Investment will increase production of Ontario-made wood products and create five new good-paying jobs
MILDMAY — 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 strengthen Huron-Bruce’s forestry and manufacturing sectors by more than doubling production space, increasing output by 47 per cent, creating five new good-paying jobs and retaining 13 existing positions in the community.
Through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, the government’s investment 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.
“Bernie McGlynn Lumber has been an important employer and community partner in the Municipality of South Bruce for generations,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “This investment will enable innovation, help create new jobs, support the local forestry sector, and strengthen the region’s economy while ensuring Ontario-made wood products continue to thrive. Congratulations to the McGlynn family on this exciting milestone.”
Forestry businesses like Bernie McGlynn Lumber play an important role in the local economy, supporting jobs throughout the region in harvesting, transportation, manufacturing and value-added wood production. This investment will help ensure the company can continue to grow, innovate and compete while keeping jobs and investment in rural Ontario.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
QUICK FACTS
- 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.
- As of April 2026, close to $98 million in funding has been approved under the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, securing an added $540 million in external investments to reinforce forest sector productivity.
- The government released the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector on April 28, setting out a 10-year plan to maintain Ontario’s position as a G7 leader in making and selling wood products, with the competitive excellence and transformative technologies to unlock new global markets.
- The forest sector is an essential industry, generating close to $21 billion in business revenue and supporting close to 155,000 jobs.
- Wood produced from Ontario’s Crown forests is sustainably sourced and renewable. Wood is a renewable resource, a lean energy source, and a sustainable – and biodegradable – alternative to single-use plastics.
QUOTES
“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. Special thank you to Mayor Mark Goetz and his staff at the Municipality of South Bruce for their support and working with us on this project.”
- Bernie and Doreen McGlynn, Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd.
“Today’s investment through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program highlights the value of partnership in strengthening our forest sector and supporting sustainable growth in our communities”
- Mark Goetz, Mayor of the Municipality of South Bruce
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES