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Forest Fires

Massive expansion of restricted fire zone

THUNDER BAY — A huge additional swath of Northwestern Ontario, including the city of Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, will be under a fire ban as of midnight. The Ministry of Natural Resources announced Thursday it is extending its restricted fire zone in the region at the end of the day. In a related move, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue said it is also implementing a fire ban for the city. Starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, the fire ban will extend from its initial boundaries in the west to as far north as to include Wabakimi Provincial Park. …Chris Marchand, a regional fire information officer with the MNR’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services in Dryden said the region is exceedingly dry.

Limberlost Place: Inside Canada’s First Institutional Mass Timber Tower

George Brown College’s Limberlost Place is almost ready for occupancy. The innovative 10-storey mass timber tower is a collection of firsts for the college, the city, and even the country. …the building is loaded with sustainable design moves and boasts net-zero carbon emissions, a LEED Gold certification, and compliance with the Toronto Green Standard Tier 4. Most notably, it sets an important precedent as the first institutional mass timber tower in Canada. …The most striking aspect of the building is the quantity of exposed wood that is visible throughout. There was apparently no limit to the amount of timber that is left exposed as it is all typically treated with fire-retardant products, so the design team opted for roughly 50% of the structure to be exposed. This is complemented by wood wall and ceiling finishes, and accents throughout. There is no mistaking that this building is a showcase for the versatility of wood construction.

Highway reopened as fire burns near Churchill Falls

Emergency crews are dealing with a fire in the woods east of Churchill Falls — an area of central Labrador currently under an extreme fire risk warning. The provincial government confirmed the fire is moving east, away from the town. It said crews and two water bombers were deployed. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary closed part of the Trans-Labrador Highway between the company town and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 300 kilometres east along the isolated road, for a stint Wednesday night. It has since reopened. N.L. Hydro said helicopters fought the fire from the air. The fire knocked out the power in Labrador City and Wabush for nearly three hours. N.L. Hydro restored electricity to all customers shortly after 9 p.m.

Huge forest fire northwest of Kenora has grown

KENORA, Ontario – The wildfire north of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations is “being held” while the giant blaze west of the community is still a growing concern, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. An evacuation order for the area, including Wabaseemoong, remains in place. The ministry changed the status of Kenora 14, a 1,600-hectare fire north of Wabaseemoong, last week to “being held.” The status means Kenora 14 is not likely to spread beyond existing boundaries under current weather conditions. …MNR fire information officer Alison Bezubiak said Kenora 20, on the other hand, has grown a little to more than 32,000 hectares – 29,729 hectares in Ontario, the remainder in Manitoba. The northeast end of the wildfire is within two kilometres of the community, she said. “Fire Ranger crews have completed values protection with sprinklers on all structures within the community and helicopter bucketing is ongoing on hot spots nearest to the community,” she added.

Ontario PCS Protect Jobs and Drive Innovation in the Forest Sector

The Ontario PC government is protecting good-paying jobs and building a stronger, more competitive forest sector by investing $11.3 million in innovation, clean energy, and modernization initiatives in northeastern Ontario. This strategic investment will boost efficiency, unlock new revenue streams, and create jobs—while helping ensure Ontario remains a leader in sustainable forestry. Funding will support the following organizations and projects: Hornepayne Power Inc. – $7.5 million to upgrade power generation equipment and expand into on-site green hydrogen production; GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. – Nearly $3 million, plus an additional $130,000, to modernize its biomass cogeneration plant and scale up production of torrefied pellets, a clean, renewable alternative to coal; Circular Carbon Canada Inc. – $500,000 to study the viability of using sawmills to host biochar-producing pyrolysis plants; and Wikwemikong Development Commission – $200,000 to advance the development of a new wood pellet and bio-coal production facility.

2025 International Model Forest Network Global Forum

The Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) and the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) are honoured to be organizing the 2025 International Model Forest Network (IMFN) Global Forum to take place from May 26-30^th, 2025 in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada at the Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre. The event will attract up to 200 delegates representing over 60 Model Forests from over 30 countries around the world. The IMFN Global Forum is a business, technical, and networking meeting in which members share knowledge, review their accomplishments, address challenges, and agree on Network‐wide and other strategic plans and initiatives for the three‐year period following the Global Forum. …The 2025 IMFN Global Forum will include a series of parallel regional annual governance meetings, a multi-day IMFN Global Forum / IMFN Assembly, an IMFN Climate knowledge consolidation workshop, as well as several one-day field tour options within the host Model Forest to learn from local experiences and landscape governance processes.

