North American housing demand softens as construction headwinds persist

The Tree Frog Forestry News
February 10, 2026
Category: Today's Takeaway

North American housing demand softens, as Canada forecasts reduced housing starts and the US reports weaker mortgage demand. In Business news: BC appeals DRIPA ruling to the Supreme Court; Irving criticizes New Brunswick’s response to its land swap; Smurfit Westrock closes a paper machine at La Tuque, Quebec; and more on Roseburg’s recent plywood layoffs. Meanwhile: WoodWorks BC is partnering with BUILDEX 2026 in Vancouver; Canada Wood’s latest market news; and the US Green Building Council’s takeaways from COP 30.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s FireSmart program is running short of funds; NuPort partners with Domtar and Chantiers Chibougamau to test autonomous trucking in Quebec; and SFI launches a tool to align SFI standards with key sustainability reporting frameworks. Meanwhile: a BC documentary on forestry flood risk screens in Toronto; and a Montana forester pushes back on recent timber lawsuits.

Finally, illegal cannabis farms said to pollute California’s forest lands and watersheds.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

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