August 31, 2026
Funding will support developing and commercializing innovative technology
GORDON/BARRY ISLAND — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Waste Energy Solutions and Technologies Inc. (WEST) develop and commercialize a system that uses proprietary technology to convert waste into clean energy for electricity generation, heating and cooling. This funding delivers on the province’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting the development of new technologies that respond to market needs, advance sustainable energy solutions, drive economic growth and create good paying jobs.
“Northern Ontario companies are taking the lead on developing innovative technologies in response to real-world challenges and market realities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through this investment, our government is supporting WEST’s growth while creating jobs and developing waste management solutions available to communities across the region, and beyond.”
WEST is an innovative new company in the waste-to-energy sector, developing a technology that converts household, commercial and industrial waste into a renewable natural gas. With the NOHFC’s support, the company will apply the technology locally in The Municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island on Manitoulin Island, establishing a manufacturing facility in the area. By integrating the technology into a system called the “WESTbox”, WEST plans to commercialize project-based waste processing solutions in remote settings to address the existing waste landfill capacity problem in northern Ontario and across Canada.
“On behalf of the entire WEST team, it is an honour to receive the support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Province of Ontario,” said Mathieu Gagnon, CEO of WEST. “This investment is an important milestone in advancing WEST’s Canadian-developed clean technology and launching our Waste Processing As A Service™ model. By combining resource recovery with localized energy generation, WEST helps communities reduce landfill dependence, create local employment and transform waste into a valuable resource. Our Manitoulin Island facility will demonstrate how this approach can deliver environmental and economic benefits while supporting a more sustainable regional economy. We look forward to working with First Nations, municipalities, businesses and residents to build an Ontario-made solution that can be replicated across northern Ontario and, ultimately, Canada.”
“Congratulations to Waste Energy Solutions and Technologies Inc. on securing successful funding from NOHFC,” said Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin. “The funding for this facility will support an innovative approach to waste processing while capturing and utilizing the energy generated from waste. As research and development of this new technology continues, the evidence will help demonstrate the viability of the process and its potential to deliver long-term environmental benefits and cost savings to municipalities. The potential for this eco-friendly state of the art system is just scratching the surface, and I am excited to have witnessed what this clean alternative and energy generating system can do and how it can be a positive impact across the region. Wishing the team continued success as this innovative project moves forward and I look forward to seeing what comes next!”
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
Quick Facts
- Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,600 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 jobs.
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Officesand Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
Media ContactSam McCormick Media Relations |
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