Northwest Region Wildfire Update: 12 Active Fires, Hazard Remains Extreme as Crews Battle New Starts

Thunder Bay – The Northwest Fire Region continues to face escalating wildfire activity, with 12 active fires currently being managed across the region. According to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, 4 of the fires are not under control, 3 are being held, and 5 are under control. As of Tuesday evening, five new wildland fires were confirmed: THUNDER BAY 13: Located at the south end of Dog Lake in Silver Falls Provincial Park, this 0.1-hectare fire is not under control. NIPIGON 3: Located 2 km west of Longlac, along the north end of Long Lake, this 0.1-hectare fire remains uncontrolled. RED LAKE 9: Found on the east side of Pikangikum First Nation beside Pikangikum Lake, this 0.1-hectare fire is now out. …The wildland fire hazard is high to extreme across most of the Northwest Region, driven by persistent dry conditions and strong winds.

Related coverage in Kenora Online: Poor air quality expected in Fort Frances, Kenora areas due to forest fires

La Pêche Town Hall to become first Passive House-certified institutional building in Quebec

The new La Pêche Town Hall, built on a promontory facing Route Principale, is a mass timber, highly energy-efficient building that will soon become the first Passive House-certified institutional building in Quebec. Rectangular in shape and located on an east-west axis, the building, by BGLA architecture + urban design, features a long façade which faces directly south onto the main road. This façade offers views of the hills of Gatineau Park from the inside, while also using natural solar gain to serve as the building’s primary heating source. The presence of wood is felt inside and outside the project. Eastern cedar cladding envelops all the façades, while the glulam and cross-laminated timber structure is exposed and highlighted in each of the interior spaces.

Digging deep: Fieldwork helping Canada prepare for a hotter, drier future

A love of the outdoors and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on communities affected by climate change keeps Greg Verkaik going back to Western Canada. The PhD student studies peatlands and their role in wildfires. Climate change isn’t an abstract concept in his research, it’s something he’s been seeing and experiencing in the landscapes he’s visited since 2018 as part of this work. The 2025 wildfire season is already shaping up to be another intense year for Canada. Early signs point to another active and dangerous season, particularly in Western Canada. As peatlands dry and fire seasons lengthen, the risk of deep-burning, smouldering fires – the kind that can persist underground and reignite months later, continues to grow. This only strengthens Verkaik’s commitment to his research, which aims to better understand how peatlands influence wildfire behaviour and how they might be managed to reduce risk.

CLT superstructure ready to rise on former parking lot in Kensington Market

This summer a superstructure for a four-storey housing complex will rise on a former public parking lot in Toronto’s Kensington Market. What is novel about the 78-unit affordable housing project is that, other than a concrete foundation, it will be constructed of cross-laminated timber (CLT), including the elevator core. Design firm Montgomery Sisam Architects chose a CLT superstructure (floors, roof, exterior walls) partly because it can be erected by a single trade in six to eight weeks, rather than the months required for conventional concrete construction, says Daniel Ling, a principal of Montgomery Sisam. The complex, which is being built under the City of Toronto’s Rapid Housing Initiative phase three, also earns sustainability credentials. The embodied carbon intensity targeted for the CLT exceeds the “extra-low emission requirements” under the Toronto Green Standard.

Ontario government will spend more—for less housing

To state the obvious, in Ontario homebuilding is not keeping pace with population growth. This imbalance is driving sky-high home prices and rents, not only in the GTA but many other Ontario cities. What’s to be done? In the Ford government’s recent budget, “housing” appears not as a central theme but as one of several areas to receive “support” in light of Trump’s tariffs, mainly in the form of more money for local infrastructure. …And as part of this “housing” spending spree, the Ford government will continue to spend millions on the Community Infrastructure Fund—which targets smaller communities—and programs to encourage skilled trades, which could support housing development. … The Ontario government has already spent billions on its housing strategy, yet has not moved the needle on housing supply. Even Ford’s new budget with its massive housing “support” includes an abysmal forecast for new home construction.

