Learn About Ontario: Natural Resource Industries

Ontario has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources. A wide range of industries make use of these resources. Resource industries create jobs and prosperity, but we must always make sure that these resources will be available for future generations.

With about 85 billion trees ranging from the leafy hardwood species of the south to the softwood conifer species of the north, Ontario’s landscape is dominated by forests.  By making use of this resource, the forest industry has long been a key part of Ontario’s economy. It supports almost 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in over 260 communities across the province.  The value of Ontario’s forestry sector products was $14 billion in 2008.  The industry makes such products as pulp and paper, veneer, engineered wood, furniture, cabinets and more.

Aggregate resources such as stone, sand and gravel are a key component of the $37 billion construction industry.  They also contribute to the concrete, cement, glass, glass products, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industries.  Ontario produced about 153 million tonnes of aggregates in 2009.

Commercial fishing has been part of Ontario’s culture and heritage for many years.  Ontario’s is the largest freshwater commercial fishery in Canada with a contribution to the province’s economy ranging from $180 to $215 million each year.  Ontario has the largest recreational fishing industry with over 1.2 million anglers and an economic contribution of $2.4 billion annually.  Popular species for anglers include muskellunge, walleye and bass.  Aquaculture, or fish farming, also makes a contribution of about $65 million to the provincial economy annually. 

Ontario is working to be a North American leader in renewable energy by using such energy sources as wind, solar, hydro, biomass and biogas.  As the steward of the province’s natural resources and the approximately 87 per cent of Ontario that is Crown land, MNR has a key role to play in facilitating renewable energy development.

Trapping of furbearing animals is one of the oldest activities in Ontario.  The province is one of the world’s leading suppliers of wild fur, and trappers pursue a wide range of species, including beaver, mink, muskrat and raccoon.  Wildlife is a renewable resource that can replenish itself.  Ontario’s fur management program is based on sound management to ensure long-term social and economic benefits.

Ontario’s crude oil and gas reservoirs continue to help power the province. They supply about one per cent of our domestic oil and natural gas consumption each year with an annual value to the economy of $100 to $150 million. About 50 new oil and gas wells are drilled in southern Ontario annually.  Underground space created by solution mining of salt, as well as oil and gas production, is a renewable resource used for temporary storage of natural gas and high-value liquid hydrocarbons worth more than $3 billion.

Mining has long been one of the pillars of Ontario’s economy. The province’s mines provide such minerals as gold, nickel, cobalt, platinum group metals and more. While the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry is the lead ministry for the provincial minerals sector, MNR is responsible for parts of the Mining Act dealing with oil, natural gas and brine.

People come from all over the world to experience the hunting, fishing and other outdoor opportunities available in Ontario. The province’s tourist outfitters help guests enjoy their experience to the fullest.  They provide such services as access to licences, transportation, accommodation, outdoor gear and more.

• Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
• Ontario Forest Industries Association
• Ontario Lumber Manufacturers' Association
• Ontario Forestry Association
• Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario
• Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association
• Ontario Commercial Fisheries’ Association
• Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
• Northern Ontario Aquaculture
• Ontario Fishery Enhancement and Aquaculture Association
• Ontario Fur Managers Federation
• Ontario Petroleum Institute
• Ontario Mining Association
• Ontario Prospectors Association