Thompson has been called the "gateway to Manitoba's North". It is located in the centre of the province and is the last major community before the untamed north. The swift flowing Burntwood River reminds residents and visitors alike that pristine wilderness areas are never far from Thompson. Numerous lakes and rivers dot the area that is mostly covered in dense evergreen forest.
History
Thompson's history dates back to 1956 when INCO Ltd. discovered a rich body of nickel ore. The company approached the Province of Manitoba with plans to open a mine and refining complex, and construction soon followed. The nickel plant and mine site was developed on Cook Lake, and the town site set up a few kilometers away on the Burntwood River. The name Thompson was chosen to honor Dr. John Fairfield Thompson, an INCO employee of over fifty years, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at the time. Thompson is a unique northern city offering all the benefits of an urban lifestyle in a beautiful wilderness setting.
Economic Base
Thompson owes its roots to the INCO Mine, and much of the cities economic activity revolves around the mine and various supporting businesses. The city of 15,000 has a strong retail and service sector, providing residents with all the amenities one would expect only from a larger southern centre. The local trading area encompasses some 40000 people, offering extended opportunities to local business. The city has many restaurants for fine dining, many nightspots and shopping areas.
Major Attractions
The biggest attraction to Thompson is the area itself. Only minutes from downtown, residents and visitors alike can be immersed in a wilderness paradise that is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. Recreational activities abound on the many lakes and rivers of the area, and in the vast boreal forests Manitoba's North is known for. Hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping, swimming, and hiking are just a few of the warm weather activities available, just outside the city. When the weather turns colder, the area becomes a haven for snowmobilers and cross-country skiers and the many lakes provide ample opportunities for ice fishing.
Scenic Paint Lake Provincial Park, only a half-hour away has a modern marina with boat launch, a family style campground, beaches and swimming, a picnic area, lakeside cottages, and incredible fishing.
Thompson's INCO Mine offers daily walking tours of the surface area of the mine site and the refining complex. Visitors will get an up-close look at such things as the headframe, mill, and smelter. The tours are offered five days a week, year round.
The Thompson Zoo is one of the northern most zoos in the world. The facility houses an extensive collection of birds and animals indigenous to the surrounding area, and also a few exotic species. The zoo is open daily year round.
Pisew Falls lies just over one half-hour to the south of Thompson. The falls are the second largest drop in Manitoba and the largest accessible by car. A short trail leads to a viewing platform where shutterbugs can snap the breathtaking 13 meter high falls. There is also a suspension bridge, and an 11-kilometre trail leads to Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba's largest.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Thompson Recreation Centre is a complex with something for everyone. The facility houses curling rinks, racquet ball, a hockey arena, baseball diamonds, horse shoe pits, tennis courts, a running track, and a skateboard park.
Norplex Pool offers year round enjoyment for water sports fans. Whether just taking a dip or taking part in organized lessons or activities, the pool has a program for everyone. A sauna, universal gym, and an indoor waterslide make this facility even more enjoyable.
The Thompson Public Library houses some 93,000 volumes of resource material. The library also has extensive collections of books, magazines and videos in both official languages. To keep with the times, the library now offers Internet services as well.
Housed in a beautiful log building, the Heritage North Museum displays local historic artifacts, natural history exhibits, and professionally designed pioneer displays. Throughout the year, traveling exhibits add variety to the permanent collections.
McLean Park located close to City Hall, lies on the banks of the Burntwood River. The park is home to an outdoor theater stage that is used during the summer months by local community theater groups.
Other Information
Access
Highway 6 brings travelers along a paved route form the south on the 750-kilometre journey from Winnipeg. Access to other northern points from Thompson is along Highways 280 and 391. Thompson is also accessible by rail, and has regularly scheduled flights in and out.
Trucking
Truck services are available to Thompson on many Manitoba companies. A few small firms provide service in and around the city. Courier service is provided by Purolator and Loomis, and by United Parcel Service through a local agent.
Water Services
The Burntwood River provides a continuous supply of fresh water to Thompson's Water Treatment Plant. Three main pumps feed the piped system that supplies most of the city with its water.
Sewage Collection & Treatment
Almost all of Thompson's businesses and residences are served by a municipal sewage collection system and treatment facility. The system is relatively new and has ample reserve capacity.
Landfill & Eco-Centre
The City of Thompson shares a modern landfill site with The Local Government District of Mystery Lake. All city homes and businesses are provided with regular garbage collection.
Recycling facilities exist in the city, on both a drop off and collection basis.
Education
Mystery Lake School District 2355 provides elementary education in six local schools. Junior and senior high school is housed in R.D. Parker Collegiate, with university entrance, general, and business curriculum. Many vocational and post secondary options exist in and around Thompson. Day Care facilities are available.
Health Care
Thompson's healthcare needs are met with a modern 72-bed acute care facility, home to 6 doctors, 2 E.M.O.'s and 6 specialists. Professional ambulance services are provided with well equipped vehicles.
Police & Fire
The Local detachment of the RCMP serves many outlying northern communities and is staffed by 52 officers.
The City of Thompson operates its own 20-member fire department, backed by two modern pumpers, an aerial ladder truck, two ambulances, and three support vehicles.