“Fire is not inherently bad” says Fire Archeologist

Chief Joanne Miles of the Flat Bay Band says people in her community have practiced low-intensity controlled burning for as long as she can remember. When done correctly, she says this can prevent devastating wildfires. The knowledge of how this is done has been passed down through generations. …Several factors are considered before starting a low-intensity controlled burn, Miles said. Elders in her area have learned the seasonal patterns, the moisture levels of the ground and plants, and how to recognize wind changes. Miles said this practice is the reason the Flat Bay area has hardly seen any major forest fires. …Some tribal nations have retained knowledge of the burning connection they had with the Earth, Renick said. The knowledge of others was decimated through colonization, she said.

Province investing more than $11M in forestry projects

The province is doling out more than $11 million to support projects that innovate and modernize forestry operations in northeastern Ontario. On May 21, the province announced $11.3 million for five projects through its Forest Biomass Program, which it says will create jobs, increase productivity, and identify new revenue streams. Hornepayne Power Inc. will receive the largest chunk, $7.5 million, which will be used to upgrade power generation equipment at its plant and support research into on-site green hydrogen production. GreenFirst Forest Products Inc., is receiving nearly $3 million to upgrade its biomass cogeneration plant, and an additional $130,000, which will be used to research the use of mill byproducts for torrefied pellets. Circular Carbon Canada Inc. is receiving $500,000 to study northeast sawmills as potential sites for pyrolysis plants, which use forest biomass to produce biochar, which is a substance used in power generation, soil amendment and water filtration.

Inauguration of Carbonity, Canada’s first industrial-scale Biochar Plant: A Concrete Solution to Regenerate Soils and Sequester Carbon

PORT-CARTIER, QC – Airex Energy, an innovative leader in the development of world-class decarbonization solutions, Groupe Rémabec, a cornerstone of Quebec’s forest industry committed to responsible transformation and decarbonization, and SUEZ, a global leader in circular solutions for water and waste, are inaugurating Carbonity today—the first industrial-scale biochar plant in Canada, located in Port-Cartier. Born from a partnership between the three companies, the plant begins with an annual production capacity of 10,000 tonnes of biochar, which is expected to triple by 2026, making it the largest facility of its kind in North America—and one of the most important globally. Biochar is recognized by the IPCC as one of the most effective technologies to combat climate change due to its long-term carbon sequestration capacity. In addition, its many benefits enhance agricultural resilience, drive sustainable innovation in construction and urban development, and support the decarbonization of heavy industries.

Province invests millions in new uses for forestry by-products

The adage that one person’s waste is another’s treasure was proved true on Wednesday, May 21, when the province announced millions in investments in forestry biomass. Forestry biomass refers to forestry by-products that are not used in traditional wood-processing industries like sawing, veneering and pulp and paper. Examples include: crowns, branches, bark, sawdust, wood shavings, and wood chips. It is used in everything from food additives to building materials. It also has many emerging uses, including renewable natural gas, bioplastics and hydrogen, considered to be responsible alternatives to carbon-intensive products. The government says their aim is to protect workers and jobs in the forestry sector… The program has invested up to $20 million each year in projects to increase wood harvest, create forest sector opportunity and find new uses for wood in collaboration with stakeholders, industry and Indigenous communities. Find the press release here.

Wildfires push tropical forest destruction to 20-year high

Wildfires push tropical forest destruction to 20-year high in 2024, just as EU delays anti-deforestation rules. In related news: the long shadow of of last summer’s Jasper wildfire; the downside of merging the US wildland firefighting agencies; and the wildfire evacuation order in Northwest Ontario is lifted. Meanwhile: BC Timber Sales pauses logging in caribou habitat; and Indigenous groups send eviction notice to Quebec forest companies.

In Business news: Domtar nears decision on converting Quebec mill to containerboard; the US budget bill may cut funds for private forest owners; US single-family home size trends higher; the outlook for US housing and duties keep lumber prices volatile; and the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s Executive Director Mark Pearson is retiring.

