The Canadian Wood Council has received $1,231,800 in federal funding to support its mandate to promote wood as a beneficial construction material.
Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota made the announcement on May 10, while visiting the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit, which used wood prominently in its design and construction.
Of the funding, $1.2 million will go to the Ontario Wood WORKS! program, which promotes wood as an ideal choice and best value for construction, and helps to deliver a range of technical support, as well as educational and marketing communication services across Northern Ontario. In addition, the initiative also helps to promote the use of wood in mid-rise buildings, and identify system solutions for the construction of bridges and low-rise commercial buildings.
An additional $31,500 will go toward the hiring of a youth intern for a one-year period. Their role will be to help plan various activities and events, including the inaugural International Wood Educator Conference, identifying education and training opportunities related to wood design and innovation, as well as hosting seminars, workshops and a wood solutions fair and awards gala.
“The Ontario Wood WORKS! program is a proven economic driver that is helping to strengthen and grow Northern Ontario’s forestry and value-added wood sectors,” Marianne Berube, executive director of Ontario Wood WORKS!, in a news release.
“We are proud that our ongoing partnership with the Government of Canada through FedNor is generating meaningful results for the people, businesses and communities that depend on these important industries.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reported that, in 2017, Ontario's forest industry supports approximately 57,000 direct and 172,000 indirect jobs, while generating $15.5 billion in revenues from sales.
