Ontario Protecting Forest Sector Jobs and Workers: Province Investing over $9 Million to Support Economic Growth in Eastern Ontario

July 16, 2025

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(Government of Ontario, Canada) The Government of Ontario is protecting workers and jobs in the forest sector by investing over $9.1 million in five research, innovation and modernization projects in Eastern Ontario. The investments from the Forest Biomass Program will help boost Ontario’s forest sector’s competitive advantage by creating new jobs, increasing productivity and opening up opportunities for revenue streams in new markets.

“Our government is protecting the good-paying jobs and economic growth provided by our forest sector businesses,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Ontario is facing times of economic uncertainty as we continue to work to protect this province, and this sector from unjust U.S. tariffs. These investments are good news for forest sector productivity and good news for the workers and communities powering forest sector success as we grow to continue to be world leaders in forestry innovation and forward thinking.”

The government’s investment is supporting projects related to underused wood and mill by-products, known as forest biomass:

Haliburton Forest Biochar, which is receiving $4,643,100 to acquire new technology enabling greater and more efficient biochar production, a substance used in power generation, soil amendment and water filtration.

Infinite Carbon, which is receiving $3,373,227 to create new markets for forest biomass and support cleaner steel production by building a pilot manufacturing facility for metallurgical biocarbon, a sustainable alternative used in steelmaking.

Killaloe Wood Products, which is receiving $952,437 to improve industry competitiveness and reduce fossil fuel use by acquiring mobile equipment to make more forest biomass available for bioenergy production.

McRae Mills, which is receiving $146,475 to increase efficiency and supply emerging biomass markets by acquiring an upgraded conveyer and log-loader, which will boost forest biomass production capacity.

Bancroft Minden Forest Company, which is receiving $20,000 to attract investment and support regional productivity by completing a study of current and emerging forest biomass opportunities.

These projects will help create good-paying local jobs while supporting the delivery of high-quality, made-in-Ontario products to market at a lower cost. In addition, they will strengthen Eastern Ontario’s economy by creating added demand for the harvesting, hauling and trucking industries, and develop new opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in the growing forestry industry.

Under the Forest Biomass Action Plan released in 2022, the government is developing the untapped potential of forest biomass to create new opportunities for forest sector growth, including investing $40 million to-date under the Forest Biomass Program to support more than 50 projects.

Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program invests up to $20 million each year in projects to increase wood harvest, create forest sector opportunity and find new uses for wood in collaboration with stakeholders, industry and Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

This investment builds on Associate Minister Holland’s May 2025 announcement of over $11 million in support for 5 projects in Northeastern Ontario under the Forest Biomass Program.
Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program investments complement funding through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, which has approved close to $72 million in investments, giving businesses such as CHAR Technologies and Roseburg Forest Products the tools and technology to create jobs and unlock greater productivity.
Ontario’s forest sector generated $21.6 billion in revenue from the sale of manufactured goods and services in 2023 and supported over 128,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2024.
Wood produced from Ontario’s Crown forests is sustainably sourced and renewable. Wood is a renewable resource, a clean energy source, and a sustainable – and biodegradable – alternative to single-use plastics.

Quotes

"The Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) commends the ongoing investments in the innovative Forest Biomass Program. These strategic initiatives aim to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of Ontario's forest industry, create new markets, and support the development of clean solutions for other manufacturing sectors. By unlocking the full value of Ontario's forests, these efforts will benefit communities and contribute to a low-carbon future."

- Ian Dunn, R.P.F.
President and CEO of the Ontario Forest Industries Association

"The support of the Forest Biomass Program enabled a critical portion of Haliburton Forest Biochar's expansion into engineered biochar production, directly creating new opportunities to add value to sawmill residues while linking the forest products and advanced manufacturing sectors. We are deeply grateful for this support as we continue developing innovative biochar products that decarbonize industrial processes in order to achieve our vision of forging sustainable pathways for a net-zero economy."

- Malcolm Cockwell, R.P.F., PhD
Managing Director, Haliburton Forest Biochar

"The Ministry’s decision to support Infinite Carbon’s commercial demonstration facility reflects a forward-looking commitment to unlocking new value from underutilized forestry materials. This program enables Indigenous-led innovation, fosters sustainable economic development, and creates high-purity carbon materials that can directly serve Canada’s steel, concrete, and agricultural sectors. We commend the Ministry for its leadership in advancing solutions that strengthen both our industrial future and the sustainability of Canada’s forestry industry."

- Daniel Ronald
Chief Executive Officer, Infinite Carbon Corp.

"Today’s announcement highlights the growing opportunity of Ontario’s Forest Biomass Action Plan to turn underutilized forest resources into new economic opportunities in the Ottawa Valley and surrounding region. Continued investment in biomass solutions is key to supporting sustainable growth, reducing waste, and strengthening local economies. The Ministry’s continued support ensures that our forest resources are not only responsibly managed, but fully utilized—unlocking new innovative opportunities and long-term resilience for communities across the province."

- Jamie McRae
Owner, McRae Forest Company

"Our government is proud to invest in programs to support innovators like the Haliburton Forest Biochar project, which will support the expansion of the facility, create new local jobs, enhance carbon capture, and boost the sustainable use of biomass. I look forward to the continued success of our local team at Haliburton Forest Biochar."

- Laurie Scott
MPP for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock

"Our government’s investment in Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke is greatly appreciated. The forestry sector is a vital part of the Ottawa Valley’s economic ecosystem—providing good-paying jobs and supporting the livelihoods of many local communities. Investments like this go a long way in protecting the sector from uncertainty, ensuring it remains competitive, and fostering continued innovation well into the future."

- Billy Denault
MPP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke

"Killaloe Wood Products occupies a unique niche in the forestry industry, providing an outlet for mill by-products and low-value wood. Having a home for lower-quality material is critical to the health of the forestry sector. In Ontario's sustainably managed forests, it’s not just the high-value trees that need to come out—the lower-grade wood does too. Putting those residues and by-products to use is good business sense and an important part of responsible forest management."

- Megan Hundt
General Manager, Killaloe Wood Products

"As the forest sector grows and evolves, we keep finding better, more innovative and more sustainable methods of operations. I am so grateful to the Ontario government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, for supporting our very important forestry industry."

- Ric Bresee
MPP for Hastings–Lennox and Addington

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