Iroquois Falls, Ontario

Iroquois Falls is a small town in Northern Ontario, Canada, with a population of 4,729 in the Canada 2006 Census.^[2]

The town centre lies just off of Hwy 11 on the banks the Abitibi River, west of Lake Abitibi. Timmins, one of the largest cities in northern Ontario is approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) to the west. The following communities are also within the municipal boundaries: Monteith, Nellie Lake, and Porquis Junction.

Iroquois Falls is home to the top-producing paper mill of pulp and paper company AbitibiBowater, which is the town's primary industry. The Monteith Correctional Complex, a provincial prison serving a regional catchment area, is located in the community of Monteith.

History

The background of the town's name varies depending on the source, attributing the name of the falls either to invasions by the Iroquois on Huron or Ojibway villages. It is also unclear who has relayed the tale, settlers or the First Nations people themselves.^[3]

Incorporated in 1915, Iroquois Falls was built as a company town by Frank Harris Anson, owner of the Abitibi Power and Paper Company, Limited. In 1916, much of the town was destroyed by fire. Frank Harris Anson, who was influenced by the Garden City movement, continued his beautification program during the 1920s as the community rebuilt.^[4]

Founded as Abitibi Pulp and Paper Co. by Frank Harris Anson, this mill created a dramatic change to the area. A new population migrated to the area for development. The creation of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway (now Ontario Northland Railway) service greatly boosted the economy as there were no roads at the time. A large group of Abitibi housing units were built and a large church. The large church, which is a historic landmark for the area, was the first English Catholic Parish to be built in Northern Ontario. As Iroquois Falls grew it was separated into three distinct towns: Montrock, Ansonville, and Iroquois Falls. This was discontinued in 1979 and they were amalgamated into one town named Iroquois Falls. Abitibi-Price merged with Stone-Consolidated and then merged Donohue Forest Products and finally with Bowater to create AbitbiBowater. On April 17, 2009 AbitibiBowater sought CCAA protection. AbitibiBowater is currently in the process of implementing a re-structuring plan for the purpose of coming out of bankruptcy protection late 2010 or early 2011.

Regional development

Iroquois Falls has had little growth to its economy for many years. However the future prospects for employment in the area are good. Fears that Abitibi-Bowater's pulp and paper mill, the town's main industry, would close have passed. Moving to stay open, they will need to begin replacing an ageing workforce, thereby stimulating local economies. The Mining industry in the area has also been providing gainful employment for those willing a short commute. Mines near Matheson beginning to employ a significant amount of the youth looking for a career in the area. Another boost to the local economy is expected as new mining projects begin development in the north.

The politicians of the town and area have created a plan that invites companies to bring business to Iroquois Falls. Some businesses have opened, mostly small family oriented businesses. The community infrastructure of Iroquois Falls includes parks, community recreation centers, the Jus Jordan arena and curling club, and a golf course. However they are still looking for large employment opportunities to stabilize growth and diversify the local economy.

Sports and recreation

Iroquois Falls is home to the Abitibi Eskimos, formerly the Iroquois Falls Junior Eskis, of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. The Iroquois Falls Curling Club has 5 rinks with a comfortable licenced lounge suitable for rentals, receptions and catered events. Each summer brings the "Search for Moby Pike" fishing derby on Lake Abitibi. MusicMusicMusic, a live music event featuring local musicians is a popular annual event. Occurring on the second weekend of August, it is a fund-raising event for local community charities. Porquis Junction, a small community 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) south of the town centre, is home to the Porquis Blues Festival.

Climate

In January 1935, the town set the record low temperature for Ontario of −58.3 °C (−73 °F), the town also happens to hold the February record low of −55.6 °C (−68 °F).^[5] set in February 1899 (before the town was officially incorporated but weather was taken) and tied in February 1934. Winter typically lasts from November through April. Despite being near Timmins, the topography allows for much colder winters.

References

External links

• Town of Iroquois Falls