March 15, 2011
By: Ron Grech
Resourcefulness becomes second nature when you grow up on a farm, says Normand Lacroix from the Hearst area of Northern Ontario.
“You develop a sense of débrouillardise,” Lacroix explained, using a French term for ingenuity. “We fabricated what we needed and always had to find our own solution” to any challenges that arose.
The qualities Lacroix learned growing up on his parents’ dairy farm in Hearst have resurfaced time and time again as he continues to tap into new business opportunities and build upon them.
He co-owns a logging operation with his brother Sylvain which indirectly feeds a value-added wood products plant – Industries LacWood – of which Lacroix is sole owner.
Industries LacWood employs about 60 people and produces shelving and bed slats for IKEA Furniture, as well as the EZ’nOrganized product line, kindling wood and core boxes for the mining industry.
Last year, the business added another product line – producing pellets from wood shavings.
“It’s the shavings produced from the value-added products that we’re selling,” Lacroix explained.
Those pellets are sold mainly as fuel for wood pellet boilers or pellet stoves, and lately, bedding for horse stables.
The recent provincial wood supply competition saw an influx of wood pellet-making plants being proposed.
Lacroix believes the only way these operations can be profitable is if they are developed in conjunction with another product line.
“I don’t see where cutting a tree to make pellets would be a feasible business unless you have a special contract with a corporation that is willing to pay for that activity.”
Growing up, Lacroix said he has always industrious with his time but also mindful of managing his own business. When he was not toiling on the farm, he was working in the bush as a cutter.
In 1980, he started a grain transport business called West-East, delivering grain from Thunder Bay to supply feed mills in communities throughout northeastern Ontario and northwestern Quebec.
He did that for seven years before buying a logging operation in 1988.
“I always liked working in the bush and had the opportunity to buy a business that was already established.”
That was Kenogami Lake Lumber which he and his brother Sylvain co-own.
They sell the bulk of their logs to the Olav Haavaldsrud Timber Company sawmill in Hornepayne which in turn produces the two-by-fours required by Industries LacWood for its value-added products.
Industries LacWood was started with Lacroix being spurred on by the Hearst Economic Development Corporation.
“A few people from the economic development office in Hearst heard about the fact IKEA wanted to establish a factory in Eastern Canada. They met with IKEA and asked about the product they wanted to be produced in this new factory, got some samples. And then they came to me because they knew I had in mind to develop a factory that involved the manufacturing of value-added wood products.
“Finally, we started the business in a temporary location in April 2005. We built a new facility at the end of that year and we’re now located in that new factory.”
His wife Denise is also a long-standing partner in the Lacroix’s business ventures.
“We always work together since we started the grain business.”
They have three grown-up children, a daughter Isabelle, and two sons Conrad and Steve. Conrad is as an accountant but is also involved in the wood pellet side of the family-run business. Steve is a mechanical engineer who also serves as general manager for Industries LacWood.
Emerging from a challenging period for Canada’s forest industry – a period in which his business expanded – Lacroix foresees positive developments ahead.
“As it looks now, we are hoping to increase volume,” he said. “When we started in business, our main customer was the U.S. and that put a lot of pressure when we had slower activity in the U.S.” with the crash of the housing market. “But today, we see an increase because we’re selling to the whole North American market and we’re also shipping to the U.K., Germany and even Asia through IKEA furniture.” <>
Showing posts with label Hearst. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hearst. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Short-Rotation Woody Crops Field Day and Exhibition
Short-Rotation Woody Crops Field Day and Exhibition
Hearst, ON, September 28, 2010
Staff from Natural Resources Canada and the Town of Hearst co-hosted a one day event showcasing concentrated woody biomass (short rotation coppice) for bioenergy and bioproducts on September 28th, in Hearst, Ontario. They played host to upwards of 75 participants and guests from all over Ontario and Quebec. People in attendance included the staff from the OMNR, NRCan, energy and manufacturing sector, regional municipalities, forest consultants and their affiliates, private growers, interested NGO’s, and researchers. Presenters included staff from both organizations hosting the event as well as industry, consultants and owner-operators.
The host site is owned by Villeneuve Construction Ltd. and is one of four sites established under the Bioenergy Plantation Project for Northern Ontario. Funding for this 4-year project is provided in large part by Natural Resources Canada, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and FedNor, with each of the 4 partners contributing funding as well. Clients were given presentations in the morning at the university auditorium on a variety of topics including: short rotation coppice willow/hybrid poplar establishment; growth and yield; site and clone suitability; propagation options, methods and techniques for maintenance; input costs and economics (feasibility of such plantation ventures); carbon measurement and monitoring practices and protocols; biomass production systems; and harvest and recovery systems. Other topics included presentations by an owner-operator in southern Quebec, Cochrane Power Corporation and Anderson Group (commercially available bio-baler harvester). Demonstrations of mechanized approaches to establishment, cultivation techniques and harvesting systems were also included in the afternoon field visit of the plantation site.
For lunch, participants were served locally made burgers and sausages cooked on-site under a very welcoming tent. The weather was rather cool and windy. However, a great day was had by all.
Friday, October 22, 2010
La CDE à Syracus NY
Hearst, le 22 octobre 2010
Le directeur général de la Corporation de développement économique de Hearst revient d’un congrès à State University of New York College of Environment Science and Forestry SUNY-ESF à Syracus. La conférence portait sur les plantations de saules à croissance rapide; les défis et opportunités. La récolte de saules existe depuis plusieurs décennies en Europe et commence tranquillement à faire son apparition en Amérique du Nord. Le saule est utilisé comme approvisionnement de bois pour produire de l’énergie renouvelable. Le marché de biomasse provenant de plantations énergétiques est pour l’instant très restreint au pays. Malgré cela, la Corporation de développement économique de Hearst s’y intéresse depuis 2006. Elle croit fortement que l’énergie renouvelable constitue une opportunité de diversification économique prometteuse et que l’approvisionnement de bois à proximité d’usines de transformation sera la clé du succès de cette industrie.
SUNY-ESF a développé à travers les ans une expertise reconnue en Amérique du Nord dans la production d’espèces de saules propices à une multitude de climats et de sols. Ed White de SUNY-ESF avait présenté un atelier sur la plantation énergétique lors de la conférence BES en 2006. Le voyage a permis de renouer avec Ed White et celui-ci affirmait être agréablement surpris du cheminement de la communauté de Hearst depuis 2006. La Corporation de développement économique possède depuis 2007, en collaboration avec ses partenaires locaux et régionaux, une plantation énergétique à croissance rapide. Utilisée à des fins de recherche, elle a pour but d’aider à développer l’expertise locale et trouver les meilleures espèces propices à notre climat ardu. « Nous désirons développer cette industrie comme moyen de produire de la biomasse proche de notre communauté en utilisant des terres en friches » affirme Daniel Sigouin, directeur général de la Corporation.
En plus d’en apprendre plus sur les défis et les opportunités de cette industrie encore en développement, le congrès a permis d’établir de bons contacts avec des chercheurs et intervenants dans le domaine. Nous pouvons voir une photo de M. Sigouin avec Renato Pacaldo, Philippin et candidat au doctorat à SUNY-ESF. Renato Pacaldo est scientiste et étudie les sols et est aussi spécialiste du carbone provenant de la biomasse. Il affirme être très impressionné par le concept du Centre de technologies vertes et de nos efforts pour développer la bioéconomie dans le Nord de l’Ontario.
Des représentants de l’entreprise Villeneuve Construction étaient également présents lors du voyage. Ceux-ci s’intéressent grandement par ce nouveau produit et ont bien apprécié le voyage. Villeneuve Construction étudie actuellement la possibilité de planter 15 acres en saules à croissance rapide le printemps prochain. La compagnie possède plusieurs acres de terres en friches dans le Nord de l’Ontario et aimerait bien les exploiter.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Update on Green Initiatives
The following are green initiatives projects undertaken by the community of Hearst.
The construction of our Green Business and Technology Center has begun. It is a 2.8 million dollar project that will house a bioscience lab, a multimedia space and a Green Business Incubator Space. The Regional Information Utility Network office will also be located in that building. The Center will be a green building and will be powered by solar wind, biomass and geothermal energy, and a 10 kW MFIT. The Center will focus on education, small scale research, demonstration, partnerships, business development and incubation in the green business sector.
A total of 10, 10 kW solar PV MFIT projects or installed or being installed, and we have approximately 5 that we know of, that are under review.
