Ontario Investing $60 Million in Forest Biomass Program

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The Government of Ontario is investing an additional $60 million in the Forest Biomass Program. The program funds projects that harvest more wood from Crown forests, increase regional economic growth and find new uses for underutilized wood and mill by-products, known as forest biomass, in collaboration with stakeholders, industry and Indigenous communities.

The announcement of additional funding follows the program's third phase of investment, which committed more than $6.1 million to 12 research, innovation and modernization initiatives developing the untapped economic potential and environmental benefits of biomass.

Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing funding stream

• Hornepayne Power (Hornepayne) - $2,500,000
  • The project will increase regional energy production by modernizing the power plant and diversify operations by completing a feasibility study of on-site hydrogen production using forest biomass.

• Commercial Bioenergy (Kirkland Lake) - $1,635,283
  • The project will support increased utilization of forest biomass by purchasing and installing equipment to build and operate two wood-chipping sites to help fulfill local energy needs.

• Millson Forestry Service (Timmins) - $500,600
  • The project will support forest sector integration and biomass utilization by acquiring equipment to convert wood residues into mulch, fulfilling local demand for mulch and compost and providing an on-site heating source for the facility's greenhouse.

• I.C.S. (Lacroix) Lumber Inc. (Hallébourg) - $62,500
  • The project will meet demand for forest biomass products, expand operations and increase forest sector production capacity by purchasing and installing a second wood pellet press for the company's existing production line.

Indigenous Bioeconomy Partnerships funding stream

• Apitipi Anicinapek Nation (Kirkland Lake) - $250,000
  • The project will build community readiness and capacity to participate in forest biomass opportunities that will deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Indigenous communities and local municipalities.

• Batchewana First Nation (Sault Ste. Marie) - $250,000
  • The project will support alternative fuel production by assessing the business potential of a proposed forest biomass conversion company that would supply a facility producing low-carbon renewable fuel and biocoal from forest biomass.

• Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve (Nairn Centre) - $250,000
  • The project will pursue local community energy production by examining the feasibility of an advanced biochar/biocoal product that would be developed at a proposed pellet plant facility.

• Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. (Wawa) - $188,000
  • The project will advance Indigenous participation in forest biomass development and its benefits by studying the financial and logistical requirements for the community to undertake management of a forest biomass yard.

• Daki Menan Lands and Resources Corporation (Temagami) - $147,500
  • The project will increase forest biomass use, provide local economic and social benefits and build community workforce capacity by supporting recruitment and training of local Indigenous youth.

• Missanabie Cree First Nation (Missanabie) - $130,000
  • The project will promote community energy security by identifying forestry-related development opportunities that will provide jobs and provide a foundation for partnerships with other First Nations and the forest industry.

Exploring Biomass Pathways funding stream

• GreenFirst Forest Products (Kapuskasing) - $120,000
  • The project will support increased energy production and greater energy efficiency by completing a detailed engineering feasibility study and determine the financial requirements to develop a new, modern co-generation plant.

• Walker Environmental Group (Northeastern Ontario) - $100,000
  • The project will advance forest biomass innovation and pursue environmental benefits by exploring cost-effective options to use biomass as a source of renewable natural gas and other low-carbon energy products.

Since its launch in May 2023, the Forest Biomass Program has committed over $17 million to 41 projects, including recent announcements in January 2024 and December 2023.

For more information on the Forest Biomass Program, visit: ontario.ca/page/forest-biomass-program

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