In a move to strengthen its forest sector and stimulate economic growth, the Government of Ontario has announced an investment of over $6.2 million in Northwestern Ontario. The funding, part of the Forest BiomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More Program, is aimed at protecting jobs, increasing productivity, and developing new revenue streams by utilizing underused wood and mill by-products, collectively known as forest biomass. This initiative is designed to bolster the region’s economy and ensure the sector’s resilience against external challenges, such as US tariffs.

The investment is being distributed across eight projects focused on leveraging forest biomass. A significant portion, $5 million, has been allocated to the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bioeconomy. This funding will support the acceleration of forest sector growth through the development of new, innovative forest-based products and fostering cross-industry collaboration.

Another notable project is with Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, which is receiving $250,000 to study and develop a community heating system. This system will use chipped wood slabs from their local sawmill to heat homes and buildings, creating a sustainable and community-driven energy solution. Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper will also receive $87,750 for modernization studies, assessing and designing upgrades to their boiler, fibre recovery, and sludge processing systems to improve facility efficiency.

These projects are expected to generate well-paying local jobs and create new markets for forest businesses. The development of regional markets for mill by-products will also increase demand for the harvesting, hauling, and trucking industries, while simultaneously opening up new opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in the growing forest industry. The investment aligns with the Forest Biomass Action Plan, which has already supported over 55 projects with more than $45 million in funding since its launch in 2022. The program’s goal is to invest up to $20 million annually to increase wood harvest and find innovative uses for wood in collaboration with industry and Indigenous communities.

This strategic investment into biomass utilization is a promising development for the biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More sector. By funding projects that explore new uses for wood by-products, Ontario is creating fertile ground for pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More technologies that convert forest waste into value-added products like biochar, supporting a sustainable, low-carbon future.

PRESS RELEASE: Ontario betting big on biomass in northwestern region