Province backs modernization project at Bernie McGlynn Lumber amid ongoing trade pressures
The Ontario government is investing $1.6 million in a major expansion and modernization project at Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd. in Mildmay, a move aimed at strengthening the province’s forestry sector, increasing domestic wood production and supporting jobs in rural communities.
Announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the funding will support a $5.3 million project that will more than double the company’s production space and increase output by 47 per cent. The initiative is expected to create five new jobs while protecting 13 existing positions at the family-owned hardwood sawmill.
The investment comes as Ontario continues efforts to shield forestry businesses from ongoing global market pressures, including U.S. tariffs affecting the sector.
“Our government is proud to support projects that help forestry businesses expand, modernize and remain competitive in changing global markets,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Through our forest sector roadmap, we will continue making strategic investments that protect forestry jobs, strengthen Ontario’s competitive advantage and maintain our position as a G7 leader in producing and selling high-quality forest products.”
New technology and expanded facility to boost production capacity
Founded in 1964, Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd. produces dimensional lumber, hardwood flooring, trim, doors, live-edge slabs, firewood and mulch. The company’s expansion project includes the construction of a new 30,000-square-foot facility and the installation of upgraded manufacturing equipment.
Among the planned additions is a thermal-treating kiln system described by the province as the first of its kind in Ontario. The project will also include a double-bladed bandsaw designed to improve processing efficiency and product quality.
The modernization effort is expected to help the company diversify its product lineup with new offerings such as siding, decking and fencing products intended to compete with composite and plastic alternatives.
Provincial officials said the upgrades will also increase demand for locally harvested timber. Once complete, the project is expected to raise log purchases by 50 per cent, supporting regional harvesting, hauling and trucking operations while strengthening forestry supply chains across southwestern Ontario.
“In the face of global uncertainty, Ontario’s forestry sector has stood as a testament to the resilience of our province’s workers and businesses,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, our government will continue to support local businesses like Bernie McGlynn Lumber, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and talent needed to grow their operations and remain competitive.”
Forestry sector remains key economic driver for Ontario
The funding is being delivered through Ontario’s Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP), which supports projects focused on productivity, innovation and market competitiveness.
As of April 2026, the province said nearly $98 million has been approved under the program, helping leverage an additional $540 million in external investment across the forest industry.
Ontario released its Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector earlier this year, outlining a 10-year strategy to defend and grow the industry through investments in technology, supply chains and export market development.
According to the province, Ontario’s forest sector generates close to $21 billion in annual business revenue and supports nearly 155,000 jobs provincewide.
Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron—Bruce, said the investment would strengthen the local economy while supporting long-term growth in the forestry industry.
“Bernie McGlynn Lumber has been an important employer and community partner in the Municipality of South Bruce for generations. This investment will enable innovation, help create new jobs, support the local forestry sector, and strengthen the region’s economy while ensuring Ontario-made wood products continue to thrive. Congratulations to the McGlynn family on this exciting milestone.”
Company owners Bernie and Doreen McGlynn said the provincial support would help advance the business into new manufacturing areas focused on thermal modification technology for Canadian wood species.
“We would like to thank the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) for selecting our project to help us achieve our advancement in the manufacturing of forest products and advancement into thermal modification of our Canadian wood species for indoor and outdoor use. Special thank you to Mayor Mark Goetz and his staff at the Municipality of South Bruce for their support and working with us on this project.”
South Bruce Mayor Mark Goetz also welcomed the investment, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry and government in supporting sustainable economic development.
“Today’s investment through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program highlights the value of partnership in strengthening our forest sector and supporting sustainable growth in our communities.”
The province also emphasized the role of sustainably sourced wood products from Ontario’s Crown forests, positioning wood as a renewable and biodegradable alternative to single-use plastics and other non-renewable materials.