Quebec Set to Get Its Tallest Wooden Building

Why It Matters

The project showcases how low‑carbon mass timber can deliver high‑rise housing while meeting aggressive climate targets, positioning Quebec as a leader in sustainable construction. Its innovative methods could set new standards for efficiency and carbon‑neutral building across North America.

Key Takeaways

• 12‑storey mass timber tower breaks ground in Terrebonne.
• Project may reach 400 units across 12‑ and 18‑storey towers.
• Integrates Upbrella system, eliminating crane use for high‑rise construction.
• Targets Canada Green Building Council Zero Carbon certification by 2028.

Pulse Analysis

Mass timber is rapidly moving from low‑rise projects to the skyline, driven by its renewable nature, carbon sequestration benefits, and speed of assembly. In Quebec, government incentives such as the Wood Construction Innovation Program are accelerating this shift, encouraging developers to replace steel and concrete with engineered wood. The Terrebonne tower illustrates how developers can leverage these policies to meet growing urban housing demand while reducing embodied emissions, a critical factor as Canada tightens its climate reporting standards.

A standout feature of the project is the Upbrella technology, a fully enclosed, crane‑free construction envelope that creates optimal working conditions regardless of weather. By shielding the site, Upbrella cuts labor downtime, improves safety, and streamlines material handling—advantages that are especially valuable for timber modules that must be protected from moisture. This approach marks the first North American application of such a system on a high‑rise residential timber building, signaling a potential industry‑wide shift toward more controlled, modular construction processes.

Beyond the engineering feats, the development’s pursuit of Canada Green Building Council Zero Carbon Building certification underscores a broader market trend: tenants and investors increasingly demand demonstrable sustainability credentials. Achieving ZCB‑Design status will require rigorous energy modeling, low‑carbon material sourcing, and lifecycle emissions tracking, setting a benchmark for future projects. With an expected 2028 completion, the tower will not only add affordable rental units but also serve as a living laboratory for low‑carbon urban growth, influencing policy, financing, and design practices across the continent.