The fast growing willow plantation research project with NRCan and SSIC is coming to an end. Results of the research will be released at a tech transfer event being held in Hearst September 28th, 2010.
A 10 MW solar farm will be constructed in 2010.
A 10 MW biomass energy plant (Hearst Bio Energy LP) is awaiting Economic Connection Test from Ontario Power Authority. The owners have developed a process to burn heritage piles in the area.
A district heating study to provide heat to Columbia Forest Products to replace natural gas, and to heat municipal and school buildings along the river is near completion.
The municipality is currently evaluating the possibility of using some roof tops of their own buildings for energy production.
The Municipality has three trained energy auditors, which conduct energy audits in the community.
The local Green House will be installing geothermal energy in one green house for growing vegetables destined to the local market.
Lac Wood Industries is now producing bio fuel in the form of premium wood pellets for the domestic market.
2 local contractors offer solar PV, solar thermal and geothermal supply and installation services and several retailers of renewable energy products.
As part of our Community improvement plan, phytoremediation remediation (using plants to decontaminate) of the former shell bulk plant brown field will be performed.
The town now recycles all plastics (1 to 7), paper, metal, oil, tires, paints and stains (water & oil based), batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic devices.
AGRIVA, a local organization that promotes local food and local products in the area, are very active in the community thanks to a very dynamic group of volunteers. They hold a market every two weeks on Saturday mornings. On average they have 25 local producers that sell their products.
Several green initiatives are being proposed under our Sustainable Development Plan that will be presented to the community in the next month. Such as community composting, bio gas production initiatives, carbon sequestration initiatives, carbon foot print tool for local businesses and industries and eco-industrial network strategy to name a few.
The construction of our Green Business and Technology Center has begun. It is a 2.8 million dollar project that will house a bioscience lab, a multimedia space and a Green Business Incubator Space. The Regional Information Utility Network office will also be located in that building. The Center will be a green building and will be powered by solar wind, biomass and geothermal energy, and a 10 kW MFIT. The Center will focus on education, small scale research, demonstration, partnerships, business development and incubation in the green business sector.
A total of 10, 10 kW solar PV MFIT projects or installed or being installed, and we have approximately 5 that we know of, that are under review.
The fast growing willow plantation research project with NRCan and SSIC is coming to an end. Results of the research will be released at a tech transfer event being held in Hearst September 28th, 2010.
A 10 MW solar farm will be constructed in 2010.
A 10 MW biomass energy plant (Hearst Bio Energy LP) is awaiting Economic Connection Test from Ontario Power Authority. The owners have developed a process to burn heritage piles in the area.
A district heating study to provide heat to Columbia Forest Products to replace natural gas, and to heat municipal and school buildings along the river is near completion.
The municipality is currently evaluating the possibility of using some roof tops of their own buildings for energy production.
The Municipality has three trained energy auditors, which conduct energy audits in the community.
The local Green House will be installing geothermal energy in one green house for growing vegetables destined to the local market.
Lac Wood Industries is now producing bio fuel in the form of premium wood pellets for the domestic market.
2 local contractors offer solar PV, solar thermal and geothermal supply and installation services and several retailers of renewable energy products.
As part of our Community improvement plan, phytoremediation remediation (using plants to decontaminate) of the former shell bulk plant brown field will be performed.
The town now recycles all plastics (1 to 7), paper, metal, oil, tires, paints and stains (water & oil based), batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic devices.
AGRIVA, a local organization that promotes local food and local products in the area, are very active in the community thanks to a very dynamic group of volunteers. They hold a market every two weeks on Saturday mornings. On average they have 25 local producers that sell their products.
Several green initiatives are being proposed under our Sustainable Development Plan that will be presented to the community in the next month. Such as community composting, bio gas production initiatives, carbon sequestration initiatives, carbon foot print tool for local businesses and industries and eco-industrial network strategy to name a few.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Governor General to visit Hearst. Sudbury, Timmins
By SooToday.com StaffSooToday.comThursday, April 29, 2010NEWS RELEASEGOVERNOR GENERALOF CANADA***************************
Governor General meets with citizens in Northern Ontario OTTAWA — Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will undertake a regional visit to Hearst, Timmins and Greater Sudbury from May 3 to 5, 2010. His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond will be joining her for the visit to Greater Sudbury. “I wanted to visit Northern Ontario, a region that impresses me greatly with the cultural vitality and energy of its communities, especially its Francophone community and the Aboriginal communities who have planted roots in this area for hundreds of years,” said the Governor General. “I also want to find out how they are facing current challenges and what solutions they are proposing, particularly when many of the sectors on which the local economy is based are going through such a difficult period.”In Hearst, Her Excellency will participate in a discussion on various partnerships between the Town of Hearst, the Constance Lake First Nation and the Municipality of Mattice-Val Côté.The Governor General will then go to Timmins to visit Porcupine mines as the city celebrates 100 years of gold production.Their Excellencies will end this regional visit in Greater Sudbury. They will visit Collège Boréal and Laurentian University. Their Excellencies will also host an Art Matters forum exploring the theme, Art’s ability to breath new life to our communities, before attending, the following evening, the event that will launch the 2010 edition of the Salon du livre du Grand Sudbury.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ontario value-added and bioenergy conferences target wood supply
Friday Nov 07, 2008
By the Working Forest staff
Prior said the purpose of the forum was to promote the development of a strong forest product value-added industry in Northern Ontario.
Two October conferences in Ontario were held in Ottawa and Thunder Bay. Focused on bioenergy and value added forest products, respectively; issues around available wood supply were prevalent at both venues.
CanBIO’s October 6-8 conference in Ottawa testified to rapid industry momentum in 2008. Presentations were heard from president Doug Bradley and directors, Chris Rees, Dean Johnson, Mark Ryans of FP Innovations, John Swaan Wood Pellets Assoc., Rob Cormier, and others.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Program Manager for the Northwest and CanBIO Director, Jane Todd, told the 200-strong crowd that the province’s major power utility is intensively testing biomass to ready itself should the Province decide to convert the coal-fuelled plants to biomass.
From just one biomass-testing program at its Nanticoke plant last year, OPG is now in the throes of an "aggressive testing program in all of our plants." The utility is thrilled with the results so far.
"Last year the Atikokan plant had never put a wood pellet in their plant," said Todd, "but by July of this year it had burned 100 percent wood pellets for four hours. We can’t believe how easy it was."
Large co-generation isn’t the only area making big strides this year. Communities in Quebec are working co-operatively to develop bioenergy to boost a slowing forest economy.
Many of the Finnish companies in the trade show followed the conference with side-trips to Matapédia, Temiscaming and Ville Marie in Quebec and Hearst in Ontario to help these communities move forward with bioenergy solutions.
An issue that was always in the background at the conference was access to the forest on public lands. In the closing panel discussion, Christopher Rees of VisionPower Canada Inc. spoke of the need to open the debate on access to biomass for bioenergy projects – particularly those initiated by communities and small/medium sized industry players.
Twenty-five tradeshow exhibitors from Canada, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, and the U.S. demonstrated the latest technologies and equipment.
Abitibi-Bowater’s co-generation plant in Hull, Quebec, a biomass harvesting and processing operation, Camionnage Normand Sans-Cartier, and Plasco’s waste-to-energy demonstration plant in Ottawa were popular study tours.
In mid October the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay hosted the Growing Forest Value conference. The 200+ attendees heard speakers ranging from Ian de la Roche, president and CEO of FP Innovations, the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield and Peter Woodbridge, president of Woodbridge Associates covering topics ranging from global market opportunities to entrepreneurial success stories.
In her luncheon address, Minister Cansfield touched on wood supply concerns saying that the OMNR "would access fibre as needed" in addressing concerns from small and medium value-added enterprises.
"Attendance was beyond our expectation," said Rick Prior, Director of Development at Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre and one of the organizers of the forum.
"We had participants coming from all over the country and select parts of the world."
Showcased over the two days of scheduled events were successful businesses from across Canada and the world that produce value added products such as disposable wood cutlery (see page 9).
Also present were industry experts and political leaders promoting the benefits of diversifying the Ontario forest product industry.
Prior said value-added industries would act as a buffer during harsh economic times not unlike the ones the industry is currently suffering."If we had more value added in the north, and similar economic situations happen in the future, we may not be hit as hard as the value added industry has not been as badly hit elsewhere," said Prior.
