ENGLEHART (News release) -- The Ontario government is investing $10 million in Georgia-Pacific North Woods to advance a major $191 million upgrade to its oriented strand board (OSB) plant. The project will support the increased production of Ontario-made wood products and protect more than 220 jobs and hundreds of indirect jobs in the region. As part of the government's plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help forest sector businesses adapt, compete and grow to stay resilient in the face of U.S. tariffs.
"Our government is investing in the tools and technology to transform how our forest sector remains competitive in today's challenging and evolving markets," said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. "This investment is delivering on our roadmap by putting underused wood to work, strengthening supply chains and supporting the production of high-quality, Ontario-made forest products."
The government's investment under the Forest Biomass Program will support Georgia-Pacific's $191 million project, helping modernize and expand operations at its Englehart facility. The project includes upgrades to log processing operations, construction of new facilities, expansion of on-site storage and modern equipment. Once completed, these improvements will increase production by 14 per cent, strengthening a key anchor facility in the northeast. Georgia-Pacific will also acquire a thermal energy system to use wood by-products for heat and power, supporting sustainable forest management by maximizing fibre value.
"Local facilities like this one are critical to Ontario's regional economic stability," said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. "By investing in upgrades that boost performance and expand these operations, we are protecting good-paying jobs and ensuring communities continue to benefit from a strong, competitive forest sector."
Investing in Georgia-Pacific North Woods advances the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario's Forest Sector, the government's plan to Defend, Adapt and Grow the industry and to maintain Ontario's position as a G7 leader in making and selling forest products. The province will continue to make strategic investments that protect forestry jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Quick Facts
- The forest sector is an essential industry, generating almost $21 billion in business revenue and supporting close to 155,000 jobs.
- The government released the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario's Forest Sector on April 28, setting out a 10-year plan to maintain Ontario's position as a G7 leader in making and selling wood products, with the competitive excellence and transformative technologies to unlock new global markets.
- Ontario's Forest Biomass Program invests up to $20 million each year in projects that increase biomass usage, create forest sector opportunity and find new uses for wood in collaboration with stakeholders, industry and Indigenous communities.
- Since its 2023 launch, the Forest Biomass Program has committed over $65 million in targeted investments to more than 55 projects, securing close to $250 million in additional external funding and creating more than 110 new jobs.
- This Forest Biomass Program funding for Georgia-Pacific North Woods follows the government's recent investment of $5.5 million in Greenwater Technology to develop a commercial pathway for biofuel production in the forest sector.
Quotes
"Through strategic initiatives like the Forest Biomass Program, we're helping create the conditions for companies to invest with confidence and keep our forestry sector competitive. Georgia-Pacific North Woods doubling down on northeastern Ontario is a strong example of what happens when government and the private sector work together to strengthen communities, protect good-paying jobs and encourage long-term economic growth."
- George Pirie
Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth
"Georgia-Pacific Englehart is pleased to partner with the government of Ontario on our green end project. The government is committed to working with us to continue to grow and modernize the forestry sector through strategic innovation. This new investment helps secure our long-term position as a leader in the Ontario forestry sector."
- John B. Beers III
President, Structural Panels, Georgia-Pacific
"Ontario's investment in Georgia-Pacific North Woods is welcome news for Englehart and area, as well as the surrounding forest based economy. It reflects the importance of Northern communities and shows a commitment to strengthening the long term economic vitality of our region."
- Douglas Metson
Mayor, Englehart
"The Forest Biomass Program continues to be a catalyst for innovation across the province. Today's investment in Georgia-Pacific North Woods demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to Ontario's forest industry - maximizing the value of our forest resources while strengthening the local supply chain. Continued industry modernization and investment will ensure that our sector remains competitive and ready to meet the growing demand for Ontario-made forest products."
- Ian Dunn
President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association
"FONOM welcomes this investment in Georgia-Pacific North Woods and the province's continued support for Ontario's forest sector. Forestry is the backbone of many Northern Ontario communities, and investments that modernize mills and protect jobs help ensure long-term economic stability and growth across the North."
- David Plourde
President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities
