Provincial funding will help the mill increase its competitiveness, boost productivity and protect the forestry sector

KENOGAMI — The Ontario government is investing $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Kirkland Lake Forest Products install advanced manufacturing equipment at its mill in Kenogami. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and strengthen the province’s forestry sector, this investment will help Kirkland Lake Forest Products improve operations and boost competitiveness in the global market.

“At a time when U.S. tariffs are putting a strain on northern industries, our government is using the NOHFC to make strategic investments that support our forestry sector,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our $1 million investment will help Kirkland Lake Forest Products upgrade its operations and remain competitive in a challenging trade environment.”

Kirkland Lake Forest Products is a softwood lumber finger joint mill that produces a range of high-quality products. The NOHFC funding will help the company buy an AI-powered scanner optimizer and additional manufacturing equipment to improve efficiency. The new tools will also help Kirkland Lake Forest Products save money, enhance productivity and become a more viable mill moving forward.

“Forestry and forest products play a vital role in Ontario’s economy and are the backbone of many Northern communities. Our government is working across all sectors to protect Ontario and making strategic investments that help forest sector businesses modernize, remain competitive and withstand global trade pressures like U.S. tariffs,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “This investment in advanced manufacturing equipment at Kirkland Lake Forest Products will help strengthen Ontario’s wood supply chain and ensure our forestry sector continues to deliver economic growth and opportunity for northern families for years to come.”

“Kirkland Lake Forest Products, like many forest industry businesses, faces unprecedented challenges with today’s tariff environment for lumber products,” said Claude Perron, President of Kirkland Lake Forest Products. “Sustaining, and in fact growing the business is crucial to our team, their families and the communities where we work. Without the support of our government leaders, the efforts our leadership team and staff have made may not have had the same positive outcome. We are grateful for the support of the NOHFC and the action the Government of Ontario has taken to support the forest industries in Northern Ontario.”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in 8,079 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.

Quotes

“Forestry is vital to our community and has been for generations. We are thrilled to see today’s announcement that our government is investing in our local Kirkland Lake Forest Products. This investment will not only bolster our local economy but also preserve the legacy and sustainability of our forestry industry. It demonstrates a firm commitment to supporting the livelihoods of those who have depended on this industry for years and ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from our rich natural resources.”

– Dan Laverdure, Director of Development and Enterprise Services, Town of Kirkland Lake

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.