"If we intend to live through the down times in the future more prosperously then we need to think about how we are going about using our forests."
Prior said enough interest has been shown to organize another such forum in the future.
"It was an excellent forum for networking between those who have an interest in a value added industry and those that have and can facilitate it," said Prior.
By the Working Forest staff
Prior said the purpose of the forum was to promote the development of a strong forest product value-added industry in Northern Ontario.
Two October conferences in Ontario were held in Ottawa and Thunder Bay. Focused on bioenergy and value added forest products, respectively; issues around available wood supply were prevalent at both venues.
CanBIO’s October 6-8 conference in Ottawa testified to rapid industry momentum in 2008. Presentations were heard from president Doug Bradley and directors, Chris Rees, Dean Johnson, Mark Ryans of FP Innovations, John Swaan Wood Pellets Assoc., Rob Cormier, and others.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Program Manager for the Northwest and CanBIO Director, Jane Todd, told the 200-strong crowd that the province’s major power utility is intensively testing biomass to ready itself should the Province decide to convert the coal-fuelled plants to biomass.
From just one biomass-testing program at its Nanticoke plant last year, OPG is now in the throes of an "aggressive testing program in all of our plants." The utility is thrilled with the results so far.
"Last year the Atikokan plant had never put a wood pellet in their plant," said Todd, "but by July of this year it had burned 100 percent wood pellets for four hours. We can’t believe how easy it was."
Large co-generation isn’t the only area making big strides this year. Communities in Quebec are working co-operatively to develop bioenergy to boost a slowing forest economy.
Many of the Finnish companies in the trade show followed the conference with side-trips to Matapédia, Temiscaming and Ville Marie in Quebec and Hearst in Ontario to help these communities move forward with bioenergy solutions.
An issue that was always in the background at the conference was access to the forest on public lands. In the closing panel discussion, Christopher Rees of VisionPower Canada Inc. spoke of the need to open the debate on access to biomass for bioenergy projects – particularly those initiated by communities and small/medium sized industry players.
Twenty-five tradeshow exhibitors from Canada, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, and the U.S. demonstrated the latest technologies and equipment.
Abitibi-Bowater’s co-generation plant in Hull, Quebec, a biomass harvesting and processing operation, Camionnage Normand Sans-Cartier, and Plasco’s waste-to-energy demonstration plant in Ottawa were popular study tours.
In mid October the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay hosted the Growing Forest Value conference. The 200+ attendees heard speakers ranging from Ian de la Roche, president and CEO of FP Innovations, the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield and Peter Woodbridge, president of Woodbridge Associates covering topics ranging from global market opportunities to entrepreneurial success stories.
In her luncheon address, Minister Cansfield touched on wood supply concerns saying that the OMNR "would access fibre as needed" in addressing concerns from small and medium value-added enterprises.
"Attendance was beyond our expectation," said Rick Prior, Director of Development at Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre and one of the organizers of the forum.
"We had participants coming from all over the country and select parts of the world."
Showcased over the two days of scheduled events were successful businesses from across Canada and the world that produce value added products such as disposable wood cutlery (see page 9).
Also present were industry experts and political leaders promoting the benefits of diversifying the Ontario forest product industry.
Prior said value-added industries would act as a buffer during harsh economic times not unlike the ones the industry is currently suffering."If we had more value added in the north, and similar economic situations happen in the future, we may not be hit as hard as the value added industry has not been as badly hit elsewhere," said Prior.
"If we intend to live through the down times in the future more prosperously then we need to think about how we are going about using our forests."
Prior said enough interest has been shown to organize another such forum in the future.
"It was an excellent forum for networking between those who have an interest in a value added industry and those that have and can facilitate it," said Prior.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Process of Redefining a Town
Columbia Institue's Centre for Civic Governance, 2008
INNOVATION STRATEGIES Series Volume 1, Ideas for Sustainable Communities
By: Katrina Carrara is a councillor in the Town of Hearst; she holds a Master’s degree in health studies and has been active in a number of community organizations.
Hearst
This is a story of local people who are talking responsibility for their preferred future. In Hearst, we are in the process of redefining our town and creating a resilient and sustainable community. This redefinition process balances economic viability, the well-being of the community, and the environment. It is also a carefully thought-out process that involves planning, action, and organization.
In northern Ontario, we have a few dominant characteristics, notably declining demographics. More people are moving away and it’s often the younger people. The relative and absolute numbers of aging people are increasing and the young workforce is leaving. Amid uncertain world commodity markets, many communities depend on one market or one source of income. In the case of Hearst, the source is the forest industry. In Ontario and elsewhere environmental concerns are at their peak. Any revitalization strategy has to take into account both economic and environmental concerns.
In Hearst we gave smaller population with a large number of older people.
Two thirds of people are over the age of 50
We have declining youth participation in activities and many shops are closing. We are dependent on one industry with a strong outside ownership. Twenty years ago, our three mills were locally owned and they were based on community values. Now they are owned by outside agencies where the trend is to consolidate. There is a limited range of jobs.
Waiting for a saviour
As our problems worsened, people seemed to be waiting for someone to come in and save them. There was a lot of negativity and resistance to change. The fact was that the status quo was no longer working. We could no longer sit and wait for the pulp, paper, and wood-working industries to revitalize our growth. Do we wait and hope or do we take action? In this situation, we have the opportunity to shape and channel our future as a community. The key in smaller communities that hold strong family values, like the francophone community in Hearst, is to keep a firm grasp on our beliefs and values even as we try to adapt to a new environment.
Being in a small community that is both rural and isolated, we trend to believe that what happens in China or other countries doesn’t affect us. But as you know, everything in the global economy will eventually affect us. Small communities often feel that they cannot compete on the global marker they just let go – they need to regroup and find a way to face the global situation that is here to stay.
Our process of change had a catalyst. We knew the forest industry was suffering, so when we for a proposal from a foreign company for an ethanol plant in Hearst that would use wood chips, that proposal among people in the town. Unfortunately that project was put on hold when the company ran into problem and the council became concerned. Yet, this potential ethanol plant was one of the catalysts for the need to take action and change our community.
We say that a healthy economy was based on our forest heritage and the development of natural resources and sustainable secondary business sectors. Twenty years ago, out three mills were locally owned and they were based on community values. Now they are owned by outside agencies.
Redefining ourselves
We started redefining ourselves starting with Perspective 20/20, our economic strategy. Although the analysis was traditional and limited, we used environmental scans and we insisted on using a community approach and focus. The community knows best what it needs, even though it may have trouble organizing itself.
We saw that a healthy economy was based on our forest heritage and the development of natural resources and sustainable secondary business sectors. If the lumber industry is suffering, we need to look at other alternatives. We need to diversify. We have to do the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, starting with our strengths. Locally, one of our strengths is that we’re right in the middle of the boreal forest industry. We have access to wood, we have a strong labour of force, and we have opportunities to develop partnerships with native communities.
Some of the weaknesses of our situation include a negative attitude to change. Fear makes us less creative. We have low quality fibre and there are dangers from new competitive industries such as wood substitutes.
In my work I looked at development strategies with wood products and I concentrated on secondary wood products. Once the tree had been cut down there is a lot of biomass or wood chips left over. Could we use that biomass?
Our strategy
We looked at several things in our strategy. We wanted to maintain the growth that we had in the three mills. We recognized the need to collaborate with governments at the provincial and federal levels, as well as with private industry. To prepare the community for change, we came up with a project called Bio-Com, which is about building sustainable community in terms of environment, the social needs of the community, and the economy. Bio-Com is about changing attitudes and values towards the bio-economy. Bio-Com looks at developing products from biomass and biology, while maintaining communication with the community.
One of the biggest projects that we’re working on is a pilot project with Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) and other partners. We’re developing a genetically modified willow tree that grows in three years. We could use that as an energy source, or to produce something else. We’re networking and getting involved in new developments in the forest industry. The first phase of our work concentrated on disseminating information about change. To deal with resistance to change, we have to acknowledge that things are not working well presently. We used different techniques to generate ideas. The three main areas that we’re looking at and developing for our economy are adding value in cultivating products that come from the foresee for medicine, personal care, as well as for decorative purposes and gardening. There is our biomass that is eventually going to be a source of energy. We also have value-added fibre products that can be used to build other products.
To prepare the community for change, we came up with a project called Bio-Com, which is about building a sustainable community in terms of the environment, the social needs of the community, and the economy.
