The Ontario government is investing more than $9.1 million in five biomass innovation projects across Eastern Ontario to protect forestry jobs and support rural economies facing trade pressures.
The funding comes from the province’s Forest Biomass Program and is aimed at helping sawmills and forestry companies turn low-value wood waste into commercial products like biochar and bioenergy. The projects are expected to generate new employment, reduce fossil fuel use, and support emerging clean technology markets.
“These investments are good news for forest sector productivity and good news for the workers and communities powering forest sector success,” said Kevin Holland, Ontario’s associate minister of forestry and forest products.
Backed by the province
Haliburton Forest Biochar is receiving the largest share, with $4.6 million earmarked for new technology to expand its engineered biochar production. The product is used in power generation, agriculture and water filtration.
Infinite Carbon will get $3.4 million to build a pilot plant that makes metallurgical biocarbon, a cleaner alternative used in steelmaking. CEO Daniel Ronald said the investment supports Indigenous-led innovation and “fosters sustainable economic development.”
Killaloe Wood Products will use $952,000 to acquire mobile equipment to make more biomass available for energy production. McRae Mills is receiving $146,000 to buy new equipment to improve productivity, and Bancroft Minden Forest Company will get $20,000 for a regional biomass opportunity study.
Regional impact and clean tech potential
The funding is part of Ontario’s Forest Biomass Action Plan, a 2022 strategy that supports converting mill by-products into low-emission products. The province says it has invested $40 million so far in over 50 projects through the biomass program.
Ian Dunn, president of the Ontario Forest Industries Association, said the initiative will help build “a low-carbon future” and open new clean-tech markets for wood products.
Megan Hundt, general manager at Killaloe Wood Products, added the funding will help the sector find outlets for mill residues. “Having a home for lower-quality material is critical to the health of the forestry sector,” she said.
