Biomass North gets funds for bioeconomy strategy

The federal and provincial governments are investing $216,792 to allow Biomass North, in partnership with Union of Ontario Indians, to establish 13 demonstration facilities across the region to showcase the efficiency and effectiveness of various biomass initiatives.

“We are thrilled that the federal and provincial governments recognize the importance of our efforts and are investing to implement the Northern Ontario Bioeconomy Strategy,” Dawn Lambe, Biomass North’s executive director, said in a news release. “Once fully implemented, the strategy will help revive our forestry sector, create business opportunities, enhance First Nations partnerships, reduce energy costs, and support the environmental sustainability of our natural resources.”

The demonstration facilities will be focused on sustainable supply model, bioenergy and fuels, and biocomposites and chemicals. The project includes the creation of a training plan, and the goal to develop new markets and international partnerships.

The federal funding contribution of $108,396 was made available through the Northern Ontario Development Program, an initiative of the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

“Clean tech and renewable energy are the way of the future and this investment will help achieve meaningful results for Northern Ontario communities,” Navdeep Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and minister responsible for FedNor, said in the release.

The province matched the federal funds through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. 

“Our investment in this project will help the region remain at the forefront of the bioeconomy and ensure we are ready to support ongoing advances in this innovative field,” Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, said in the release.