Potential for nickel, copper deposits explored. (Communities of the North: Nipigon/Red Rock).

Recently, there have been reports about the exploration activity in the Nipigon basin for platinum group elements and mineral deposits. Initial indications are that there is potential there further exploration of platinum group elements, says John Scott, a district geologist in the Thunder Bay south area, covering the mine centre west of Nipigon all the way to. Red Rock.

"We have to have a look at various aspects of the geology of the Nipigon basin in order to determine the potential for platinum group metals, uranium and copper," says Scott. "But, there is very good potential for copper and nickel deposits there."

With a population of approximately 1,300 people, Red Rock is just 100 kilometres east of Thunder Bay. The town is situated on Nipigon Bay, just 10 minutes off Highway 628. It is also a picturesque community with a population of 13,500, and it is bordered on one side by vertical cliffs and on the other by a new marina.

The marina features a 1,000-foot boardwalk along the bay and offers fuel, pump out, freshwater, electrical hookups and protected slips for any sized boats.

Red Rock is also home to a recreation complex with a three-sheet curling club, Lakeside Cafe, an arena, a bowling alley, a senior's club, a weight room, a gymnasium, meeting rooms, and a swimming pool.

Recently the town's historic inn, Red Rock Inn, underwent a major restoration project and currently serves as a four season hotel/convention centre.

In addition, an eight-kilometre hiking trail has been completed over the mountain to Nipigon to offer panoramic views of Lake Superior.

The community's volunteer organizations include a 26-member volunteer fire department and a volunteer ambulance service.

The major industry in Red Rock is Norampac, a container board manufacturer formerly known as Domtar. In addition to being Red Rock's largest employer, it is also the major employer of its neighbouring community of Nipigon, just 12 miles away.

These two small towns combine for a population of approximately 3,700 people. They are also linked by the Nipigon River Recreation Trail. The trail is 8.5 kilometres and offers spectacular scenery. Along the tail, easy walking sections to terrain can be found for hikers.

Both are also part of the Trans-Ontario Snowmobile Trail System and both share a golf club, The Nipigon-Red Rock Golf Club, located midway between the two towns.

Nipigon is located at the junction of Highways 11 and 17, just one hour east of Thunder Bay. The Nipigon Marina, provides the latest facilities for Lake Superior watersport lovers. In fact, the harbour accommodates boats of all sizes and offers launching, docking, pump out, fuel, and fresh water. Near the marina are various accommodations, including restaurants, a marine dealer and a variety of other services.

With Superior to the south and the Nipigon River flowing through the town, the Nipigon area is a haven for anglers looking for lake trout and salmon.

Nipigon is also a marketplace for good shopping, gifts and souvenirs, while its recreational opportunities include tour boats, tennis courts, beach swimming and canoe routes. The region also plays home to the recently redesigned and expanded North Shore Golf Club, a nine-hole, par-36 golf course.

Nipigon also has a plywood mill, Multi Ply, which makes hockey stick shafts for NHL teams. Although the mill had one lay off recently, it still provides the Nipigon/Red Rock area with a number of steady jobs.

Ed Belanger is still in his first term as Nipigon's reeve and admits he is still learning and trying to overcome the obstacles his town faces everyday.

"There is a lack of money," he says. "When the government turns around and tells you that you have to have your water system redone and you have no money, when they are going to be giving you a little bit of money, but you still have to come up with the rest of it to be able to finish, it is a tough situation."

Belanger explains that the township has encountered problems with its water system. They have been asked to fix the problem by July 31 of 2003.

Ultimately, his message to the town's citizens and to those outside of the town is to give the area a chance.

"Have faith in our council and I am sure everything will turn out," he says. "The revitalization of the town is not going to cost the public money; it is going to be raised by the community."

"Nipigon is a very nice place," he concludes. "It has always been that and there are a lot of outdoor activities for people who like those activities. There are lots of other things to do here too. There is fishing and hunting and everything that goes along with it."

FOR MORE INFO VISIT www.nipigon.net

NIPIGON

Population                1,964

Main Employer/            Weyerhaeuser-Plywood Mill
Private Sector            Domtar-Red Rock

Top 5 Employers           Hospital, OPP, MNR, Government
                          Services, Zechners Foadmart

Area of Community         67.43 sq. km

Municipal Tax Rates       commercial occupied-0.06498582
(base average)            industrial occupied-0.04561532

Commercial real estate    lots available for commercial real
market: what is it like?  estate, moving very slowly

Land Values               not available

Industrial Park           small
(serviced or unserviced)  partial service