Published reports say the Ontario government will pay to keep the Experimental Lakes Area operating in the long term.
The province and the federal government continue to negotiate the transfer of the research station near Kenora to Winnipeg-based International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Natural Resources Mininster David Orazietti says Ontario's commitment will be below $2-million but isn't commenting on a specific number.
A tentative transfer agreement expires at the end of this month.