We set up a steering committee that involved experts on economic development, the business sector, the forest industry, citizens, and people from the ministry of natural resources. We developed a structure and disseminated information through newspaper and radio about new economic alternatives we could look at. We shared information to promote creative thinking among people.
We held community forums with different segments of the population, including young students and the senior population, to get an idea where the community wanted to go and what issues were concerning them. We met with educational institutions to see if they could deliver programs that relate to the environment, energy, and forestry, and we held workshops and a roundtable on regional politics.
We had a major conference on sustainability in April 2007, with forest industry people, private industry, and government, environmentalist, and community residents. The focus was to shake people up, make them uncomfortable, and give them the tools and information to get them to look at alternatives. That was phase one, which ended that month, and it is difficult to measure the outcomes, which may be more qualitative than quantitative.
Recommendations came up last January on six key area of focus for the community:
Vision and leadership;
Community resilience;
The forest of tomorrow;
Innovation and education;
Entrepreneurship;
Youth; and
Assessment
It may also be too early to assess the effectiveness of these efforts. The contacts and networking we have begun may not produce tangible results for another year or so. We have met the goal of promoting and working collaboratively. So where do we go now?
Citizens are expecting brick and mortar; they want to see new factories. This is not what they will see short term with our approach. Some are disappointed. This approach works with attitudes and values that will lead to long term sustainability by enabling every citizen to participate and get involve. We are not used to this approach. It is a long term process towards sustainability. We can no longer put band-aids on situations we need to take control of our future.
There are number of key elements one must consider when looking at redefining a community. One is accepting that there’s change involved. Change can be seen as a three-stage process, starting with resistance. The community needs to be able to voice its fears and anxieties.
It is important to highlight the opportunities that are coming up. Open up your mind, and be creative. Communities can begin to move in one direction, but remember that some flexibility is needed. In strategic planning, preparatory work is needed to see the way ahead. Local leaders and leadership need to be established, because they have to be a community’s biggest renewable resource.
This activity had given us in Hearst a clearer vision. I have found that people’s anxiety level has diminished. We are starting on phase two of the project, which involves making an inventory of our assets, the resources and the human resources that we have in the community. And we continue to work on networking with secondary value-added industries.
INNOVATION STRATEGIES Series Volume 1, Ideas for Sustainable Communities
By: Katrina Carrara is a councillor in the Town of Hearst; she holds a Master’s degree in health studies and has been active in a number of community organizations.
Hearst
This is a story of local people who are talking responsibility for their preferred future. In Hearst, we are in the process of redefining our town and creating a resilient and sustainable community. This redefinition process balances economic viability, the well-being of the community, and the environment. It is also a carefully thought-out process that involves planning, action, and organization.
In northern Ontario, we have a few dominant characteristics, notably declining demographics. More people are moving away and it’s often the younger people. The relative and absolute numbers of aging people are increasing and the young workforce is leaving. Amid uncertain world commodity markets, many communities depend on one market or one source of income. In the case of Hearst, the source is the forest industry. In Ontario and elsewhere environmental concerns are at their peak. Any revitalization strategy has to take into account both economic and environmental concerns.
In Hearst we gave smaller population with a large number of older people.
Two thirds of people are over the age of 50
We have declining youth participation in activities and many shops are closing. We are dependent on one industry with a strong outside ownership. Twenty years ago, our three mills were locally owned and they were based on community values. Now they are owned by outside agencies where the trend is to consolidate. There is a limited range of jobs.
Waiting for a saviour
As our problems worsened, people seemed to be waiting for someone to come in and save them. There was a lot of negativity and resistance to change. The fact was that the status quo was no longer working. We could no longer sit and wait for the pulp, paper, and wood-working industries to revitalize our growth. Do we wait and hope or do we take action? In this situation, we have the opportunity to shape and channel our future as a community. The key in smaller communities that hold strong family values, like the francophone community in Hearst, is to keep a firm grasp on our beliefs and values even as we try to adapt to a new environment.
Being in a small community that is both rural and isolated, we trend to believe that what happens in China or other countries doesn’t affect us. But as you know, everything in the global economy will eventually affect us. Small communities often feel that they cannot compete on the global marker they just let go – they need to regroup and find a way to face the global situation that is here to stay.
Our process of change had a catalyst. We knew the forest industry was suffering, so when we for a proposal from a foreign company for an ethanol plant in Hearst that would use wood chips, that proposal among people in the town. Unfortunately that project was put on hold when the company ran into problem and the council became concerned. Yet, this potential ethanol plant was one of the catalysts for the need to take action and change our community.
We say that a healthy economy was based on our forest heritage and the development of natural resources and sustainable secondary business sectors. Twenty years ago, out three mills were locally owned and they were based on community values. Now they are owned by outside agencies.
Redefining ourselves
We started redefining ourselves starting with Perspective 20/20, our economic strategy. Although the analysis was traditional and limited, we used environmental scans and we insisted on using a community approach and focus. The community knows best what it needs, even though it may have trouble organizing itself.
We saw that a healthy economy was based on our forest heritage and the development of natural resources and sustainable secondary business sectors. If the lumber industry is suffering, we need to look at other alternatives. We need to diversify. We have to do the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, starting with our strengths. Locally, one of our strengths is that we’re right in the middle of the boreal forest industry. We have access to wood, we have a strong labour of force, and we have opportunities to develop partnerships with native communities.
Some of the weaknesses of our situation include a negative attitude to change. Fear makes us less creative. We have low quality fibre and there are dangers from new competitive industries such as wood substitutes.
In my work I looked at development strategies with wood products and I concentrated on secondary wood products. Once the tree had been cut down there is a lot of biomass or wood chips left over. Could we use that biomass?
Our strategy
We looked at several things in our strategy. We wanted to maintain the growth that we had in the three mills. We recognized the need to collaborate with governments at the provincial and federal levels, as well as with private industry. To prepare the community for change, we came up with a project called Bio-Com, which is about building sustainable community in terms of environment, the social needs of the community, and the economy. Bio-Com is about changing attitudes and values towards the bio-economy. Bio-Com looks at developing products from biomass and biology, while maintaining communication with the community.
One of the biggest projects that we’re working on is a pilot project with Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) and other partners. We’re developing a genetically modified willow tree that grows in three years. We could use that as an energy source, or to produce something else. We’re networking and getting involved in new developments in the forest industry. The first phase of our work concentrated on disseminating information about change. To deal with resistance to change, we have to acknowledge that things are not working well presently. We used different techniques to generate ideas. The three main areas that we’re looking at and developing for our economy are adding value in cultivating products that come from the foresee for medicine, personal care, as well as for decorative purposes and gardening. There is our biomass that is eventually going to be a source of energy. We also have value-added fibre products that can be used to build other products.
To prepare the community for change, we came up with a project called Bio-Com, which is about building a sustainable community in terms of the environment, the social needs of the community, and the economy.
We set up a steering committee that involved experts on economic development, the business sector, the forest industry, citizens, and people from the ministry of natural resources. We developed a structure and disseminated information through newspaper and radio about new economic alternatives we could look at. We shared information to promote creative thinking among people.
We held community forums with different segments of the population, including young students and the senior population, to get an idea where the community wanted to go and what issues were concerning them. We met with educational institutions to see if they could deliver programs that relate to the environment, energy, and forestry, and we held workshops and a roundtable on regional politics.
We had a major conference on sustainability in April 2007, with forest industry people, private industry, and government, environmentalist, and community residents. The focus was to shake people up, make them uncomfortable, and give them the tools and information to get them to look at alternatives. That was phase one, which ended that month, and it is difficult to measure the outcomes, which may be more qualitative than quantitative.
Recommendations came up last January on six key area of focus for the community:
Vision and leadership;
Community resilience;
The forest of tomorrow;
Innovation and education;
Entrepreneurship;
Youth; and
Assessment
It may also be too early to assess the effectiveness of these efforts. The contacts and networking we have begun may not produce tangible results for another year or so. We have met the goal of promoting and working collaboratively. So where do we go now?
Citizens are expecting brick and mortar; they want to see new factories. This is not what they will see short term with our approach. Some are disappointed. This approach works with attitudes and values that will lead to long term sustainability by enabling every citizen to participate and get involve. We are not used to this approach. It is a long term process towards sustainability. We can no longer put band-aids on situations we need to take control of our future.
