How much funding can be received?

The Ontario Forest Biomass Program's Modernization stream offers funding up to 35% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum of $10 million per project, aimed at enhancing the forest sector's competitiveness and participation in the bioeconomy through increased utilization of forest biomass. Eligible activities include modernizing facilities, integrating technologies for efficiency improvements, and supporting new product development within existing forest product manufacturing facilities.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Forest Biomass Program under the Modernization stream aims to transform and enhance the competitiveness of Ontario's forest sector. Eligible projects leverage forest biomass to drive technological innovation and operational efficiencies.

Implementation of technologies or processes that result in operational efficiencies in forest product manufacturing.
Projects aimed at decreasing energy usage and/or greenhouse gas emissions within the forest sector.
Initiatives focusing on productivity improvements in the utilization of forest biomass.
Development of new forest bioproducts or processes that enhance the forest biomass supply chain.
Modifications and upgrades to existing facilities to scale-up the use of forest biomass.
Modernization plans that maintain or increase the use of forest biomass and update facility operations.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Forest Biomass Program's Modernization stream is defined by specific criteria that the applying company or entity must meet.

The applicant must be an existing wood products manufacturing facility operating in Ontario.
The facility should play a key role in regional harvesting and/or supply chains.
The facility must currently consume significant quantities of forest biomass, such as mill residues and/or forest biofibre, as a primary feedstock.
Eligible applicants can include businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations with Ontario-based projects aimed at advancing the use of forest biomass.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Forest Biomass Program Modernization stream is open to specific organizations within the forest sector that contribute significantly to the restructuring and advancement of the bioeconomy in Ontario.

Existing wood products manufacturing facilities operating in Ontario.
Businesses that play a crucial role in regional harvesting and/or supply chains.
Organizations currently utilizing significant quantities of forest biomass as primary feedstock.
Projects that offer integration of technologies/processes for operational efficiencies, reduced energy usage, reduced greenhouse gases, productivity improvements, or new product development.
Entities such as businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations focusing on expanding forest biomass usage and enhancing the supply chain in Ontario.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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 such as severance.
Planning and design costs.
Training and skills development.
Transportation costs.
Capital costs, including purchase and installation of equipment and machinery.
Rolling stock directly related to and necessary for the project, such as harvesting equipment and biomass processing equipment.
Material costs.
Permits or approvals.
Installation and commissioning costs.
Overhead costs directly related to the project, not to exceed 15% of total contribution.
Travel, including accommodation, meals, and allowances (based on approved rates).
In-kind contribution of staff time by the applying organization’s employees (including permanent and contract employees), not to exceed 10% of the total eligible costs.
New facility or facility modifications and upgrades directly attributable to and necessary for the project.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically targeted at supporting entities operating within Ontario. The eligible applicants must have projects based in Ontario, aligning with the program’s focus on advancing the region’s forest biomass supply chain.

Businesses operating within Ontario.
Municipalities located in Ontario.
Indigenous communities within Ontario.
Not-for-profit organizations with projects based in Ontario.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Forest Biomass Program's Modernization stream are based on specific criteria to ensure projects align with the program's strategic objectives and provide substantial benefits to Ontario’s forest bioeconomy.

How well the project aligns with and supports the objectives of the Modernization stream.
The strength of the applicant’s business plan, including financial, technical and operational capacity, project risk assessment and outcomes.
The project's impact on the applicant’s operations and broader regional economies, including measurable increases in forest biomass utilization.
The alignment with sector and cluster priorities, and the positive impacts on Ontario’s forest biomass supply chain and broader bioeconomy.
The potential to reduce Ontario’s carbon emissions and address regional economic disparities.
The incrementality of the project, ensuring critical aspects will not occur without government support.

grant_single_labels|register

Below are the steps to apply for the Forest Biomass Program under the Modernization stream:

