Ontario is investing more than $2.1 million in four forestry projects aimed at increasing exports, expanding the use of forest biomass and strengthening the province’s forest-products supply chain, with the largest share going toward a major capacity expansion at Ben Hokum and Son.
The provincial funding targets projects in Golden Lake and Petawawa as well as clean-technology development, as Ontario looks to improve the competitiveness of a forest sector that generates close to $21 billion in annual business revenue and supports approximately 155,000 jobs.
Ben Hokum and Son Receives More Than $1.9 Million
The largest investment, worth more than $1.9 million through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, will support Ben Hokum and Son in installing two biomass-assisted steam kilns.
The new equipment is expected to triple the sawmill’s lumber-drying capacity, improve operating efficiency and help the company increase export sales by more than 30 per cent. The province said the investment will protect 115 jobs while supporting more than 100 indirect positions.
“Our government is helping forest sector businesses build international reach and bring competitive products to market,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Under our forest sector roadmap, we’re driving the industry’s continued growth and showcasing Ontario’s capacity as a G7 leader in innovative manufacturing.”
Ben Hokum and Son, established in 1956, produces more than 40 million board feet of white and red pine lumber annually.
Company Targets International Growth
“We appreciate the Ontario government’s support as we continue investing in our company, our workers and our regional supply chain. These projects will allow us to increase the amount of export-ready lumber we produce, continue expanding our international markets and make better use of our forest resources, strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Ben Hokum and Son and Ontario’s forest sector.”
– Dean Felhaber
President, Ben Hokum and Son Limited
Ontario Backs Three Forest Biomass Projects
Another $250,000 is being distributed through the Forest Biomass Program to three projects that the province says could eventually consume more than 350,000 tonnes of forest biomass annually.
Ben Hokum and Son will receive $100,000 to plan a biomass-powered clean electricity and thermal energy facility incorporating carbon capture and storage technology.
TorchLight Bioresources is receiving $87,500 for a feasibility study examining a combined heat-and-power plant in Petawawa that would replace natural gas with biomass-generated energy. Carboform will receive $62,500 to refine technology that converts forest biomass residues into higher-value, lower-carbon coatings and inks.
“We are very grateful to the Ministry of Natural Resources for its support through the Forest Biomass Program. This investment will allow Carboform to accelerate the development and testing of new ingredients made from Ontario wood residues for use in paints and coatings. By working with forest-products companies and coatings manufacturers, we hope to create new, higher-value uses for forest biomass while helping meet the growing demand for renewable and lower-carbon materials. We are excited to contribute to the continued growth and innovation of Ontario’s forest sector.”
– Sneha Shanbhag
Co-founder and CEO, Carboform Inc.
Biomass Projects Target Domestic Energy Opportunities
“Forests are Ontario’s most valuable publicly-owned asset. TorchLight is working diligently to advance low risk bioenergy projects to serve as essential demand centres for low-grade wood, thereby supporting sustainable forest management of Ontario’s Crown forests. Ontario is home to more than 50 district heating systems that can be readily fuel switched from imported natural gas to combined heat and power plants fuelled by made-in-Ontario, sustainable, low carbon wood fuels.”
– Jamie Stephen
Managing Director, TorchLight Bioresources Inc.
Forestry Funding Forms Part of 10-Year Provincial Strategy
The investments form part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, a 10-year strategy designed to expand manufacturing, encourage new forest products and open international markets.
The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program has approved close to $90 million in funding, which the province says has helped secure another $420 million in outside investment. Those projects have created close to 500 jobs and helped retain approximately 3,800 positions.
Separately, the Forest Biomass Program has committed more than $66 million to over 60 projects, attracting close to $250 million in additional funding and creating more than 110 jobs.
“Today’s announcement underscores the tremendous potential of forest biomass to decarbonize operations, generate clean energy, and create high-value bioproducts from underutilized wood. By supporting innovative clean-tech projects alongside sawmill modernization, Ontario is strengthening the entire forestry supply chain. OFIA thanks the government for continuing to invest in transformative technologies that ensure our sector remains competitive and resilient.”
– Ian Dunn, R.P.F.
President & CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association
The latest investments combine conventional sawmill modernization with emerging biomass applications, as Ontario seeks to increase the value generated from its forest resources while strengthening domestic supply chains and expanding sales of Ontario-made wood products in international markets.