There are number of key elements one must consider when looking at redefining a community. One is accepting that there’s change involved. Change can be seen as a three-stage process, starting with resistance. The community needs to be able to voice its fears and anxieties.
It is important to highlight the opportunities that are coming up. Open up your mind, and be creative. Communities can begin to move in one direction, but remember that some flexibility is needed. In strategic planning, preparatory work is needed to see the way ahead. Local leaders and leadership need to be established, because they have to be a community’s biggest renewable resource.
This activity had given us in Hearst a clearer vision. I have found that people’s anxiety level has diminished. We are starting on phase two of the project, which involves making an inventory of our assets, the resources and the human resources that we have in the community. And we continue to work on networking with secondary value-added industries.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Mot du Directeur et du Président - Réunion annuelle 2007
Si nous avions à décrire en un mot l’année 2007, nous pourrions utiliser le mot continuité. Continuité, puisque la Corporation de développement économique poursuit avec ardeur le développement de plusieurs projets déjà entrepris dans les années ultérieurs. Malgré cela, la situation précoce de l’industrie primaire demeure la préoccupation principale.
L`année 2007 a été une autre année difficile pour l’industrie forestière. La crise hypothécaire américaine, le dollar canadien à parité au dollar américain et la monté en flèche du prix du pétrole sont tous des éléments qui amplifient la crise forestière au Canada. Rien n’indique que 2008 sera plus facile. Certains parlent de recouvrement des marchés du bois d`œuvre vers la fin 2009, d’autres en 2010 et parfois ont s’entend à dire 2011. Peu importe l’exactitude de ces prédictions, nous sommes tous unanimes pour dire que l’industrie forestière flamboyante que nous avons jadis connue, ne sera probablement plus la même.
Mais où est-ce que Hearst se situe dans tout ce chambardement de l’industrie forestière? Bien sûr il y a toujours espérance que le secteur minier vienne prendre la relève et soulager le décroissement économique actuel. Une situation qui serait souhaitable, sans aucun doute. Néanmoins, les forêts demeurent la plus importante source de matière première renouvelable qui existe dans le monde. Chose que nous ne pouvons assurer avec des minerais.
La Corporation de développement économique reconnaît cet aspect et demeure optimiste face à la renaissance de produits dérivés de la forêt boréale. Jugeant par les nombreux projets entrepris par la CDÉ, il est clair que l’avenir de l’industrie repose sur l’introduction de la bio économie dans l’équation forestière actuelle.
Quelle stratégie devrions-nous adopter pour développer cette nouvelle bio économie? Certains diront que l’énergie à partir de la biomasse est la solution. Mais quel type d’énergie devrions-nous développer? La crise alimentaire mondiale actuelle vient en quelque sorte brouiller les cartes. Les biocarburants issus de produits alimentaires ne font pas l’unanimité et d’énormes pressions se font mondialement pour adopter des politiques favorables au développement de biocarburants de deuxième génération. Même les États-Unis, grand producteur d’éthanol à partir de maïs, approuve cette stratégie et le président Bush multiplie l’investissement dans le développement de nouvelles technologies : un carburant issu de ligno-cellulosique (bois, feuilles, paille, etc.). Voilà la grande opportunité pour une région comme Hearst. Imaginez avoir une ressource comparable aux sables bitumineux à l’exception qu’elle est totalement renouvelable, quelle richesse. Il en demeure qu’à nous, les citoyens de Hearst, de réaliser ce potentiel. La CDÉ de Hearst ne peut tout faire seul et se doit de continuer d’obtenir l’appui de la communauté. Ensemble nous devons nous assurer que des politiques publiques soient favorables au développement local tout en répondant aux demandes régionales, provinciales et globales.
L`année 2007 a été une autre année difficile pour l’industrie forestière. La crise hypothécaire américaine, le dollar canadien à parité au dollar américain et la monté en flèche du prix du pétrole sont tous des éléments qui amplifient la crise forestière au Canada. Rien n’indique que 2008 sera plus facile. Certains parlent de recouvrement des marchés du bois d`œuvre vers la fin 2009, d’autres en 2010 et parfois ont s’entend à dire 2011. Peu importe l’exactitude de ces prédictions, nous sommes tous unanimes pour dire que l’industrie forestière flamboyante que nous avons jadis connue, ne sera probablement plus la même.
Mais où est-ce que Hearst se situe dans tout ce chambardement de l’industrie forestière? Bien sûr il y a toujours espérance que le secteur minier vienne prendre la relève et soulager le décroissement économique actuel. Une situation qui serait souhaitable, sans aucun doute. Néanmoins, les forêts demeurent la plus importante source de matière première renouvelable qui existe dans le monde. Chose que nous ne pouvons assurer avec des minerais.
La Corporation de développement économique reconnaît cet aspect et demeure optimiste face à la renaissance de produits dérivés de la forêt boréale. Jugeant par les nombreux projets entrepris par la CDÉ, il est clair que l’avenir de l’industrie repose sur l’introduction de la bio économie dans l’équation forestière actuelle.
Quelle stratégie devrions-nous adopter pour développer cette nouvelle bio économie? Certains diront que l’énergie à partir de la biomasse est la solution. Mais quel type d’énergie devrions-nous développer? La crise alimentaire mondiale actuelle vient en quelque sorte brouiller les cartes. Les biocarburants issus de produits alimentaires ne font pas l’unanimité et d’énormes pressions se font mondialement pour adopter des politiques favorables au développement de biocarburants de deuxième génération. Même les États-Unis, grand producteur d’éthanol à partir de maïs, approuve cette stratégie et le président Bush multiplie l’investissement dans le développement de nouvelles technologies : un carburant issu de ligno-cellulosique (bois, feuilles, paille, etc.). Voilà la grande opportunité pour une région comme Hearst. Imaginez avoir une ressource comparable aux sables bitumineux à l’exception qu’elle est totalement renouvelable, quelle richesse. Il en demeure qu’à nous, les citoyens de Hearst, de réaliser ce potentiel. La CDÉ de Hearst ne peut tout faire seul et se doit de continuer d’obtenir l’appui de la communauté. Ensemble nous devons nous assurer que des politiques publiques soient favorables au développement local tout en répondant aux demandes régionales, provinciales et globales.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Mayors unite in response to Endangered Species Act
Posted Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By Working Forest staff
Midnight hour scrapping of promised changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act has left mayors of Northwestern Ontario shaking their heads.
Come June 30 the ESA, passed last year in Queen’s Park, will come into effect and the Mayor’s of Thunder Bay, Greenstone and Dryden are demanding the provincial government adopt provisions allowing an exemption for the forest industry.
In a press release from the Ontario Forestry Coalition Mayors Anne Krassilowsky of Dryden, Michael Power of Greenstone and Lyn Peterson of Thunder Bay spoke of their concerns for the forest industry.
“The forest sector industry had been promised by the premier of Ontario in August of 2007 that the act would not supersede Forest management planning and the Crown Forest Sustainability Act,” said Power.
“Now it appears at the twelve hour that the premier and the government are going back on this (agreement).”
In an interview Power told The Working Forest that the provincial government met with representatives from the forestry industry and Northern communities over a six month period last year.
During these meetings Power said the provincial government promised to look into creating provisions to section 55 of the act. These provisions would recognize that the Ontario forest industry already satisfies the requirements of the act through existing legislation and licensing.
In mid April the government contacted industry representatives and informed them no permanent provision would be made and a permit system would be enforced.
“We see this as another danger to the economy of northern Ontario,” said Power.
“This is about the future economic viability of our communities in the north and across Ontario. The permitting mechanism being proposed by government will create a duplication of process that negatively impacts the forest industry and threatens future opportunities.”
In response to industry and community concerns the province declared a one year deferral before permits are enforced, but industry representatives are disappointed in the provincial government’s change of heart.
“In the last few weeks government has been under pressure from special interest groups forcing government to move away from its commitments,” said David Milton, President of the Ontario Lumber Manufacturer’s Association (OLMA)).
“What is being proposed today by government, a temporary deferral to develop permits, is clearly not the intent that was discussed last year.”
Power said an estimated 230,000 families living in Northern Ontario count on the Forest industry to make a living and a failure to address any threat to the industry puts their livelihood at risk.
“We’ve had enough bad news about Ontario becoming a have not province,” said Power.
“We need government to revitalize the Ontario economy.”
By Working Forest staff
Midnight hour scrapping of promised changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act has left mayors of Northwestern Ontario shaking their heads.