Finally, both Swinerton  and Mercer celebrate mass timber building completion milestones.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Domtar nears decision on converting Quebec mill to containerboard

Domtar appears close to making a final decision about whether to convert its newsprint mill in Gatineau, Quebec, to a containerboard mill. …Last week, Unifor concluded labor negotiations with Domtar regarding the Gatineau site, and the final contract will likely be published by month’s end, said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec director. As part of the labor arrangement, agreed not to bargain, lock out or strike for eight years — on the condition that Domtar would move forward with the mill conversion, Cloutier said. Domtar agreed to proceed with the mill conversion investment, Cloutier said, although the company has not issued a final decision. Unifor anticipates that should come by autumn, if not earlier. …”one thing that could help them to make that decision was the guarantee that they will have no conflicts at [the] Gatineau plant while they proceed with the construction of the new facility,” he said.

Evacuation alert lifted in district

A drop in temperatures and some precipitation has reduced the fire hazard in the region, prompting an evacuation alert in the Northwest to be lifted. On Sunday, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) lifted an evacuation alert issued last week for the Fort Frances District. The alert was implemented due to a 3,500-hectare fire burning south of Atikokan. There has been no growth observed in that fire for several days and precipitation and cooler weather has reduced fire behaviour. An evacuation order remains in effect for an area northwest of Kenora near the Ontario and Manitoba border due to the wildfire designated Kenora 20. It is a 400-square-kilometre fire burning south of Wabaseemoong First Nation that is not considered under control. The community of Wabaseemoong First Nation was evacuated late last week and structural protection efforts remain ongoing.

Indigenous groups send eviction notice to Quebec forestry companies

Two Indigenous organizations have issued eviction notices to a number of Quebec forestry companies in the province’s Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Mauricie and Côte-Nord regions. The Mamo alliance and the Association des Gardiens du territoire Nehirowisiw Aski sent the notices to 11 companies. The notices ordered the companies to immediately remove their workers and equipment from unceded Indigenous territory. The letters are a response to the Quebec government’s proposed forestry reform, which has drawn opposition from environmentalists and First Nations. The reform would include creating so-called “priority forest management zones” set aside for the logging industry.

Wildfire response training should be made available to more civilians, experts say

As wildfire season begins in Ontario, some experts say more civilians in northern and remote regions should be given training and opportunities to become wildfires response volunteers, despite liability concerns. The province saw over 475 fires last year that scorched 90,000 hectares, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. …Fighting wildfires is usually done by firefighters hired or contracted by Ontario or other provincial governments — and in worse cases the Canadian Armed Forces help out. But giving residents the capacity to respond as well is something that could reduce the impact of wildfires, says Jason Thistlethwaite, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo’s school of environment. …The problem is that responders and municipalities have issued advice against it because of the liability concerns, he said.

Tall order: Prefabricated mass-timber buildings could save time, money — and carbon emissions This mass timber office by Moriyama Teshima impresses with flexible design and tons of natural light

Moriyama Teshima Architects, in collaboration with Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning, has completed the new headquarters for the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) in Toronto. Within a state-of-the-art mass timber structure, the relocation and revitalization of the organization’s central office is united with new commercial tenancy opportunities. The three-story, 124,000-square-foot building reflects a close connection to natural elements, prioritizing health, wellness, and sustainability through natural light, flexibility of use, and innovative technology. The 40,000-square-foot workplace interior by Kasian was driven by a strong focus on the human experience, while also blending functionality with a timeless aesthetic. The new offices are located on the north side of the building and span four floors. …The building’s infrastructure is concealed beneath elegant finishes, leaving the wooden ceiling exposed. Its raised floor system allows all services to run beneath the floor, eliminating overhead ducts and conduits.

In Canada’s housing crisis, are modular homes a cheaper and faster solution?

TORONTO — Advocates and experts say while there is no single solution to the homelessness crisis… prefabricated homes could play a significant role in addressing the shortage of affordable and supportive housing. “The modular definitely helps because the faster construction is, the least expensive it is,” Andrea Adams, the executive director of the non-profit developer St. Clare’s said. …Ontario’s housing crisis has been an ongoing issue for years, and some experts say modular housing could play a crucial role in addressing the problem. …Prime Minister Carney promised a housing plan that would yield 500,000 new homes annually and provide $25 billion in loans for companies that make factory-built homes. Carney said he aims to create an “entirely new Canadian housing industry” around modular housing, using Canadian lumber, skilled workers and technology. Ontario Premier Ford also promised $50 million to support modular housing technology.

