Kapuskasing Town Information

Since 1978, the Disability Resource Centre for Independent Living has been nestled in the Town of Kapuskasing, a small northern Ontario town with a population of 9,500. Situated on Highway 11, Kapuskasing services over 15,000 people from small neighboring communities. Several years ago, the strength, and commitment of the residents of this community became evident when they banded together and raised $17 million to acquire controlling interest in Spruce Falls (Paper Mill) Inc. The region’s largest employer at that time was closing its doors, throwing thousands out of work.

A few years later, Tembec Inc. purchased the mill back from the employees resulting in huge profits on the selling of their shares to Tembec, strengthening the local economy with lots of disposable income. Recently however, with the battles over duties imposed on the trading of lumber between the United States and Canada, the effect has been difficult on the paper mill industry and Tembec has recently announced the cancellation all of the tens of thousands of dollars in charitable donations and sponsored events, in an attempt to reduce costs.

With the opening of Agrium mines in 1999, the community can now boast of a second major industry. This phosphate open-pit mining operation is the first of its kind in North America and has been operating successfully since opening its doors. Although the Kapuskasing site is relatively small employing approximately 200 people, Agrium Mines Inc. is a very profitable international business.

Hockey and snowmobiling are huge past times in this community where winter can be long and sometimes harsh with temperatures dropping as low as -50 C. The summer brings relief and some great fishing (and lots of black flies) but the greatest fun is attending some of the annual festivals. The Lumberjack Festival draws thousands of people through its gates every year for a chance to experience the northern forestry heritage, and to cheer on the competitors who come from all over the world to compete in events such as 100’ tree climbing, log rolling and chain saw carving. Kapuskasing takes pride in its rich heritage and celebrates its strong French culture during the St. Jean Baptiste Celebration.

As residents we are fortunate to be able to live in the heart of Northern Ontario and to be surrounded by the great, pristine outdoors. For people with disabilities living in rural Ontario, there are additional barriers that are unique to living in a remote northern community. We can only hope that by maintaining our positive can do kind of attitude, we will continue to strive towards our vision of a healthy, stable, inclusive community.