The Government of Ontario has announced more than CA$6.2 million (€5.7 million) in new funding through its Forest Biomass Program to support eight projects across Northwestern Ontario. The initiative aims to advance research, innovation, and industrial upgrades while encouraging sustainable harvesting in Crown forests and unlocking new commercial uses for forest biomass — the often-overlooked by-products of sawmilling and wood processing, reports Bioenergy Insight.
This latest round of investment, which builds on earlier announcements made in May and July by Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland, marks a continued push to stimulate economic development in the province’s northern regions.
A major portion of the funding — CA$5 million (€4.6 million) — has been allocated to the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bioeconomy (CRIBE) in Thunder Bay. This support will help CRIBE carry forward its initiative, “Growing Ontario: Sustainable Wood-Based Materials for the Future,” which focuses on developing and commercialising new wood-based bioproducts to grow Ontario’s forest sector.
Indigenous communities are also playing a key role in this round of funding. Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) has received support to develop a district heating system, which includes assessing local biomass supply and investing in new fuel conversion equipment. Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc. in Hurkett is working to create a biomass storage and merchandising yard that will serve as a regional biohub. In Big Trout Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation is using its grant to build local forestry capacity through training, equipment purchases, and a long-term operational plan. Pikangikum First Nation is focusing on training and the development of a comprehensive forest management strategy.
Additional projects are also exploring innovative uses of forest biomass. White River Forest Products is studying the potential of replacing its current boiler with a pyrolysis energy system that could produce biochar and biocoal. In Atikokan, Biopower is assessing the viability of using forest biomass as a renewable diesel feedstock. Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper is conducting a study on technology upgrades to its boiler system and improvements in fibre recovery and sludge processing.
Since its launch in May 2023, Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program has committed over CA$45 million (€41.2 million) to more than 55 projects. The ongoing investment highlights the province’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in the forest sector while supporting Indigenous leadership and community-based development.