Forest Products Association of Canada expands scientific team with addition of Dr. Darren Sleep

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Darren Sleep as our Chief Scientist, Forest Ecology and Conservation. Dr. Sleep has extensive experience working with the forest sector across North America… Prior to joining FPAC, he served as the Lead Scientist with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) based in Ottawa and as the Principal Scientist with National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) in Montreal. …At FPAC, Dr. Sleep will emphasize the ecological, environmental, and socioeconomic advantages of sustainable forest management, guided by robust ecological science and knowledge. He is committed to the role of sound science to inform decision-making and passionately advocates for sustainable forest management as a solution to global challenges. “Dr. Sleep’s expertise in sustainable forest management is vital as we address policy challenges like housing affordability, rural development, employment, emissions reductions, and wildfire resilience,” said Derek Nighbor, FPAC President and CEO.

Wildfires in Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout, Ont., districts force evacuation alert, travel restrictions

Evacuation and travel alerts have been issued in the Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout districts in northwestern Ontario as wildfires grow in both areas. As of Thursday morning, 10 forest fires are burning in the northwest region, and half of them aren’t under control. In the Sioux Lookout district, Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) issued an implementation order Wednesday evening. It includes the area around the fire known as Sioux Lookout 3, which was first reported on Tuesday afternoon. The fire is burning north of Savant Lake, covering over 2,000 hectares of land. Ontario Provincial Police have closed Highway 599 and travel is restricted on Highway 516 east of Houghton Lake. Further south, the Fort Frances 4 wildfire is covering over 3,200 hectares. The MNR issued an evacuation alert Wednesday afternoon, encouraging people to prepare to evacuate on short notice. Fort Frances 4 is burning just north of Crystal Lake and is not under control.

Work Progressing on Atlantic Wildfire Centre as Forest Fire Season Comes into Effect in Labrador

Forest fire season begins in Labrador today, May 15. Fire season on the Island of Newfoundland began April 24 and is now in effect throughout the entire province until September 30. A burn permit is required to burn vegetation, wood and paper products during forest fire season. …Trained and dedicated wildland firefighters and aerial resources including water bombers and helicopters are strategically located throughout the province and ready to respond to wildfires. …Budget 2025 allocates $4.2 million towards the Atlantic Wildfire Centre, with a total federal-provincial commitment of $32 million until 2030 to increase resources, enhance training and strengthen the province’s ability to tackle wildfires at home and away. Work on the Atlantic Wildfire Centre is well underway. …More than 60 wildfires have been recorded on the Island of Newfoundland so far this season. One fire has been reported in Labrador to date. 

A ‘moving forest’ featuring 50 maple trees in shopping carts is coming to Toronto

An upcoming art installation in Toronto aims to spark city-wide engagement around greenery and draw attention to the way that trees impact physical and mental health in urban settings. Designed by architects from the Netherlands, the Moving Forest is a mobile project featuring 50 red, silver, sugar and Autumn Blaze maple trees planted in shopping carts travelling through the city for eight weeks, highlighting the importance of trees and shade. …“The project reminds us that as our cities continue to warm and densify, we must ensure that we are prioritizing green infrastructure along with grey,” the project website reads.

Truck Loggers Association Statement on New Provincial Forest Advisory Council May 15, 2025

For 82 years, the TLA’s long history of supporting the forward movement of BC’s forest sector with the core objective of ensuring the ongoing prosperity of the contracting community and the people working in it, has been to the overall benefit of our forests. BC’s forest sector is wrestling with difficult and challenging conditions caused by many factors including changes in government policies, increasing complexity, conflicting mandates, and ever-increasing cost structures. We are overdue for a comprehensive overhaul of the current environment we deal with and the need to return to a dedicated vision towards renewed prosperity. However, today’s announcement of the new Provincial Forest Advisory Council (PFAC), yet another committee to review BC’s forest sector and provide recommendations to the Minister of Forests, is of concern. Notably, the advisory council does not include representation from boots-on-the-ground, independent contractors who can provide a valuable perspective on the impacts of potential changes.

GreenFirst Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2025

TORONTO, ON — GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. announced results for the first quarter ended March 29, 2025. The Company’s interim financial statements  and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the first quarter ended March 29, 2025 are available on GreenFirst’s website at www.greenfirst.ca and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Q1 2025 net income from continuing operations was $0.9 million or $0.04 earnings per share (diluted), compared to net loss of $26.6 million or $1.39 loss per share (diluted) in Q4 2024. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for Q1 2025 was positive $5.1 million compared to negative $0.9 million in Q4 2024. Benchmark prices saw increases during the quarter which resulted in an average realized lumber prices of $729/mfbm for Q1 2025 which was higher than the $680/mfbm pricing realized in Q4 2024.

