Ontario Investing Over $1.1 Million in Indigenous Forestry Projects
Provincial funding will support five projects to create more than 200 good-paying jobs and build a stronger, more resilient forest sector News Release | September 18th, 2026
HURKETT — The Ontario government is investing over $1.1 million in five projects that will increase Indigenous participation in forestry and build a stronger, more resilient forest sector. As part its plan to protect Ontario, the government is fighting back against unjustified U.S. tariffs and economic attacks by making strategic investments through the Forest Biomass Program that will support economic development and clean energy projects to help the forestry sector increase productivity and capacity, with the long-term potential to create over 200 good-paying jobs in the sector.
“Indigenous communities and businesses have a vital role in Ontario’s forest sector and the economic, social and environmental benefits it provides,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Guided by our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, we’re investing in Indigenous-led opportunities that will help strengthen communities and drive growth and job creation across the sector.”
Since launching the Forest Biomass Program in 2023, Ontario has invested close to $5 million in 22 projects under the Indigenous Bioeconomy Partnerships funding stream. The government’s latest investments will build a more resilient forest sector by developing projects with the potential to add annual demand for over 100,000 tonnes of mill by-products and underused wood, known as forest biomass:
Constance Lake First Nation: $250,000 to prepare plans for an adaptable energy system that converts forest biomass into green biofuel
Apitipi Anicinapek Nation: $250,000 to investigate forestry opportunities and support workforce development through skills assessments and training workshops
Webequie First Nation: $250,000 for planning and capacity-building to support the development of a community-operated 25MW electricity facility powered by forest biomass
Wanagekong Biiwega’iganan Clean Energy Corporation: $250,000 to study biomass supply, complete permitting and build partnerships to support a planned bio-refinery
Kasabonika Lake First Nation: $158,750 to plan a sustainable wood energy and sawmill program that will reduce reliance on diesel fuel and improve energy security
“First Nations continue to lead the way in finding innovative uses for sustainable forest resources while creating jobs, supporting economic growth and strengthening communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “Leveraging the Indigenous Bioeconomy Partnerships stream of the Forest Biomass Program, we’re proud to invest in five Indigenous-led forestry projects that reflect local priorities and Indigenous leadership. Together, we are transforming forest biomass into new opportunities and lasting prosperity for future generations.”
These investments deliver on the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector by expanding Indigenous participation in forestry, unlocking new forest biomass opportunities and strengthening Ontario’s position in the global forest bioeconomy. Guided by the roadmap, the government will continue investing in workforce development and forest sector innovation to create jobs, attract investment and build long-term prosperity.
Quick Facts
Associate Minister Holland announced the funding at the Lake Nipigon Forest Management Incorporated (LNFMI) biohub. Ontario invested $250,000 to support development of the Indigenous-led facility, which will centralize wood supply to build a more competitive industry. The province has also invested $200,000 in LNFMI’s development of a clean energy facility powered by forest biomass.
As part of the Forest Biomass Action Plan, Ontario is focused on increasing Indigenous participation in the forest sector and biomass projects. To that end, Ontario is currently developing guidance that will support Indigenous communities and businesses as they develop forest biomass projects.
Under the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, the government is eliminating burdens and modernizing processes to help the industry get to work, including streamlining the province’s forest guides and manuals to save businesses time and money while maintaining Ontario’s world-class sustainable forest management.
Since 2018, Ontario has shared over $178 million in forest resource revenues with 42 First Nations and 2 Métis organizations.
The Forest Biomass Program has committed over $87 million in targeted investments to 79 projects, securing close to $280 million in additional external funding and creating more than 115 new jobs.
The government released the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector on April 28, setting out a 10-year plan to Defend, Adapt and Grow the province’s cornerstone industry and maintain Ontario’s position as a G7 leader in making and selling wood products, with the competitive excellence and transformative technologies to unlock new global markets.
Wood produced from Ontario’s Crown forests is sustainably sourced and renewable. Wood is a renewable resource, a clean energy source, and a sustainable – and biodegradable – alternative to single-use plastics.
Quotes
"The Forest Biomass Program provides the spark to launch new projects and modernize local forestry. By turning wood that would otherwise decay or burn into value-added renewable wood derived products for domestic and international markets, we can reduce waste, make fuller use of our forest resources and build a more stable, sustainable forestry economy." - Scot Rubin General Manager, Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc.
"The OFIA strongly supports the province's $1.1 million investment in Indigenous-led bioeconomy projects through the Forest Biomass Program. These investments will not only advance clean energy and energy security for northern communities, but also support sustainable economic growth, create skilled jobs, and reinforce Ontario's leadership in the forest bioeconomy."- Ian DunnR.P.F.,President & CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association
