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Ontario Forest Biomass Program: Fuelling Jobs, Innovation, and Sustainability in 2025
Ontario is stepping up in a big way to protect one of its most vital industries—the forest sector. With a bold investment of $11.3 million in five groundbreaking projects, the provincial government is not only safeguarding jobs but also powering innovation and clean energy development in northeastern Ontario.
This strategic move, anchored by the Forest Biomass Program, is more than just an economic boost. It’s about securing the livelihoods of forestry workers, strengthening Indigenous partnerships, and paving the way for greener, locally made energy solutions that support the province’s long-term sustainability goals.
What Is the Forest Biomass Program?
The Forest Biomass Program is Ontario’s annual $20 million initiative aimed at transforming wood by-products like sawdust, bark, and mill scraps into clean energy, biochar, biocoal, and wood pellets.
Instead of letting leftover forest materials go to waste, the program funds innovative projects that give them a second life. These projects not only help reduce emissions but also create value-added products and new job opportunities in rural and Indigenous communities.
Ontario’s $11.3M Investment: Who’s Getting What?
Here’s how the latest round of funding is being distributed:
| Recipient | Funding | Purpose |
| Hornepayne Power Inc. | $7,500,000 | Upgrade energy systems, research green hydrogen production |
| GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. | $3,130,000 | Boost biomass plant efficiency and study torrefied pellet production |
| Circular Carbon Canada Inc. | $500,000 | Study feasibility of converting sawmills to pyrolysis plants for biochar production |
| Wikwemikong Development Commission | $200,000 | Support a new biocoal and wood pellet facility in collaboration with Indigenous communities |
Each of these projects is designed to reduce waste, enhance productivity, and build a more resilient supply chain. From hydrogen energy research to low-emission fuel alternatives, these initiatives are transforming Ontario’s forestry future.
Why It Matters: Jobs, Innovation, and Regional Growth
Ontario’s forest sector has long been a cornerstone of the economy in the north. These investments are not just about cleaner technologies—they’re about real people, real jobs, and real communities.
Key Benefits Include
- Local Job Creation: Skilled roles in energy, engineering, operations, and transportation.
- Support for Trucking & Hauling: Increased demand for logistics services boosts local carriers.
- Indigenous Partnerships: Community-led development enhances economic inclusion.
- Lower-Cost Energy Solutions: Made-in-Ontario biomass products provide affordable alternatives to coal and imported fuels.
A Closer Look at Biochar and Biocoal
You might wonder—what exactly are biochar and biocoal?
- Biochar: A carbon-rich material made by heating forest biomass with limited oxygen. Used to improve soil health, capture carbon, and purify water.
- Biocoal: A cleaner, high-energy alternative to traditional coal. It burns with fewer emissions and can be used in industrial boilers and power plants.
By supporting technologies like these, Ontario is turning forest leftovers into valuable climate-friendly assets.
Forest Biomass Program Powers Jobs and Clean Growth
The Forest Biomass Program is more than just a funding tool—it’s a forward-looking strategy that helps Ontario stay competitive, eco-conscious, and job-rich. From Timmins to Wikwemikong, communities are already seeing the benefits of this green transformation.
If you’re curious about the future of forestry in Canada or considering building a career in a high-demand sector, Ontario’s forest biomass sector might be the right path forward. Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program is not only preserving jobs and creating new ones—it’s also putting clean, made-in-Ontario solutions front and center in the fight for a more sustainable future.
