The City of Flin Flon is located 743 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg and 550 kilometers from the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Situated along the border of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Flin Flon's population has grown to over 7500 people in recent years. Lakes, rivers and streams surround the City of Flin Flon, and provide for ample recreational opportunities.
History
Flin Flon is located north of the 54th parallel and along the prehistoric Amisk Volcano Belt. Flin Flon is a mining community and was settled and built on the rich deposits of zinc, copper, silver, and gold found in the region. Today, Filn Flon offers all the amenities of any major center.
Economic Base
The City of Flin Flon is a unique northern community that boasts a wide variety of services. With a trading area comprising of over 15,000 people, it is a great place to do business. The local labour force has the right combination of skills and productivity to address the demands of growing economic sectors.
The city is home to the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company that operates several zinc and copper mines, a copper smelter, and a world class Zinc pressure leach facility in northern Manitoba. The local economy is dependent on the mining industry.
Other industries such as forestry, light manufacturing, agriculture and retail also thrive in Flin Flon.
Flin Flon has a strong tourism industry. 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 Attractions
The Flin Flon Tourist Park is located along Highway 10A. This green space offers 75 camping sites. The Tourist Park also has modern washroom facilities complete with showers and wheelchair accessibility.
At the entrance of the Tourist Park, the statue of Flintabatey Flonatin, affectionately known locally as "Flinty" welcomes visitors. "Flinty" is the character in the Book "The Sunless City" by J.E. Preston Muddock, for which the City of Flin Flon is named. Al Capp, of 'Lil Abner' fame, was intrigued by the story of how Flin Flon received its name, and created "Flinty's" image.
Across from the tourist bureau, you will find the Flin Flon Museum. The museum gives a descriptive overview of the history of mining in Flin Flon and area throughout the 20th century. The museum is open during the summer months.
Baker's Narrows Provincial Park boasts modern camping facilities. The park is a great place to enjoy some of the area's natural beauty.
A favourite destination amongst locals and visitors alike is the Flinty Boardwalk. Surrounding Ross Lake, the boardwalk winds its way along the natural shoreline, and up the rocks to a viewing site. There are numerous places along this walking path that have 'info stops'. These signs explain the various types of indigenous rocks located in the Flin Flon area. Along the Boardwalk, you can view the etched boards that make up its walkway. For a fee of $100.00, you can purchase a board, have it engraved, and installed on the walkway. For many, these boards serve as a memorial.
Tours are available during the summer months at the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co. site. These guided tours offer a brief insight into how a working mine functions.
In the winter, Flin Flon serves as a hub for the local snowmobile community. Numerous groomed trails and routes characterize the area surrounding Flin Flon.
Flin Flon is also home to one of the few remaining drive-in theaters left in North America. The big screen plays both feature films and classics throughout the summer months.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
For the Winter sports enthusiast, Flin Flon offers both cross-country and downhill skiing facilities. Flin Flon also has three curling rinks with organized leagues. The Whitney Forum, a 3000 seat hockey arena is home to Flin Flon's minor hockey league teams.
A nine-hole golf course, public swimming and wading pools, swimming and boating areas, and numerous sports fields offer endless recreation opportunities during the summer months.
Other Information
Access
Access to Flin Flon is along paved Highway 10 and Highway 106. Highway 106 brings travelers from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Trucking
Five local firms provide trucking services in and around Flin Flon. There is also daily service to and from the city via Purolator and Loomis courier services.
Water Services
Flin Flon is serviced by a modern water treatment and distribution system. Not all residents however, are serviced by this system. In all areas, fresh drinking water is available.
Sewage Collection & Treatment
Much of the city is serviced by a modern wastewater collection and treatment facility.
Landfill & Eco-Center
The City of Flin Flon owns and operates its own landfill site. The city also provides garbage collection to all residences and businesses. A local recycling program operates on a drop off system.
Health Care
Flin Flon General Hospital provides both urgent and long-term care to the city and surrounding areas. A full slate of doctors, dentists and other medical professionals provide care on an ongoing basis. The city also operates an emergency ambulance service.
Police & Fire
The local RCMP detachment based in Flin Flon provides policing to the city and neighboring areas.
The Flin Flon fire department comprises of a contingent of 30 professional and volunteer firefighters. The fire department has access to modern rescue and fire fighting equipment. All areas of the city are served by fire hydrants.
