The developers of a bio-refinery in Fort Frances will have access to the wood fibre it needs.

The Boundary Waters Forest Management Corporation says it intends to strike a fibre supply agreement with Wanagekong-Biiwega’iganan Clean Energy Corporation (WBCEC).

It was established by ten First Nations in the Rainy River District and B.C.-based Highbury Energy.

The project proposes to turn wood waste into ultra-low carbon renewable fuels.

Chair Janice Henderson says an agreement with Boundary Waters is essential.

“This is an important milestone for our project,” says Henderson in a release.

“Access to a sustainable fibre supply is essential to advancing our clean energy vision, and we are proud to be working with BWFMC to develop solutions rooted in stewardship, innovation, and Indigenous leadership.”

“Partnering with WBCEC represents a forward-looking opportunity to support local Indigenous-led clean energy innovation while ensuring responsible and sustainable forest resource use,” states Ian Armstrong, Boundary Waters General Manager.

WBCEC is in the midst of a final engineering study with the hope of starting construction next year.

Pending other approvals, the plant would be operational by 2027.