The northwestern Ontario forestry industry has received a boost in funding from the provincial government through a program designed to support its growth. The Ontario government recently allocated $1.5 million to the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre’s Boreal Springboard program, aimed at assisting companies in the local forestry sector. This financial support is part of the Trade-Impacted Communities Program.
Graham Bracken, the project coordinator for Boreal Springboard, emphasized the region’s potential for investment beyond its forest resources and market access. He expressed gratitude for the backing from program partners and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, highlighting the opportunity to nurture businesses within an innovative environment for future growth.
The Boreal Springboard program offers two key components. The accelerator stream provides support of up to $40,000 for entrepreneurs developing forest-related businesses, coupled with guidance on business and product enhancement. The second stream, Soft-Landing, focuses on assisting established companies from outside the region in expanding their operations in northwestern Ontario.
Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan and Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, underscored the significance of the forest sector in driving the local economy. He emphasized the role of skilled workers, innovative enterprises, and a robust manufacturing base in supporting this vital industry. Through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program, the government aims to help forestry and wood-product businesses navigate challenges such as U.S. tariffs, attract new investments, and capitalize on emerging opportunities to bolster local supply chains and enhance the forestry sector in northwestern Ontario.