The Government of Canada is investing $3,575,246 in ten forestry and economic resilience projects across Northern Ontario to support growth, innovation, and sustainability in local communities. This funding, announced by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, comes through programs including the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), Regional Economic Growth through Innovation initiative (REGI), and the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative for Northern Ontario (RHII).
In Northwestern Ontario, the Centre for Research & Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE) received $1,701,000 to develop Integrated Wood Biorefinery and Manufacturing Clusters. This initiative will foster innovation, networking, commercialization, and investment in the forestry sector, expand CRIBE’s Nextfor innovator network, and support ForestEDGE, a geospatial tool mapping regional wood supply and community attributes.
The Townships of Schreiber, Nipigon, and Terrace Bay are receiving investments of $79,200, $72,000, and $71,910, respectively, to develop five-year strategic plans and community profiles. These plans will guide local decision-making, identify priorities for infrastructure, services, economic growth, and population retention, and strengthen community sustainability.
In Northeastern Ontario, Keepers of the Circle received $922,649 to construct an Indigenous women-led modular home facility, which will produce prefabricated panels suitable for Northern climates, provide hands-on skills training, and include support spaces such as daycare and cultural rooms. The Town of Espanola received $379,200 to hire an Economic Development Officer for regional development and create an Economic Diversification Strategy Plan to reduce reliance on forestry and promote sustainable growth across partner communities.
Northern Truss received $198,037 to upgrade manufacturing equipment and infrastructure, enhancing productivity, quality, and future growth. Muskoka Timber Mills Ltd. received a repayable investment of $93,750 to install innovative equipment for improved production, waste reduction, and worker safety. Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. received $57,500 to hire a youth intern for 18 months to support ecological and Indigenous community projects.
These investments aim to strengthen Northern Ontario’s forestry sector, enhance economic resilience, and create opportunities for innovation, skills development, and community growth.
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