Come June 30 the ESA, passed last year in Queen’s Park, will come into effect and the Mayor’s of Thunder Bay, Greenstone and Dryden are demanding the provincial government adopt provisions allowing an exemption for the forest industry.
In a press release from the Ontario Forestry Coalition Mayors Anne Krassilowsky of Dryden, Michael Power of Greenstone and Lyn Peterson of Thunder Bay spoke of their concerns for the forest industry.
“The forest sector industry had been promised by the premier of Ontario in August of 2007 that the act would not supersede Forest management planning and the Crown Forest Sustainability Act,” said Power.
“Now it appears at the twelve hour that the premier and the government are going back on this (agreement).”
In an interview Power told The Working Forest that the provincial government met with representatives from the forestry industry and Northern communities over a six month period last year.
During these meetings Power said the provincial government promised to look into creating provisions to section 55 of the act. These provisions would recognize that the Ontario forest industry already satisfies the requirements of the act through existing legislation and licensing.
In mid April the government contacted industry representatives and informed them no permanent provision would be made and a permit system would be enforced.
“We see this as another danger to the economy of northern Ontario,” said Power.
“This is about the future economic viability of our communities in the north and across Ontario. The permitting mechanism being proposed by government will create a duplication of process that negatively impacts the forest industry and threatens future opportunities.”
In response to industry and community concerns the province declared a one year deferral before permits are enforced, but industry representatives are disappointed in the provincial government’s change of heart.
“In the last few weeks government has been under pressure from special interest groups forcing government to move away from its commitments,” said David Milton, President of the Ontario Lumber Manufacturer’s Association (OLMA)).
“What is being proposed today by government, a temporary deferral to develop permits, is clearly not the intent that was discussed last year.”
Power said an estimated 230,000 families living in Northern Ontario count on the Forest industry to make a living and a failure to address any threat to the industry puts their livelihood at risk.
“We’ve had enough bad news about Ontario becoming a have not province,” said Power.
“We need government to revitalize the Ontario economy.”
Monday, April 21, 2008
Martin gets on board for Sault passenger train
Posted By Corina Milic
Updated 10 hours ago - The Sault Star
Northern Ontario's new economic engine could run on train tracks, according to Tony Martin.
The Sault MP and seven other members of the MP Rail Caucus rode the rails Thursday to lobby on behalf of rail transportation in and out of northern centres like Sault Ste. Marie.
"The politicians present expressed a real commitment to rail as a critical transportation link," said Martin in a press release.
He said investment in northern rail lines including both passenger and freight, from Hearst, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury will be good for local economies and the rest of Canada.
"Our newly revitalized Algoma Steel and St. Mary's Paper will benefit from alternatives for transportation."
Traveling Saulites could also benefit from rail transportation, which is not an option most northern Ontarians have.
Yvette Tiplady said she wishes there were more choices for getting to and from the city. A Greyhound bus ride from the Sault to Toronto before Christmas left the retiree stranded in Espanola for two days. But unfortunately, the bus is currently the only affordable choice for many residents who cannot drive, she said.
Updated 10 hours ago - The Sault Star
Northern Ontario's new economic engine could run on train tracks, according to Tony Martin.
The Sault MP and seven other members of the MP Rail Caucus rode the rails Thursday to lobby on behalf of rail transportation in and out of northern centres like Sault Ste. Marie.
"The politicians present expressed a real commitment to rail as a critical transportation link," said Martin in a press release.
He said investment in northern rail lines including both passenger and freight, from Hearst, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury will be good for local economies and the rest of Canada.
"Our newly revitalized Algoma Steel and St. Mary's Paper will benefit from alternatives for transportation."
Traveling Saulites could also benefit from rail transportation, which is not an option most northern Ontarians have.
Yvette Tiplady said she wishes there were more choices for getting to and from the city. A Greyhound bus ride from the Sault to Toronto before Christmas left the retiree stranded in Espanola for two days. But unfortunately, the bus is currently the only affordable choice for many residents who cannot drive, she said.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Enerkem prépare la prochaine génération d’éthanol en Estrie
Son usine produira 5 millions de litres d’éthanol cellulosique par année par Alexis Beauchamp Voir tous les articles de Alexis BeauchampTexte mis en ligne le 4 mars 2008 à 16:16 Soyez le premier à commenter ce texte
L'usine d'Enerkem à Westbury, en Estrie.
Voir toutes les photos
Enerkem prépare la prochaine génération d’éthanol en Estrie
Son usine produira 5 millions de litres d’éthanol cellulosique par année
Les travaux de construction de la première usine industrielle d’éthanol cellulosique au Canada vont bon train, et l’usine d’Enerkem devrait ouvrir ses portes l’automne prochain.
Selon l’entreprise québécoise, l’usine de Westbury, près de Sherbrooke, sera l’une des premières installations industrielles d’éthanol cellulosique au monde. Contrairement à l’éthanol de première génération, qui utilise les céréales comme le maïs comme matière première, l’éthanol cellulosique est produit à partir des déchets urbains et forestiers. Les gains énergétiques et en matière de gaz à effet de serre sont donc beaucoup plus intéressants. Les GES pourraient s'avérer de 80 % moins importants que ceux générés par l'essence. Les réductions seraient plutôt de 15 % dans le cas de l’éthanol fabriqué à partir de maïs, selon une analyse du cycle de vie.Enerkem produira cinq millions de litres d’éthanol par année dans sa nouvelle usine, dont les travaux de construction ont commencé en octobre 2007. Elle utilisera du « bois urbain », soit des anciens poteaux de téléphones qui ne peuvent être recyclés.L’entreprise peut compter sur plusieurs investisseurs, dont le Fonds de solidarité de la FTQ, Braemar Energy Ventures et Rho Ventures. Enerkem a recueilli des investissements totalisant 20 millions de dollars, ce montant incluant les subventions gouvernementales, explique Marie-Hélène Labrie, d’Enerkem. L’usine de Westbury devrait mobiliser 60 % (12 M$) de ces fonds. Le volume annuel de 5 millions de litres de cette usine sera dix fois plus important que celui du projet-pilote mis sur pied par Enerkem. A terme, l’usine pourrait produire 50 millions de litres d’éthanol cellulosique.L’entreprise serait en pourparlers avec différents partenaires afin de s’assurer un approvisionnement en résidus forestiers et en matières résiduelles, dont la ville de Sherbrooke.Rappelons que l’entreprise ontarienne Iogen construira une usine en Virginie, qui devrait posséder une capacité de production annuelle de 68 millions de litres d’éthanol cellulosique. Partiellement subventionné par le Département américain de l’Énergie, le projet sera réalisé en partenariat avec Goldman Sachs et Shell.Pour aller plus loin :www.enerkem.com Enerkem
Friday, February 15, 2008
Excellent article from today's Globe
PUBLICATION: GLOBE AND MAILIDN: 080460048DATE: 2008.02.14PAGE: B2 (ILLUS)BYLINE: KONRAD YAKABUSKISECTION: Report on Business EDITION: MetroDATELINE: Montreal PQ WORDS: 845WORD COUNT: 844 Thinking outside the woodbox KONRAD YAKABUSKI kyakabuski@globeandmail.com
MONTREAL Leave it to the Sunday New York Times - which has historically consumed more of Eastern Canada's forests than probably any other publication - to (once again) declare the death of paper.
Without a hint of irony, the latest edition of the venerable rest-day read-a-thon profiles a Google employee whose family lives a near paper-free life. Everything in the Uhlik household, from grocery lists to school manuals, has gone digital.
The article reminds readers that global per capita paper consumption has plateaued in recent years. In the wealthiest countries, it has actually declined. "Paper has been dealt a complete death blow," Brewster Kahle, who heads something called the Internet Archive, tells the Times. "When was the last time you saw a telephone book?" It actually matters very little that rich Westerners are using less paper. A two-kilogram per capita, per year increase in the consumption of paper products in India, China and Brazil can create enough demand to more than offset a 10-kilogram drop in the rich nations.
This is in fact the story that is unfolding. Unfortunately, Canada's spindly forest firms have been unable to cash in on this because they lacked the foresight to become global players when they had a chance. They're now saddled with high debt, labour and wood costs and a punishing exchange rate. Dependent on the slumping U.S. market, forest types here have not seen the worst yet.
Canada's forest industry is shrinking as production of pulp and paper shifts to the Southern Hemisphere. By the end of this year, China alone will have added more than 25 million tonnes of new paper-making capacity in the last decade. That's the equivalent of almost three AbitibiBowaters.
