Market Assessment of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Fabricated from Red Pine in Ontario

This study explores the suitability and potential market acceptance of red pine (Pinus resinosa) for Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in Ontario. The research is motivated by growing interest in regional timber utilization and the need to diversify CLT raw material sources to enhance sustainability and forest-sector innovation. Specifically, this study aims to identify the key factors influencing stakeholders’ willingness to adopt red pine CLT and to assess market readiness across relevant industry sectors. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on red pine as a regional CLT material—an area rarely explored in current literature—combined with quantitative evaluation of perceptions, risks, and adoption attitudes based on limited but targeted survey data. A structured questionnaire was distributed to enterprises in the forestry and construction industries, as well as to government officials, between August and October 2024, yielding 27 valid responses. Given the limited sample size, our analysis emphasized effect sizes, estimating standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g, 95% CIs) for Likert-scale outcomes across industry segments. Supplementary analyses included power–attitude mapping, binary logistic regression, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). Results suggest that perceived risk (effect size = 1.763) and anticipated market demand (effect size = 2.235) are the strongest predictors of investors’ willingness to support red pine CLT adoption. Manufacturers and construction firms exert the greatest influence on adoption decisions, while government and forest-sector respondents were more neutral. Moreover, advanced technology, strong market growth expectations, and clear regulatory guidance emerged as positive predictors of “definite” adoption, whereas concerns about pest resistance and expectations of only moderate growth reduced willingness. Overall, This study confirms that red pine meets key CLT performance standards and holds potential for broader market use. While stakeholders show general willingness to adopt, concerns about cost and regulatory uncertainty remain. Clear policies and targeted support could translate this positive attitude into widespread adoption, contributing to sustainable forest management and regional bioeconomy development.