The Ontario government is providing $5.1 million for Bioveld North for engineering work needed to potentially restart the Espanola pulp mill. “A successful restart would create a new regional anchor facility in northeastern Ontario, with the potential to create 400 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs,” the province said in a news release Sept. 3. “This Forest Biomass Program funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario forestry workers in the face of recent U.S. tariff attacks by building a more resilient, innovative and diversified forest sector, ready to compete in global markets.” “Upgrades that improve efficiency and reliability will enhance competitiveness, create new opportunities, and strengthen the forestry industry’s long-term resilience,” Bill Rosenburg, MPP, Algoma—Manitoulin, said in the release. “The province’s investment demonstrates that Bioveld, the Town of Espanola and the surrounding region is best placed to develop that hub,” added Espanola Mayor Douglas Gervais. The province said revitalizing the mill will help anchor long-term growth in Ontario’s forest sector, with the potential to restore demand for up to 1.8 million cubic metres of sustainably sourced wood each year.