Custom Installations at a New Brunswick Tree Nursery and Elementary School Highlight Versatility of Pellet Heat

Two new installations for Biomass Solutions Biomasse (BSB) at Kingsclear Tree Nursery and nearby Hanwell Park Academy school use low-carbon, locally sourced wood pellets to help reseed tomorrow’s forests and educate future community leaders in central New Brunswick. “We’re helping to fuel the future… At the nursery, it’s the full cycle, growing trees and using waste wood to help them grow. At the school, we provide a low-carbon heat source for New Brunswick children who will need a society less dependent on non-renewable energy,” said Jonathan Levesque, BSB General Manager. “The potential of biomass to help our future in Canada is bigger than people imagine.” The New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan aims to reduce the use of fossil fuels in public buildings. The province decided to tender a low-carbon biomass heating system retrofit at the nursery.

Evacuations ordered due to forest fire out of control near Ontario towns

Evacuations are being ordered or recommended for residents near a forest fire burning out of control and under extreme heat warnings and an air quality statement in western Ontario. Ontario Forest Fires issued an evacuation alert on Tuesday for residents and cottagers near Kenora, with the province saying firefighters are battling a fire dubbed KEN020 that’s seen “increased fire behaviour.” Residents in multiple municipalities are now being “strongly encouraged to evacuate,” the province says, while others are under evacuation orders, according to firefighters. Pellatt United Firefighters says there is an official evacuation notice in effect for Rice Lake, Malachi and Ottermere.

Additional coverage from CBC: Large northwestern Ontario forest fire prompts evacuation

Bill 97: Unifor Quebec denounces a failed reform and calls for a fair, sustainable, and inclusive forestry regime

Unifor joined a press conference with a broad coalition of key stakeholders in Quebec’s forestry sector opposed to Bill 97, tabled by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. Although long awaited, this bill in its current form is doomed to failure. It neglects to address the environmental challenges facing the entire forestry industry, as well as the sector’s pressing economic and social needs. “Despite the minister’s claims, this bill fails to protect jobs and will only add fuel to existing tensions with many partners in the forestry sector,” said Daniel Cloutier, Quebec Director of Unifor. …Unifor is calling for a forestry reform tied to a new industrial strategy that ensures a reliable supply of timber, revitalizes local processing, and strengthens protection of natural ecosystems. The future of our jobs, our communities, and our public forests depends on it.

New funding announced for worker safety in mining and forestry

Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced $6.78 million in funding to protect people in Ontario’s natural resources sector. The funding plan was revealed during the recent Workplace Safety North annual Mining Health and Safety Conference at Science North. In what was described as a strategic, provincewide collaboration, the WSIB has partnered with Workplace Safety North (WSN) and the Institute for Work and Health (IWH) to lead a proactive campaign aimed at enhancing hygiene monitoring practices and reducing exposure to harmful workplace hazards, said the news release from WSN. …The initiative, which is spearheaded by WSN, is to focus on high-risk sectors such as mining and forestry, where workers continue to face some of the highest rates of occupational illness fatalities in Ontario. 

Biochar could put Espanola on the comeback trail

A leading clean-technology company looks to be the first tenant of a proposed bio-hub complex at the former Espanola pulp and paper mill. CHAR Technologies is focusing on setting up shop at the idled Espanola site to produce renewable natural gas and a bio-coal product from residual wood waste. The innovative Toronto company has teamed up with the BMI Group, the property’s pending new owners, to be co-developers in creating a renewable energy production facility at the mill site, now being dubbed Bioveld North. BMI is in the process of buying the property from Domtar, which closed the mill in 2023. The deal is expected to close this month. Last week, the two companies inked a “strategic partnership” agreement that involves BMI making a $2-million investment in CHAR to become a major shareholder and help fast-track CHAR’s flagship Thorold facility into commercial production later this year.

