Five Eastern Ontario companies — including three in Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke — will share just over $9.1 million in provincial funding to support new and expanded uses for low-quality forest products.
The announcement was made July 7 by MPP Kevin Holland, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, at Killaloe Wood Products in Bonnechere Valley Township. The funding is part of the Forest Biomass Program, launched in 2023 to encourage innovation and market growth in the forestry sector.
Killaloe Wood Products will receive $952,500 to acquire mobile equipment that increases access to biomass for energy production. In Whitney, Infinite Carbon will receive $3.37 million to build a pilot facility that produces metallurgical biocarbon for cleaner steelmaking. Nearby, McRae Mills will receive $146,500 for upgraded machinery to boost efficiency.
Haliburton Forest Biochar is set to receive $4.64 million to scale up biochar production for use in power generation, soil enhancement, and water filtration. Bancroft Minden Forest Company will receive $20,000 to complete a biomass market study.
Since its launch, the Forest Biomass Program has committed nearly $40 million in targeted investments. Holland added that additional funding is being delivered through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program.
Representatives from major sawmills in the region, including Roseburg MDF near Pembroke, were in attendance. Their presence, organizers said, underscored the importance of the program in strengthening the biomass supply chain and preparing the industry for future growth.
(Richard Evans)
