Hornepayne lumber-power operation lauds new forestry strategy: Companies say government approach will encourage economic development in the region.

A joint lumber-power operation in northwestern Ontario is commending the provincial government's commitment to a new Forestry Sector Strategy that's aiming to help create jobs, promote economic growth, and reduce costs to business.

The province revealed its strategy in December.

A compilation of feedback gathered from industry, community, and Indigenous leaders, the draft is now available to the public on the Environmental Registry.

In a Dec. 18 news release, Hornepayne Lumber and Hornepayne Power outlined the benefits of the strategy to their venture.

The two operations together form an integrated sawmill and biomass cogeneration plant.

In 2017, three area First Nations--Missanabie Cree, Chapleau Cree, and Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation)--formed the Northeast Superior First Nations Investment LP (NSfNi LP) consortium, investing $4-million into the operation to become equity partners in the enterprise, which had been shut down since 2015.

Today, the operation employs more than 130 people, and regional economic spinoff from the operation--through log harvesting, transportation, supplies, and other services --is estimated at $45 million.

"The values of job creation, truly sustainable forests, regional economic growth, and innovation are core to our operations at both Hornepayne Lumber and Hornepayne Power and to our community goals as well," Chapleau Cree First Nation Chief Keith...