Two area First Nation communities receiving funding under the province’s Forest Biomass Program for initiatives in their communities 

Tim Brody - Editor

The Government of Ontario is investing over $6.2 million under the Forest Biomass Program in eight research, innovation and modernization initiatives throughout Northwest Ontario. 
The provincial government explained in a July 25 media release that the program funds projects that sustainably harvest more wood from Crown forests, increase regional economic growth and find new uses for underused wood and mill by-products, known as forest biomass.
Two area First Nations are receiving funding under the program for initiative in their communities.
•    Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninugug First Nation (Big Trout Lake) is receiving $249,544 to increase community forestry capacity by funding training activities, purchasing equipment and developing a 10-year operational plan for forestry.
•    Pikangikum First Nation (Pikangikum First Nation) is receiving $160,996 to develop a 10-year operational forestry plan and train community members on forest health, sustainable harvesting practices, equipment maintenance and safety protocols.
The Government of Ontario says these investments from the Forest Biomass Program will, “boost Ontario’s forest sector’s competitive advantage by creating new jobs, increasing productivity and opening up opportunities for new revenue streams in new markets for underused wood and mill by-products, known as forest biomass.”
“Our government is proud to support world-class innovation in Ontario’s forest sector that helps the industry grow, create jobs and build prosperity in northern communities that depend on a strong forest sector,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “We’re taking bold, decisive action to protect good-paying jobs and economic growth in the face of US tariffs, including making targeted investments that ensure our forest sector is resilient for whatever else comes our way.”
“Under the Forest Biomass Action Plan released in 2022, the government is developing the untapped potential of forest biomass to create new opportunities for forest sector growth, including investing over $45 million to-date under the Forest Biomass Program to support more than 55 projects,” the provincial government added.