Ontario government releases draft Forest Biomass Action Plan

The Ontario government has released its draft Forest Biomass Action Plan for public review and comment.

Following the release of Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy in August 2020, the Ontario Ministry of Forests and Natural Resources created a working group consisting of members from the forest biomass supply chain to develop the draft Forest Biomass Action Plan.

The plan has five main objectives:

• identifying pathways to markets for forest biomass
• supporting demand for forest bioenergy and bioproducts
• improving the business and regulatory environments for using forest biomass
• supporting pathways for Indigenous community involvement in forest biomass value chains
• communicating, collaborating and informing on forest biomass opportunities

“Expanding the use of forest biomass is essential to the competitiveness of the forest industry and will further assist in meeting an increased demand for dimensional lumber and other wood products,” said Ian Dunn, president and chief executive officer, Ontario Forest Industries Association, in a statement. “This plan will create jobs and promote sustainable economic development, which OFIA and its member companies are deeply committed to. OFIA is pleased to see the government continue to make progress on the goals set out in the Forest Sector Strategy.”

Consultation on the draft Forest Biomass Action Plan will be open until June 21.