Census Division No. 21 is located over 400 kilometres northwest of the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba's Capital. The area's southern boundary sits on the northwest shore of Lake Winnipeg, while the western side borders the Province of Saskatchewan. Provincial Trunk Highways No. 6, 10, 60 & 68 are the major north-south transportation routes, while Provincial Trunk Highway No. 39 serves as the major east-west route. The area sits between Grass River Provincial Park and Clearwater Lake Provincial Park, where many lakes, rivers and streams provide ample opportunity for many outdoor pursuits.
The 1996 population of this Census Division was 23,145. The Census Division area is made up of the City of Flin Flon, the towns of Grand Rapids, Snow Lake, The Pas, and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey. There are also a number of unincorporated northern communities such as Easterville, Moose Lake, Cormorant, and Sherridon, as well as, a number of Aboriginal and First Nation communities such as Chemawawin, Grand Rapids, Moose Lake, Mosakahiken Cree Nation and Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Economic Base
The City of Flin Flon is the major urban centre in the area that has a wide variety of services. With a trading area comprising over 15,000 people, it is a great place to do business. One of the leading employers in Flin Flon is the Hudson's Bay Mining and Smelting Company, which operates several zinc and copper mines, a copper smelter, and a world-class Zinc pressure leach facility.
Besides mining, there are a number of other thriving sectors in the economy such as energy production (Manitoba Hydro electricity generating plants), forestry, light manufacturing, primary agriculture, commercial fishing, trapping, retail, and service industries. Tourism also thrives in the area, due to the pristine nature of the local surroundings. Hunting, fishing, camping, boating and canoeing are just a few of the activities that draw thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and amateur explorers to the area annually.
Major Private Employers in Area
Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting (Flin Flon)
Tolko Manitoba (The Pas) - Pulp, Paper, and Saw Mill
Northern Bus Lines (Flin Flon) - Transportation Services
Phantom Lake Golf Course (Flin Flon)
Major Public Sector Employers
The Pas Health Complex
Kelsey School Division
Government of Manitoba
Municipal Government
Keewatin Community College
Manitoba Hydro
Flin Flon Friendship Centre
Major Attractions
Some of the many attractions in the area include:
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights as they are commonly called, are spectacular in this region of Northern Manitoba. The "dancing skies" leave both hardened residents and visitors constantly in awe. This wonder of nature is one most fascinating and beautiful attractions found in Northern Manitoba.
Flin Flon Tourist Park & Camping Sites
Hunting and Fishing
Phantom Lake
Baker's Norrows Provincial Park
Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival (The Pas) - third week in February
For more information on major attractions, festivals and events in the area go directly to the Quality of Life section of this profile.
