By Sue Tiffin

Published Nov. 28 2017

Haliburton County will look a little greener after a combined $200000 was invested into Haliburton Forest Biochar Ltd. and Quantum Passivhaus through the Eastern Ontario Development Program’s (EODP) Collaborative Economic Development (CEDP) stream.

“Through the EODP the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is collaborating with Community Futures Development Corporations in Eastern Ontario to promote the growth of new and existing businesses in rural communities” reads a press release from the Honourable Navdeep Bains Minister of Innovation Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “This project is in collaboration with the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC).”

An investment of $100000 will help fund Haliburton Forest Biochar Ltd.’s $671000 biochar production facility bringing up to 20 new full-time positions to Haliburton County. The biochar company plans to “displace non-renewable products with sustainable biomaterials by creating value in a material where previously there was very little” according to a press release from the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation.

Biochar typically used as a soil amendment will leverage wood sawdust waste from the existing sawmill according to the release.

“After years of research a commercial opportunity was identified and a facility will be established and year round jobs created in Haliburton County” said Peter Fredericks HCDC board chair. “This is a great example of researching an idea then bringing it to life.”

Minden’s Quantum Passivhaus is being supported as a clean technology investment with $100000 toward a $350000 planned project expanding a new site facility in Minden that will include manufacturing a showroom and a training centre. The project brings up to six new full-time positions to the area. Quantum Passivhaus a house design and build company provides smart homes and properties that meet current lifestyle needs reads the press Northumberland CFDC release.

“The company designs buildings that meet the international passive house standards which include alternative energy solutions while reducing the ecological footprint and we are pleased they are bringing this innovative technology to our county” said Fredericks.

The funding investments were announced on Nov. 21. Minister Bains congratulated both businesses for expanding services and creating quality jobs and congratulated Quantum Passivhaus for promoting greener homes and Haliburton Forest Biochar Ltd. for commercializing cleaner renewable products.