The Government of Ontario is delivering on its commitment to build a stronger forest sector by making an historic investment of $60 million in the Forest Biomass Program. Over the next three years, the program will make targeted investments in forest sector initiatives to develop the economic potential and environmental benefits of underutilized wood and mill by-products, known as forest biomass.“This new Forest Biomass Program funding will grow businesses, strengthen communities and put workers to work,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “We are investing in the technology, the people and the expertise that drive our forest sector into the future&nbsp;–&nbsp;and together, we are achieving our government’s plan for forest sector prosperity.”The announcement of additional funding follows the Forest Biomass Program’s third phase of investment, which committed more than $6.1 million to 12 research, innovation and modernization initiatives. A full list of the projects is available&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1004242/ontario-investing-60-million-in-forest-biomass-program">here</a>. It includes:<ul><li>Millson Forestry Service&nbsp;- $500,600&nbsp;to support forest sector integration 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.</li><li>Apitipi Anicinapek Nation&nbsp;- $250,000 to 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.</li><li>Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve&nbsp;- $250,000 to 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.</li><li>Walker Environmental Group&nbsp;- $100,000 to 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.</li></ul>Since its launch in May 2023, the Forest Biomass Program has committed over $17 million to 41 projects, including recent announcements in&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004126/ontario-supporting-growth-and-innovation-in-the-forest-sector">January 2024</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003915/ontario-supporting-innovation-in-the-forest-sector">December 2023</a>.In Spring 2024, the Forest Biomass Program will be open to applications for businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario that have a project to expand the use of forest biomass and enhance the forest biomass supply chain.To learn more about the program, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://ontario.ca/page/forest-biomass-program">https://ontario.ca/page/forest-biomass-program</a>&nbsp;

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The Government of Ontario is investing $60 million in the Forest Biomass Program, which will make targeted investments in forest sector initiatives to develop the economic potential and environmental benefits of forest biomass.

Ontario makes historic investment to expand forest sector innovation

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