookfield Sustainability Institute, as part of their multi-year strategic partnership.
The summit ran October 21 - 25 at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences, right across the way from the site of the soon-to-open Limberlost Place, George Brown's 10-storey mass-timber building that is setting exciting new standards in sustainable building.
Government officials and industry leaders in attendance
Summit speakers and presenters explored new and innovative ways of city-building and industry transformation to mitigate the effects of climate change. George Brown's Associate Vice-President of Research and Innovation Dr. Krista Holmes set the tone for an exciting opening reception, showcasing the college's construction and sustainability projects.
"The WoodWorks Summit provided an incredible opportunity for us to connect with and learn from other sustainable design and construction leaders around the world," Holmes said. "And as host, George Brown College demonstrated how we advance research and, innovation, engaging with partners to explore new ideas and make and test new products and services."
Provincial politicians attended, including Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry, along with a host of Canadian and international industry leaders, including representatives from international architectural firms Mecanoo, White Arkitekter, and KOZ Architects.
The conference featured speakers from a range of organizations, including the City of Toronto, CreateTO and Natural Resources Canada. George Brown's Vice-President of Facilities and Sustainability Michelle McCollum also delivered energizing remarks.
The conference included the presentation of more than 30 awards for the best in International Wood Design and Building Projects.
George Brown presentations and booths
Limberlost Place architectural firm partner Moriyama Teshima led a session on the mass-timber project. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about George Brown's research and innovation programs, including the Brookfield Sustainability Institute which will be housed in Limberlost Place. Many attendees also participated in mass-timber construction site tours across the city.
Limberlost Place is set to open in January 2025 with classes for the School of Architectural Studies set to start in September 2025.
