The Nova Scotia government is procuring wood heat for four hospitals and a community college campus. A newly issued request for proposals (RFP) marks the rollout of a provincial policy to convert public buildings from fossil fuel systems to locally derived wood heat sources when such opportunities arise. That’s part of a broader mandate, adopted in 2025, to prioritize wood construction and heating in the province’s public buildings.

“We are seizing an opportunity to prioritize a local product from our forestry sector that also makes our province more self-reliant and energy secure,” says Fred Tilley, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Public Works.

Prospective proponents have until June. 24, 2026 to bid on providing heating services for the five facilities, which include: Digby General Hospital; St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish; Roseway Hospital in Shelburne; Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton; and the Kentville campus of Nova Scotia Community College. As per the Nova Scotia government’s directive, wood pellet, biomass or biofuel options will be considered.

Once converted, the five sites will join 20 other public buildings throughout the province, including schools and hospitals, that currently rely on wood heat. The province is also promoting wood-based district energy in future developments.

“This is a great way to create new opportunities for our forestry industry and for companies to start new business models,” says Kim Masland, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Natural Resources.