There could be more use for timber from the Kamloops area from BC Building Code changes announced today.

The B.C. government will now be allowing wood buildings up to 12 storeys high, doubling the current limit of six storeys.

Housing Minister Selina Robinson says until now, wood buildings that tall have needed approval from the province one-by-one.

“Access to this technology will be good for local economies, the environment. And it’s another way for using our fabulous resource of B.C. wood.”

The previous height limit of six storeys and had been brought in by the Liberal government nearly 10 years ago.

The federal government is expected to update the National Building Code next year to allow 12-storey wood buildings across Canada.

“By adapting these code changes early, our government is supporting local governments, developers, builders, non-profits and community members to use all of the innovative techniques available to deliver the homes that people need,” Robinson says.