Overview
On January 21, 2009, Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson announced that a consortium of UK investors will be investing $2 million in Ontario's Stonehedge Bio-Resources Inc. The Minister was joined by MPP Lou Rinaldi, members of Stonehedge, Lime Technology Ltd UK, Eastern Lake Ontario Research Innovation Network, and potential investors/partners.

The investment will help Ontario become the home to the first North American commercial bio-processing plant for industrial hemp.

Starting in spring 2009, Stonehedge expects to build a new bio-refining facility in eastern Ontario that will employ up to 27 people by 2011. The company expects to produce more than $17 million per year in renewable hemp fibre, wood-like chips, and pellets, as well as matting and seed products.

Ontario, through the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Innovation Network (ELORIN), has been providing Stonehedge with advice, expertise and support in building international partnerships.

The event was accompanied by a news release and backgrounder.

Summary of News Coverage
The announcement attracted extensive media coverage - TV, radio and print. The coverage was positive and key messages were captured. For example, from the  Belleville Intelligencer wrote:

The founder and president of Stonehedge Bio- Resources Inc. was in Toronto Wednesday to secure $2 million from private investors to open the first North American bio-processing plant for industrial hemp by this time next year.

"These bio-based products signify the future of sustainable development and clean green technology by replacing products that cause serious environmental damage with innovative carbon-negative alternatives," John Baker (Stonehedge president)  told The Intelligencer in a telephone interview from a Toronto hotel.

On January 20, 2009, UK Trade & Investment sponsored a Toronto Chapter meeting of the Canada Green Building Council. Six British speakers were featured at this event, which took place at the MaRS Centre.

The UK has some of the strongest construction services companies operating internationally with a reputation in the industry which is second to none. This is demonstrated by the UK's reputation in green and sustainable buildings, whether it is sustainable design and engineering to innovative construction technologies. UKTI were proud to host six UK mission members, all experts in their field
Please click here for a profile of UK speakers and their presentations:

A1 Designs Ltd
Barrie Moore

Colt International Ltd
David Earp

Fletcher Priest Architects LLP
Keith Priest

Lime Technology Ltd
Ian Pritchett

Llewelyn Davies Yeang
Click here for a video clip.
Aurore Julien

Mott MacDonald
Sam Simpson

For more information please contact:
Isabell French
Trade Associate
British Consulate General - UK Trade & Investment
t: 416 593 1290 press '1' then ext. 2258
e: isabell.french@fco.gov.uk