You remember Abitibi? Canada's top forest player still ranks as the world's biggest newsprint producer. But it's been chopping capacity faster than a contestant in the Kapuskasing Lumberjack Festival wields a Swede saw.
But, hark, a near lone voice cries out from the forest to offer hope. (No, it's not Barack Obama.) CIBC World Markets analyst Don Roberts, whose advice is sought by governments from New Brunswick to Moscow, offers a compelling case for why Canada's forest sector may have a chance to reclaim its historical advantage.
It stems from what Mr. Roberts calls the convergence of global markets for food, fuel and fibre. The phenomenon will increase the value of Canada's forests, while squeezing pulp and paper producers in the developing world as they struggle to secure wood supply.
Increased relative wealth in the developing world is driving unprecedented demand for foodstuffs. It's a simple equation - the richer you get, the more you eat. Yet, agricultural yields for all but a few crops have stagnated or declined. The result is that more land is needed for agriculture in places like Brazil, displacing the forest plantations that are the main source of raw material for Latin America's pulp mills.
Where plantations exist, they're increasingly devoted to growing forests for energy. In China, the government promises that by 2020, it will set aside 13 million hectares - an area about the size of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia combined - to grow trees to go into biofuel production.
Demand for biofuels is growing in the developing world for largely two reasons: The rising price of oil makes biofuels cost-competitive, and domestic trees are a more secure source of energy than imported oil.
In the developed world, demand for biofuels stems largely from a push for more green energy. The European Union's decision to set a binding 20-per-cent target for renewable energy by 2020 will, Mr. Roberts predicts, increase the continent's demand for wood by more than 200 million cubic metres annually - or about as much as the Canadian forest industry currently harvests in a single year.
The result is that wood will no longer be priced as a commodity used to make paper or lumber, but on its energy equivalency. If that happens, Mr. Roberts explains, the price of a tonne of wood pellets would be the same as for 3.3 barrels of oil - which is a lot more than the wood currently fetches.
For Canada's forest industry, herein lies a second chance. But it requires companies and governments to invest now in the research capacity to produce higher-value-added products - not basic wood pellets - to reflect the market price of the trees. Mr. Roberts foresees traditional pulp mills adding biorefineries alongside that use some of their wood to produce everything from ethanol for vehicles to polyethylene and other renewable plastics.
The competition is already thinking ahead: Finnish-based forest giant UPM-Kymmene is working with partners on producing what's known as Fischer-Tropsch fuel, a synthetic petroleum, from biomass.
If Mr. Roberts is right, as he usually is, Canada's forest companies have an opportunity to reinvent themselves. Will they seize it? Or, like paper in the Uhlik household, will they go the way of the dodo?
ADDED SEARCH TERMS:
GEOGRAPHIC NAME: Canada; Quebec
SUBJECT TERM:forestry; pulp and paper industry; competitiveness
MONTREAL Leave it to the Sunday New York Times - which has historically consumed more of Eastern Canada's forests than probably any other publication - to (once again) declare the death of paper.
Without a hint of irony, the latest edition of the venerable rest-day read-a-thon profiles a Google employee whose family lives a near paper-free life. Everything in the Uhlik household, from grocery lists to school manuals, has gone digital.
The article reminds readers that global per capita paper consumption has plateaued in recent years. In the wealthiest countries, it has actually declined. "Paper has been dealt a complete death blow," Brewster Kahle, who heads something called the Internet Archive, tells the Times. "When was the last time you saw a telephone book?" It actually matters very little that rich Westerners are using less paper. A two-kilogram per capita, per year increase in the consumption of paper products in India, China and Brazil can create enough demand to more than offset a 10-kilogram drop in the rich nations.
This is in fact the story that is unfolding. Unfortunately, Canada's spindly forest firms have been unable to cash in on this because they lacked the foresight to become global players when they had a chance. They're now saddled with high debt, labour and wood costs and a punishing exchange rate. Dependent on the slumping U.S. market, forest types here have not seen the worst yet.
Canada's forest industry is shrinking as production of pulp and paper shifts to the Southern Hemisphere. By the end of this year, China alone will have added more than 25 million tonnes of new paper-making capacity in the last decade. That's the equivalent of almost three AbitibiBowaters.
You remember Abitibi? Canada's top forest player still ranks as the world's biggest newsprint producer. But it's been chopping capacity faster than a contestant in the Kapuskasing Lumberjack Festival wields a Swede saw.
But, hark, a near lone voice cries out from the forest to offer hope. (No, it's not Barack Obama.) CIBC World Markets analyst Don Roberts, whose advice is sought by governments from New Brunswick to Moscow, offers a compelling case for why Canada's forest sector may have a chance to reclaim its historical advantage.
It stems from what Mr. Roberts calls the convergence of global markets for food, fuel and fibre. The phenomenon will increase the value of Canada's forests, while squeezing pulp and paper producers in the developing world as they struggle to secure wood supply.
Increased relative wealth in the developing world is driving unprecedented demand for foodstuffs. It's a simple equation - the richer you get, the more you eat. Yet, agricultural yields for all but a few crops have stagnated or declined. The result is that more land is needed for agriculture in places like Brazil, displacing the forest plantations that are the main source of raw material for Latin America's pulp mills.
Where plantations exist, they're increasingly devoted to growing forests for energy. In China, the government promises that by 2020, it will set aside 13 million hectares - an area about the size of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia combined - to grow trees to go into biofuel production.
Demand for biofuels is growing in the developing world for largely two reasons: The rising price of oil makes biofuels cost-competitive, and domestic trees are a more secure source of energy than imported oil.
In the developed world, demand for biofuels stems largely from a push for more green energy. The European Union's decision to set a binding 20-per-cent target for renewable energy by 2020 will, Mr. Roberts predicts, increase the continent's demand for wood by more than 200 million cubic metres annually - or about as much as the Canadian forest industry currently harvests in a single year.
The result is that wood will no longer be priced as a commodity used to make paper or lumber, but on its energy equivalency. If that happens, Mr. Roberts explains, the price of a tonne of wood pellets would be the same as for 3.3 barrels of oil - which is a lot more than the wood currently fetches.
For Canada's forest industry, herein lies a second chance. But it requires companies and governments to invest now in the research capacity to produce higher-value-added products - not basic wood pellets - to reflect the market price of the trees. Mr. Roberts foresees traditional pulp mills adding biorefineries alongside that use some of their wood to produce everything from ethanol for vehicles to polyethylene and other renewable plastics.
The competition is already thinking ahead: Finnish-based forest giant UPM-Kymmene is working with partners on producing what's known as Fischer-Tropsch fuel, a synthetic petroleum, from biomass.
If Mr. Roberts is right, as he usually is, Canada's forest companies have an opportunity to reinvent themselves. Will they seize it? Or, like paper in the Uhlik household, will they go the way of the dodo?
ADDED SEARCH TERMS:
GEOGRAPHIC NAME: Canada; Quebec
SUBJECT TERM:forestry; pulp and paper industry; competitiveness
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Visit at Phoscan Martison Mine
By: Daniel Sigouin
Hearst, Ontario - February 7, 2008, it is 10h00 a.m. and we are preparing to leave for the Martison Mine site about 100 km Northwest of Hearst. I am travelling with Steve Dominy Chief Programs Section for Natural Resources Canada, Bertha Sutherland, Economic Development Officer for Constance Lake and Jocelyn Blais a local consultant currently conducting research for La Maison Verte of Hearst.
The Martison Phoscan Project is currently being examined for its potential as the key supplier of phosphate concentrate for a vertically integrated phosphoric acid plant to de developed near Hearst. The plant would utilize the Martison phosphate deposit as well as sulphuric acid. Phoscan is currently conducting a major 6.5 million, 80 holes drilling program focused on moving the project towards a bankable feasibility study.
At our arrival we were greeted by Janet Lowe Executive Vice President and Tim Horner Senior Project Engineer for Phoscan. After a 15 minute safety orientation session we enjoyed a nice lunch concocted by Chef Jeremy Theriault of Hearst and Sous-Chef Wayne Baxter of Constance Lake. Fabulous Italian wedding soup, supper sized hamburgers and the famous poutine are on the menu. Now I understand why weight gain is a concern for some of the workers on site.
