Province Delivers $6.2 Million for Woody Biomass Solutions in Northwestern Ontario

Funding allocated for studies, forest planning, training and equipment purchases

Eight forest biomass-related projects in northwestern Ontario are receiving a total of $6.2 million for studies and activities related to the use of underutilized wood and wood products.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland, associate minister of forestry and forest products, delivered the news at a media conference at Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, July 25.

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The funding is coming from the provincial government’s Forest Biomass Program, created to find new and innovative uses of forest biomass and mill wood waste to create new products, jobs and revenue streams in the sector.

The biggest recipient, the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bioeconomy (CRIBE), is receiving $5 million to support its ongoing work to encourage growth in the industry through the development and commercialization of new bioproducts.

Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) has plans for a community district heating system and is using $250,000 to fund a study of area biomass supply and equipment purchases to be able to convert biomass to fuel.

Lake Nipigon Forest Management in Hurkett is receiving $250,000 to secure a supply of forest biomass for local development by supporting licensing, planning and development of a wood storage and merchandising yard for a regional biohub project.

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation (Big Trout Lake) is allocating $249,544 in provincial funding for training activities, to purchase equipment, and develop a 10-year operational plan for forestry.

Pikangikum First Nation is earmarking $160,996 to develop a 10-year operational forestry plan and train members on forest health, sustainable harvesting practices, equipment maintenance and safety protocols.

The $130,000 in funding that’s headed to White River Forest Products is for a study on replacing a mill boiler with a combined heat and pyrolysis energy plant that could produce marketable products like biochar and biocoal.

Biopower, an Atikokan manufacturer of commercial and residential grade wood pellets, is using $100,000 to study forest biomass as a potential source of renewable diesel.

The $87,750 transferred to Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper is to fund two studies to assess technology and designing upgrades to the mill’s current boiler, fibre recovery and sludge processing systems.

In a statement, Holland said these are targetted investments to protect and grow a resilient forestry sector in the face of U.S. tariffs.

"Our government is proud to support world-class innovation in Ontario’s forest sector that helps the industry grow, create jobs and build prosperity in northern communities that depend on a strong forest sector."

The government said since launching its Forest Biomass Program in May 2023, $45 million of investment has flowed into 55 projects.