Step 1: Understand Eligibility and Deadlines
Ensure that your project aligns with the objectives of the program.
Check the eligibility guidelines to confirm your organization and project qualify.
Note the application deadlines: May 31, 2024; November 30, 2024; May 31, 2025; November 30, 2025; May 31, 2026; November 30, 2026.
Step 2: Contact Program Officials
Contact the fund provider to discuss your project prior to submission, if needed.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Complete the application form provided by the program.
Gather supporting documentation showcasing project feasibility, potential impact, detailed budgets, and alignment with the program's goals.
Include a detailed modernization plan for MOD stream projects, if applicable.
Step 4: Submit Application
Email the completed application form and supporting documents to forestbiomass@ontario.ca before the deadline.
Step 5: Application Review Confirmation
Await confirmation that your application has been received and will be reviewed.
Address any identified deficiencies during the initial review, if required.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis after documentation showing achievement of project milestones and proof of eligible costs is submitted.
Advance funding may be available in limited circumstances, at the discretion of the province.
Funding up to 35% of total eligible project costs is available, with a cap of $10 million per project under the Modernization stream.
The program allows stacking with municipal and federal government programs up to 75% of total eligible project costs but not with other provincial programs.
All projects must undergo a due diligence review of the business case, and Modernization stream projects require third-party assessments for financial and technical validation.
Applications are subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
Approved projects may be publicly announced.
The ministry reserves the right not to award funding and to impose conditions on accepted applications and funding agreements.
No contractual relationship exists until a funding agreement is executed, and the ministry is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in expectation of funding.

grant_single_labels|contact

forestbiomass@ontario.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Ontario’s Forest Sector Through Biomass Innovation

The Ontario Forest Biomass Program - Modernization Stream offers targeted funding to invigorate the province's forest sector by enhancing technological capabilities and expanding biomass utilization. It aims to fortify economic growth, reduce emissions, and inspire sustainable practices within the forestry industry.

In-depth Insights into the Transformative Power of the Modernization Stream

The Modernization Stream under Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program is dedicated to enabling a significant transformation within the forest sector by leveraging the underutilized potential of forest biomass. This initiative is a pivotal component of Ontario's strategic effort to boost long-term wood utilization and to integrate advanced technology and innovation into the forestry industry. By focusing on modernizing existing facilities, this stream seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the forest product supply chains, positioning Ontario as a leader in the burgeoning bioeconomy.

The program's success hinges on its ability to mobilize industry stakeholders, including municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations, to engage collaboratively and strategically. The funding is geared towards supporting these entities in utilizing forest biomass to drive economic development, environmental sustainability, and innovation throughout the province. In doing so, it helps secure jobs and promotes investments in new technologies, fortifying the region’s economic fabric while contributing to environmental goals, notably emission reductions.

Eligible projects must demonstrate substantial potential to improve operational efficiencies, decrease energy usage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions—all critical to modernizing the forest sector's supply chain activities. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, businesses can not only boost productivity but also pave the way for novel product development, expanding the range of bioproducts available on the market. The resulting diversification is intended to reduce reliance on traditional wood products, thereby promoting the sustainable use of this renewable resource.

One of the defining features of the program is its funding model, which provides conditional contributions based on milestone achievements and documented proof of eligible expenditures. This strategic approach ensures that funds are allocated effectively and that projects maintain accountability and transparency throughout their lifecycle. Funding can support a broad spectrum of project-related costs, from capital investments in new technologies to professional and technical services, thus covering the crucial aspects of project implementation.

The potential impact of such initiatives is vast, offering substantial benefits not only to the project proponents but also to the wider regional economies. Projects supported by this program are expected to secure and increase the long-term utilization of underutilized forest resources, thus contributing to social and economic benefits beyond immediate organizational gains. This aligns with provincial goals to reduce regional disparities and elevate the economic conditions within communities that lag behind provincial averages.

Furthermore, the Modernization Stream’s emphasis on incrementality ensures that funding is directed towards initiatives that would not progress to a desirable scope or timeline without government support. By addressing critical gaps and funding constraints, the program ensures that high-impact projects can proceed, thereby maximizing the utility of public funding and fostering advancements that drive the forest bioeconomy forward.

The grant supports a culture of innovation and strategic growth, paving the way for a more sustainable and forward-thinking forest sector in Ontario. Through participation in the Forest Biomass Program, applicants gain the opportunity not only to modernize their operations but also to contribute significantly to the province’s broader environmental and economic objectives. By doing so, they play a vital role in shaping a resilient future for Ontario's forestry sector.