The purpose of our trip is to investigate the possibility of conducting research in collaboration with Phoscan to potentially explore possible usage of peat considered as a waste product for Phoscan. The possible deposit of peat at the Phoscan site is significant, as much as 3 meters deep in some places. If you feel like doing the math, the proposed dimension of the excavated area is 700 meters by 1.5 kilometres. While there is a lot of peat in the north, in other regions, wetlands are smaller and there is greater pressure for their preservation as habitat and other values such as protection of water supply.
The purpose of our trip is to investigate the possibility of conducting research in collaboration with Phoscan to potentially explore possible usage of peat considered as a waste product for Phoscan. The possible deposit of peat at the Phoscan site is significant, as much as 3 meters deep in some places. If you feel like doing the math, the proposed dimension of the excavated area is 700 meters by 1.5 kilometres. While there is a lot of peat in the north, in other regions, wetlands are smaller and there is greater pressure for their preservation as habitat and other values such as protection of water supply.
The properties of peat depend very much on its botanical origin and state of decomposition. Sphagnum peat decomposes slowly and remains quite fibrous. It is probably the material used to make the seedling pots. Peat that is more decomposed, and maybe formed more from other mosses, shrubs, and wood is darker, in smaller fragments, and probably higher in nutrients. Peats are usually acidic and are widely used as peat moss (basically sphagnum). During our visit at Phoscan samples were retrieved at different layers up to 2.5 meters deep. Clay samples were also collected.
Local construction Companies use decomposed peat (black muck) excavated as part of construction, quarrying, and road-building in topsoil mixes. The phosphate mine will provide a new source of peat.
Peat is also used as a potting mix and topsoil ingredient, or as mulch around plantations. Other possibilities to explore are production of peat pellets for fuel, and utilization of peat for Jiffy-type peat pots, possibly with added enhancements such as nutrients or humic fractions.
Although peat is generally treated as a non renewable resource because of its slow rate of renewal, mining represents an opportunity to use the peat as a carbon stock.
Although peat is generally treated as a non renewable resource because of its slow rate of renewal, mining represents an opportunity to use the peat as a carbon stock.
References;
Caroline Preston, Hearst Organics Preston revised0108.doc, January 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peat
http://www.imcg.net/
http://phoscan.ca/
Caroline Preston, Hearst Organics Preston revised0108.doc, January 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peat
http://www.imcg.net/
http://phoscan.ca/
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
New Hearst Canadian Tire a Prototype for Company
New Hearst Canadian Tire a prototype for company
Northtimes - Kevin AndersonWednesday January 30, 2008
Northtimes - Kevin AndersonWednesday January 30, 2008
Hearst — Construction of Hearst’s new Canadian Tire store is officially underway after a groundbreaking ceremony this past Monday.The new 18,000 square foot store --11,000 square feet larger than the existing location -- is a prototype for the company, which is looking to build more, similar-sized stores across the country tailored for smaller markets.“This store will be the first of its kind,” said Hearst Canadian Tire owner J.P. Cronier. “I’m very happy they’ve decided to use us as the pilot store and that construction is going ahead.”The addition of a gas bar to the new location will be coupled with expansion of every department, said Mr. Cronier, allowing for a wider variety of products on the shelves. A 7,000 square foot garden centre and 7,000 square foot outdoor, canopied display area is among the features of the new locale.
“We will be able to provide our customers with a better shopping experience,” said Mr. Cronier.He anticipates the creation of up to 21 new jobs, expanding the current staff from 39 to somewhere between 50-60 employees.“We will be hiring more on a temporary basis through a job fair to help get the store all set up,” commented Mr. Cronier. “From there, we will identify candidates for employment in the store.”Construction of the new building is scheduled to wrap up at the end of May, with a tentative date for the grand opening set for July 17. In addition to Canadian Tire, a 5,000 square foot Mark’s Work Warehouse will be housed in an adjoining store.All of the work on the new building has been contracted out locally, something Mr. Cronier said he was very proud of.“We’re all very anxious,” he commented. “The employees are all talking about it. People around town are talking about it. Everyone’s excited.”
“We will be able to provide our customers with a better shopping experience,” said Mr. Cronier.He anticipates the creation of up to 21 new jobs, expanding the current staff from 39 to somewhere between 50-60 employees.“We will be hiring more on a temporary basis through a job fair to help get the store all set up,” commented Mr. Cronier. “From there, we will identify candidates for employment in the store.”Construction of the new building is scheduled to wrap up at the end of May, with a tentative date for the grand opening set for July 17. In addition to Canadian Tire, a 5,000 square foot Mark’s Work Warehouse will be housed in an adjoining store.All of the work on the new building has been contracted out locally, something Mr. Cronier said he was very proud of.“We’re all very anxious,” he commented. “The employees are all talking about it. People around town are talking about it. Everyone’s excited.”
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Chief Clarence Louie to speak at Hearst, Mattice Val-Côté Chamber of Commerce dinner
Hearst, January 28, 2008 – The Hearst Mattice Val-Côté Chamber of Commerce banquet will be held on Thursday, April 10th, 2008 in Hearst, Ontario.
This year’s dinner will host Chief Clarence Louie from the Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia. The keynote address will focus on communities working together to prosper economically.
First elected in 1985, Clarence Joseph Louie has consistently emphasized economic development as a means to improve his people’s standard of living. Chief Louie believes that “Aboriginal people and government must make self sustaining job creation and business growth an everyday priority.”
The Osoyoos Indian Band’s corporate motto is “In business to preserve our past by strengthening our future.”
The Hearst Chamber of Commerce embraces Chief Louie’s vision of cooperation and wishes to bring awareness and stimulate partnerships between communities at its banquet to be held in Hearst April 10th.
Being neighbouring communities, Constance Lake and Hearst have a long standing affiliation. Both communities wish to work closer on a number of issues. The need to diversify the region’s economy has never been that imminent and joint efforts are vital to achieving sustainability.
“We hope that Chief Louie’s knowledge and experience on the importance of cooperation between communities will stimulate understanding of each other’s culture and encourage people, businesses, leaders and governments to work closer with First Nations.” explains Chief Arthur Moore of the Constance Lake First Nations.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Pierre Dalcourt, is pleased to be offering members and the community at large the opportunity to hear Chief Louie speak. “The challenges we are currently facing can be overcome only through cooperation and by putting aside individual needs for the needs of the overall community and region.”
Tickets will be available at the Hearst Tourist Information Centre in February. To purchase event tickets, call (705)372-2838 or toll free at 1-800-655-5769.
-30-
Contact :
Pierre Dalcourt
President
Hearst Mattice Val-Côté Chamber of Commerce
(705)362-4425
Shana Verrier
Tourism Coordinator
Hearst Economic Development Corporation
705.372.2839
sverrier@hearst.ca
This year’s dinner will host Chief Clarence Louie from the Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia. The keynote address will focus on communities working together to prosper economically.
First elected in 1985, Clarence Joseph Louie has consistently emphasized economic development as a means to improve his people’s standard of living. Chief Louie believes that “Aboriginal people and government must make self sustaining job creation and business growth an everyday priority.”
The Osoyoos Indian Band’s corporate motto is “In business to preserve our past by strengthening our future.”
The Hearst Chamber of Commerce embraces Chief Louie’s vision of cooperation and wishes to bring awareness and stimulate partnerships between communities at its banquet to be held in Hearst April 10th.
Being neighbouring communities, Constance Lake and Hearst have a long standing affiliation. Both communities wish to work closer on a number of issues. The need to diversify the region’s economy has never been that imminent and joint efforts are vital to achieving sustainability.
“We hope that Chief Louie’s knowledge and experience on the importance of cooperation between communities will stimulate understanding of each other’s culture and encourage people, businesses, leaders and governments to work closer with First Nations.” explains Chief Arthur Moore of the Constance Lake First Nations.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Pierre Dalcourt, is pleased to be offering members and the community at large the opportunity to hear Chief Louie speak. “The challenges we are currently facing can be overcome only through cooperation and by putting aside individual needs for the needs of the overall community and region.”
Tickets will be available at the Hearst Tourist Information Centre in February. To purchase event tickets, call (705)372-2838 or toll free at 1-800-655-5769.
-30-
Contact :
Pierre Dalcourt
President
Hearst Mattice Val-Côté Chamber of Commerce
(705)362-4425
Shana Verrier
Tourism Coordinator
Hearst Economic Development Corporation
705.372.2839
sverrier@hearst.ca
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