MILDMAY, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $1.6 million in Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd. to support a major expansion and modernization project at the company’s sawmill in Mildmay. 

The investment will more than double the company’s production space, increase output by 47 percent, create five new jobs and support 13 existing positions. As part of its plan to protect Ontario forestry workers and businesses, the province is making strategic investments to help the forest sector adapt, compete and grow in the face of U.S. tariffs.

“Our government is proud to support projects that help forestry businesses expand, modernize and remain competitive in changing global markets,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Through our forest sector roadmap, we will continue making strategic investments that protect forestry jobs, strengthen Ontario’s competitive advantage and maintain our position as a G7 leader in producing and selling high-quality forest products.”

Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd. is a family-owned hardwood sawmill in Mildmay, founded in 1964. The company produces dimensional lumber, hardwood flooring, doors, trim, live-edge slabs, firewood and mulch.

"We would like to thank the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) for selecting our project to help us achieve our advancement in the manufacturing of forest products and advancement into thermal modification of our Canadian wood species for indoor and outdoor use," said Bernie and Doreen McGlynn of Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd.

The government’s investment through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program will support Bernie McGlynn Lumber’s $5.3 million project to construct a new 30,000-square-foot facility and install upgraded equipment, including a first-in-Ontario thermal-treating kiln system and a double-bladed bandsaw. This new technology will help the company produce higher-quality wood products more efficiently and support the launch of new products, including siding, decking and fencing, that can compete with composite and plastic alternatives.

Once complete, the project will help strengthen forestry supply chains across the region and is expected to increase log purchases by 50 per cent. This increased demand for locally harvested wood will support harvesting, hauling and trucking operations while bringing more Ontario-made wood products to market.

“In the face of global uncertainty, Ontario’s forestry sector has stood as a testament to the resilience of our province’s workers and businesses,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, our government will continue to support local businesses like Bernie McGlynn Lumber, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and talent needed to grow their operations and remain competitive.”

This investment is the government’s latest action under the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, the province’s plan to Defend, Adapt and Grow the industry by protecting forestry jobs, strengthening supply chains and growing global demand for Ontario-made forest products.