NORTH GRENVILLE, Ont. — August 20, 2026 — Ontario is investing $865,000 in the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) to expand markets for forest biomass, improve management of privately owned forests and create new supply chains for underused wood and mill by-products.
The provincial government says the investment is designed to strengthen Ontario’s forest sector while creating new revenue opportunities for private landowners. The initiative will test a business model that could double sustainable harvesting from private forests over the next 10 to 15 years.
“Ontario is a G7 forestry leader, with forest products backed by world-class sustainable forest management,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Under our forest sector roadmap, our government is helping landowners protect private forests while unlocking the untapped value of forest resources to create jobs and build stronger communities.”
Forest Biomass Program Receives $790,000 Investment
The bulk of the funding — $790,000 — is being provided through Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program to support the OWA’s Wood Stewardship Program.
The funding will allow the organization to create three jobs, acquire equipment and establish three regional networks connecting private landowners, forestry service providers and forest-sector businesses.
The province expects the program to improve access to biomass from privately owned forests while giving landowners additional revenue streams that can help offset the cost of forest management.
Over five years, the project is expected to use as much as 100,000 cubic metres of forest biomass. The material could support value-added manufacturing and products including biochar, compost and mulch.
Private Woodlots Targeted for New Market Opportunities
Ontario is providing another $75,000 to support OWA workshops, conferences, publications and industry collaboration focused on sustainable management of private forests.
Part of the funding will also support the development of a private-forest inventory using remote-sensing technology. The province says improved data could help reduce administrative burdens, guide forest-management decisions and attract investment.
“Today’s investment will help ensure Ontario’s privately managed forests remain healthy and productive while supporting good-paying jobs and creating new opportunities for our forestry sector, including right here in Eastern Ontario. I welcome our government’s additional investment in the Ontario Woodlot Association, as it builds on their innovative work in Limerick Forest to demonstrate how underutilized species can increase the supply of Ontario wood. Thank you to Minister Holland for his leadership in strengthening sustainable forest management and building a stronger, more self-reliant Ontario.” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.
Ontario Woodlot Association Looks to Expand Stewardship
The OWA is a non-profit organization with 21 regional chapters and nearly 3,000 members. Its work focuses on sustainable forest management and silvicultural restoration across privately owned forests in Ontario.
“The OWA’s members are committed to forest stewardship and care deeply about the health of their woodlots and local communities. This funding will allow them to implement important stewardship activities in their woodlots while producing sustainable forest products for local and regional use. OWA members have worked for many years to get to this point and we are excited to get to work.” said Glen Prevost, Executive Director of the Ontario Woodlot Association.
North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford said the initiative could deliver environmental and economic benefits to the region.
“North Grenville has a proud tradition of responsible forest stewardship, supported by landowners, organizations and businesses that understand both the environmental and economic value of healthy forests. This investment in the Ontario Woodlot Association will help strengthen that work by creating new opportunities for private woodlot owners, supporting innovation in the forest bioeconomy and making better use of a valuable renewable resource. We are especially pleased to see this investment supporting an organization with such strong roots and partnerships here in Eastern Ontario.”
Industry Sees Potential in Underused Wood Supply
The Wood Stewardship Program builds on the OWA’s Community Forest Owners Cooperative Pilot, which received $91,000 through the Forest Biomass Program in 2023.
“There are a lot of underutilized plantations and woodlots on private land in our area that will benefit from this investment. The Ontario Woodlot Association has been valuable and reliable partner and we are pleased to see they will be implementing the Woodlot Stewardship Program. Increased market access for underused wood will allow for more sustainable forest management that will be beneficial to everyone.” said Rob Ross, Owner of Limerick Forest.
Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program has committed more than $65 million to 66 projects since its launch in 2023. According to the province, those projects have secured more than $250 million in additional external funding and created more than 110 jobs.
“The OFIA applauds the provincial government and Associate Minister Holland for this investment in Ontario’s private forests. By supporting the Ontario Woodlot Association and expanding the forest biomass supply chain, we are unlocking an untapped and sustainable wood supply that is vital to the future of our industry.” said Ian Dunn, R.P.F., President and CEO of the Ontario Forest Industries Association.
Forestry Sector Generates Nearly $21 Billion in Revenue
The investment forms part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, a 10-year strategy aimed at protecting forestry employment, encouraging innovation and developing additional domestic and international markets for Ontario-made wood products.
Ontario’s forest sector generates close to $21 billion in business revenue and supports approximately 155,000 jobs.
The latest funding reflects the province’s broader effort to diversify the uses of Ontario wood, increase productivity and develop new commercial opportunities for renewable forest resources while maintaining sustainable forest-management practices.