Mayors, industry and outdoors groups say investments support jobs, safety and access across the North

THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – Ontario is injecting an additional $30 million into the province’s forest sector—$20 million for the Provincial Forest Access Roads Funding Program (now $79M+ this year) and $10 million for the Ontario Sawmill Chip Support Program—to steady mills and communities as global markets shift.

“Forestry is a pillar of our economy and forest sector businesses are the foundation of strong, thriving communities across Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Our government is backing our province’s forest sector to ensure it is resilient and strong in the face of U.S. trade threats, and we’re calling on the federal government to join us in standing up for Ontario’s forestry workers.”

“Today’s announcement is just one more example of the record investments Ontario is making to protect the workers who depend on good-paying forestry jobs,” added Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “This $30 million will help build a stronger, more adaptive and resilient forestry sector in Ontario.”

The new funding arrives amid higher U.S. softwood lumber duties, potential Section 232 tariffs, and ongoing pulp and paper consolidation.

The roads dollars will maintain and build Crown forest routes used not just by haulers but by residents, Indigenous communities, emergency services, utilities, tourism, mining and other resource industries.

The chip support aims to help mills bridge to new markets—from energy production to bioproducts that can replace single-use plastics.

Northern and Industry Leaders: “This Is About People, Communities, and Access”

Reaction across Northwestern and Northern Ontario was swift and supportive.

“The suite of measures demonstrates the continued commitment by Premier Ford, Minister Harris, Associate Minister Holland, and the entire Ontario Government to protect Ontario’s advanced forest product sector,” said Ian Dunn, R.P.F., President & CEO of the Ontario Forest Industries Association. “The Forest Access Roads Funding Program has been an incredibly successful public-private partnership… For every public dollar invested, the forest sector invests three.”

“Our government is doing our part and moving to strengthen Northern Ontario’s forestry sector,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With this $30 million investment, Ontario is driving economic growth and creating long-term opportunities for workers and communities.”

“This strategic $30 million is critical to the wellbeing of companies integral to the prosperity of Thunder Bay and region,” said Ken Boshcoff, Mayor of Thunder Bay. “It also provides access to the natural wonders of Northern Ontario for all to enjoy.”

“Enhancing the Forest Access Roads program is an investment in critical northern infrastructure that pays huge returns,” said Matt DeMille, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. “The broad multi-use benefits make it all the more significant.”

“This is not just about forestry—these investments are about people, communities, and access,” said Rick Dumas, President of NOMA and Mayor of Marathon. “Forest roads are lifelines in Northern Ontario… By investing in this infrastructure, the Province is strengthening the foundation of our entire region.”

“The sawmill chip program is a lifeline at a time when our pulp and paper sector is in transition,” added Danny Whalen, President of FONOM. “It keeps mills operating, safeguards jobs, and gives communities the stability they need while industry and government work on long-term solutions.”

Call for Federal Partnership

Queen’s Park is urging Ottawa to resolve the softwood lumber dispute, protect producers from potential Section 232 actions, and ensure federal forestry supports align with Canada’s housing goals—where Ontario lumber is pivotal.

By the Numbers

• $22B in Ontario forest-sector revenue (2023); ~128,000 jobs, many in Indigenous, rural and Northern communities.

• Programs since 2018: $72M+ via the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program; nearly $50M via the Forest Biomass Program (ongoing up to $20M/year).

• Roads program public–private leverage: $1 public : $3 industry (OFIA analysis).