The unsuccessful forestry business and community applicants who were in the mix to get a share of Ontario's unused Crown forest will be told one by one this fall that they are no longer in the running.
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry said on their website that they will begin notifying those who are not eligible to participate in the next stages of the province's competitive wood supply process.
The ministry states it is “now is a position to begin communicating with a number of proponents” who are not being considered in the process.
Last November, the province crafted a plan to put 11 million cubic metres of unused and underutilized wood across Ontario up for grabs in 41 management units, mostly in the North. Much of it has been left uncut following waves of forestry mill closures this decade.
The invitation attracted 115 submissions from companies and community groups before the March 31 deadline.
Their government's criteria for short-listing applicants comes down to management experience, financing and investment, economic and financial viabililty, operating feasibility, wood supply and Aboriginal benefits.
“These are difficult choices, but the result will be the selection of a mix of solid and innovative initiatives intended to strengthen Ontario's forest industry,” stated ministry comments on the website.
.jpeg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