Related coverage: New products, new name, new life for the Domtar Mill in Espanola

Favourable winds, suppression efforts keep large forest fire away from northwestern Ontario First Nation

Favourable winds and provincial firefighting efforts have led to the cancellation of a stage one evacuation for Wabaseemoong Independent Nations as a large forest fire burns nearby. The fire, known as Kenora 14, was discovered on Thursday 12 kilometres from Wabaseemoong. It has since grown to more than 1,000 hectares in size, and is not under control. “We had another update meeting (Sunday) morning, and it looked promising that we won’t have to do any evacuation,” said Waylon Scott, chief of Wabaseemoong. “We were at the midst of doing a stage one evacuation, which is basically the vulnerable population.” Scott said the evacuation has now been put on hold. Chris Marchand, fire information officer with Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES), said southerly winds have kept the fire from advancing any closer to Wabaseemoong, and helped keep smoke out of the community.

Ministry of Natural Resources makes progress on a 1,300-hectare forest fire

KENORA — The largest wildfire of the season in Northwestern Ontario has consumed 1,300 hectares of forest, but Ministry of Natural Resources crews have been aided by more favourable weather conditions. Heading into the weekend, there were concerns about the fire’s proximity to Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, as it was only 12 kilometres to the south and the fire was exhibiting some extreme behaviour. However, there was minimal growth on the fire’s perimeter on Saturday, and the wind changed direction, blowing from the south to direct fire activity and smoke away from the community. The MNR expects southerly winds will persist for a few days.

Highway 11 in Northwestern Ontario closed due to forest fire

ATIKOKAN — A forest fire forced the closure of a section of Highway 11 in Northwestern Ontario. Ontario 511 reported the closure of both lanes of the highway at 5:27 pm EDT Monday. The road was blocked between Highway 623 at Sapawe and Highway 633 near Kawene. According to witnesses at the scene, Ministry of Natural Resources waterbombers were working steadily on the fire. The MNR estimated the fire had burned 180 hectares by 8:30 pm, and listed the outbreak as “not under control.”

Mass timber takes root in two Sudbury industrial builds

SUDBURY, Ontario — Structural steel has long been the material of choice for industrial buildings in Sudbury, but Bloomington Developments has stepped out of that comfort zone to build two industrial buildings in mass timber. The larger project is a 48,000-square-foot two-storey industrial/commercial building comprised of cross-laminated timber (CLT) that will be completed by the end of the year. …While the building will be clad in a Canadian-sourced insulated steel panel system, the interior will largely consist of exposed CLT. Danielson, says initially the Sudbury warehouse on Cambrian Heights Drive and a smaller CLT building in Herold Industrial Park were specified in steel but the pandemic struck causing steel prices to soar and supply to dwindle. “That prompted our search for alternatives,” Danielson says, noting “a cold call” to Montreal-based Nordic Structures led to collaboration with the architectural firm.

Quebec lends forest fire teams to battle blazes in Saskatchewan and Ontario

Quebec’s forest fire prevention agency says it is sending reinforcements to Ontario and Saskatchewan to help teams fight several forest and brush fires. Two CL-415 firefighting aircraft and their crews will head to Dryden, Ont., while two other of the same aircraft will head to Meadow Lake, Sask. Quebec’s forest fire prevention agency, known as SOPFEU, says the teams departed Sunday from Quebec City. The agency says the current situation in Quebec allows for resources to head to other provinces. In Ontario, there were six active fires burning across the province shortly before noon Sunday, including one in Haliburton, located about 170 km north of Oshawa, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources’ interactive map. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Public Safety map showed there were 18 active wildfires burning Sunday, for a total of 142 fires since the season began on April 1. There were 19 active fires burning in Saskatchewan on Saturday.

Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews battling two large forest fires

The Ministry of Natural Resources is dealing with a couple of large forest fires. Kenora Fire #14 near Whitedog has been remapped to almost one thousand hectares. Right now, the First Nation of Wabaseemoong is not being threatened, and air quality has improved with shifting winds. An Emergency Area Order has been issued for that part of the province. …In the meantime, 11 fire ranger crews have been assigned to the forest fire and four helicopters are being used. Three more aircraft have also been dispatched. The other significant fire is Dryden fire #5, which is located on Sturgeon Lake, about 62 kilometers north of Ignace. It’s currently about 70 hectares in size and not under control, but the MNR says it’s responding well to the use of water bombers.

Additional coverage in CBC News: Favourable winds, suppression efforts keep large forest fire away from northwestern Ontario First Nation