Graydon Smith, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, announced last week that the government of Ontario is strengthening the economy and promoting innovation in the forest sector with the creation of a new, $19.6 million Forest Biomass Program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This application-based program will help develop untapped economic potential and environmental benefits offered by new and emerging uses of underutilized wood and mill by-products, known as forest biomass.<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cThis is great news for the forestry sector in Ontario including Parry Sound-Muskoka. This program will enable companies to apply for innovative projects that will expand wood harvesting capabilities, create local job opportunities, and build strong communities,” said Smith. \u201cThis is good news for Ontario\u2019s forestry industry, workers, communities and the environment. Our government\u2019s Forest Biomass Program will help create jobs, build local prosperity and enhance the sustainable practices essential to forest product operations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The program has been created based on feedback from the public, Indigenous communities and industry stakeholders, who all indicated the need for targeted support to further develop Ontario\u2019s forest bioeconomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Forest Biomass Program will result in a stronger forestry sector,\u201d said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay \u2013 Atikokan. \u201cThe forestry industry is a major driver of the economy in Northwestern Ontario and plays a critical role in building Ontario. I am confident this program will enhance existing use of resources, promote research, and increase Indigenous economic prosperity across the region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Forest Biomass Program will support projects to harvest more wood from Crown forests, increase forest sector job creation and regional economic growth and find new uses for wood in collaboration with stakeholders, industry and Indigenous communities. It includes four streams designed to position Ontario as a leader in innovative uses of forest biomass:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early this summer, the program will be open to applications for businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations located in Ontario that have a project to expand the use of forest biomass and enhance the forest biomass supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Forest Biomass Program will further the government\u2019s Forest Sector Strategy and Forest Biomass Action Plan goals to build a strong forest sector via technological innovation and greater use of forest biomass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To learn more about the program, visit: https:\/\/ontario.ca\/page\/forest-biomass-program<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n