Forest Biomass Program — Exploring biomass pathways stream

Who is eligible?

The Programme ontarien d'utilisation de la biomasse forestière — Volet de l’exploration des voies de la biomasse is open to various entities that aim to enhance the use of forest biomass and improve the supply chain in Ontario. Eligible organizations include:

• For-profit entities that are located in Ontario, particularly those at the early stages of exploring potential uses of forest biomass.
• Municipalities across Ontario that are participating in projects to bolster the forest bioeconomy.
• Indigenous communities engaging in initiatives that incorporate the use of biomass forest resources.
• Non-profit organizations operating within Ontario that are undertaking research or implementation projects related to forest biomass utilization.

Who is not eligible

This grant application does not specify particular types of companies or industries that are explicitly excluded. However, eligibility is focused on entities that contribute to the forestry bioeconomy within Ontario. The restrictions and eligibility requirements are outlined in detail, but specific exclusions are not listed.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

• Professional, technical, and legal services.
• Salaries, wages, and benefits (excluding post-employment benefits like severance).
• Planning and design costs.
• Training and skills development.
• Travel expenses including accommodation, meals, and allowances.
• Costs for investment in equipment and machinery purchase and installation.
• Rolling stock directly related to the project, such as harvesting equipment and biomass processing equipment (excluding general vehicles such as trucks and vans).
• Costs of materials.
• Permits or approvals.
• Installation and commissioning costs.
• Overhead costs directly attributable to the project (capped at 15% of total contributions).
• In-kind contributions for staff time (not exceeding 10% of total eligible costs).
• Administrative costs directly related to the study, including communication costs, external printing or photocopying, acquisition of study-specific documents, and document translation.
• Costs related to public meetings or gatherings to communicate the study, such as venue rental and audiovisual equipment.
• Land leases not exceeding three years for demonstration plants.
• Research and development costs including third-party verification, certification, and standardized testing.
• Fees, ceremonial costs, and hospitality for community engagement events and project meetings.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to entities operating within specified locations in Ontario. Eligible geographic areas align with regional forestry development and biomass utilization initiatives to support local economies and innovation.

• Projects must be located in Ontario, Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The Ontario Programme for the Utilization of Forest Biomass is committed to the development of innovative uses for wood to provide economic benefits while reducing emissions and combating climate change.
• Approved projects under the programme may be subject to public notices.
• The ministry is governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, meaning any information submitted may be disclosed as required by law.
• Applicants should not take action or incur expenses dependent on receiving funding until an agreement is approved and signed.
• The programme is discretionary and competitive with limited budget; not all applicants will be funded.
• No contractual relationship exists until an agreement is reached, and the province is not obliged to fulfill any commitments before then.
• Funding agreements will specify project milestones, performance commitments, and all conditions of funding.