Building a Sustainable Business In Moosonee, Ontario
Moosonee, Ontario, is a remote northern town on the Moose River, about 19 km south of James Bay. It is considered the "Gateway to the Arctic" and is Ontario's only saltwater port. Moosonee is not connected to the provincial road system, so travellers must arrive by train or plane.
The town grew in importance with the arrival of the Ontario Northland Railway in 1932. The railway connects Moosonee to Cochrane, 250 km to the south. Moosonee is a transportation hub and launching point for destinations further north along the James Bay coast.
Notable attractions in Moosonee include:
- Spotting Beluga whales and seals in the waters around James Bay, especially in spring and fall
- Viewing the Northern Lights on clear nights
- Visiting the Railway Car Museum, MNR Interpretive Centre, and nearby Tidewater Provincial Park
- Touring the historic waters of James Bay and the migratory bird sanctuaries
Moosonee is the most accessible place in Ontario to reach the province's saltwater coastline. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the Arctic-like environment and Cree culture in a remote northern setting. The annual Creefest celebration showcases Cree music, dance, art and community.
History of Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
Moosonee, Ontario, Canada, is a remote town on the Moose River, approximately 19 km south of James Bay. Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," it is Ontario's only saltwater port, where goods are transferred from trains to aircraft and barges for transport to more northern communities. The town's history dates back to 1900 when Annie Hardisty and her two daughters became the first settlers.
Early Development and Fur Trading
In 1903, Revillon Frères, a Parisian furrier, established the Moose River Post, which quickly became the most important location for the company.
The post expanded with a staff house, carpenter's shop, warehouse, and sawmill. Despite its prosperity, the post was isolated, supplied only once a year by ship from Montreal.
In 1932, the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway extended to Moose River Post, which was then renamed Moosonee, derived from the Cree word "môsonihk," meaning "at the Moose [River]."
The railway played a crucial role in the town's development, connecting Moosonee to Cochrane 250 km south. Air Creebec and Thunder Airlines provide scheduled flights to Moosonee Airport, also used by the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Military and Radar Station
In 1962, Moosonee became the site of Royal Canadian Air Force Station Moosonee, part of NORAD's Pinetree Line chain of radar stations. The station closed in 1975, and some of its buildings were used by the town after the closure.
Incorporation and Demographics
Moosonee was incorporated as the Town of Moosonee in November 2000. According to the 2021 Canadian census, the town has a population of 1,512, with 66.8% identifying as First Nations, 32.5% as non-indigenous, and 1% as Métis.
Historical Events
Notable historical events in Moosonee include the first airplane landing in 1920, the "last spike" ceremony for the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway in 1920, and the visit of the Earl and Countess of Bessborough in 1933.
Geography of Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
Moosonee is located in northern Ontario, Canada, on the Moose River, approximately 19 km (12 mi) south of James Bay. It is situated at latitude 51°20′03″N and longitude 80°43′16″W.
Moosonee is considered the "Gateway to the Arctic" and has Ontario's only saltwater port. The town is not connected to the provincial road system, so travellers must arrive by train or plane.
The Ontario Northland Railway reaches Moosonee, providing passenger and freight service to Cochrane, 250 km to the south.
The climate in Moosonee is a humid continental climate with subarctic influences. It features long, cold winters and short, warm-to-hot summers, with James Bay acting as a thermal reservoir to moderate spring and fall temperatures.
Freeze-up on the Moose River normally occurs between late November and mid-December, with spring break-up usually happening in April.
Despite its northern location, Moosonee is not particularly far north, at 51°N—roughly the same latitude as Saskatoon and Calgary. However, it is colder due to its proximity to Hudson Bay and isolated due to its lack of road access to the rest of Ontario.
Demographics of Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
According to the 2021 Canadian census, Moosonee, Ontario, has a population of 1,512 in 487 of its 629 total private dwellings. The town has a land area of 547.83 km2 and a population density of 2.8/km2.
The population is mainly First Nations, with 66.8%, 32.5% non-indigenous, and 1% Métis. The most common mother tongue is English, at 86%, followed by Indigenous languages (mainly Cree), at 8.5%, French, at 1%, and other languages, at 4.4%.
The age breakdown is:
- 0-14 years: 28.8%
- 15-64 years: 63.8%
- 65+ years: 7.3%
The median age is 28.4, significantly younger than the provincial median of 40.9. The male-to-female ratio is 1:1.
Moosonee's population has fluctuated, declining from 2,006 in 2006 to 1,481 in 2016 before rebounding slightly to 1,512 in 2021. The town is not connected to Ontario's road system, so transportation is limited to air and rail.
Economy of Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
The economy of Moosonee, Ontario, Canada, is centred on transportation and has historically been influenced by the fur trade and mining activities. Here are some key aspects of the economy:
Moosonee's economy began with the fur trade, established by Revillon Frères in 1903. The post was expanded with a staff house, carpenter's shop, warehouse, and sawmill but remained isolated due to limited supply lines.
The town's economy shifted in 1932 with the extension of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway to Moose River Post, which was renamed Moosonee. The railway brought in goods and people, making Moosonee a major transportation hub.
Current Economy
Today, Moosonee's economy is driven by its role as a transportation hub. The town is the northern terminus of the Ontario Northland Railway, which connects it to Cochrane, 250 km south.
Goods are transferred from trains to barges and aircraft to more northern communities, making it Ontario's only saltwater port.
Employment and Capital Investment
The North West Company is a significant employer in Moosonee. Its Northern Store employs 65 individuals, 14% of whom are Indigenous.
Over 10 years, the company made a $5,877,452 capital investment in the Moosonee store, which has an annual economic impact of $2,858,495.
Tourism and Services
Tourism is also an important aspect of Moosonee's economy, particularly during summer. Many local Cree people are employed as guides for tourists and hunters who ride the "Polar Bear Express" from Cochrane. The town has a range of services, including the Revillon Frères Museum, which showcases its fur trade past.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its remote location, Moosonee needs help in maintaining its economic viability. The town is not connected to the provincial road system, and its isolation can limit access to goods and services. However, its unique role as a transportation hub and its proximity to James Bay offer opportunities for growth and development.
Education in Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
Moosonee, Ontario, Canada, offers a range of educational opportunities, including online programs, post-secondary education, and special education programs. Here are some key aspects of education in Moosonee:
Post-Secondary Education
Northern College has a campus in Moosonee, offering programs in Trades & Technology, Pre-Health, Early Childhood Education, Business Fundamentals, and Office Administration. The campus is designed to provide accessible education to residents of the remote twin communities and surrounding areas.
Special Education
Moosonee Public School offers special education programs that align with the Ontario curriculum, focusing on four fundamental goals: academic achievement, social skills, emotional well-being, and physical health. The school is committed to providing inclusive education and supporting diverse student needs.
School Board
The Moosonee District School Area Board manages the local school system, including Moosonee Public School. The board aims to provide a comprehensive education to area students.
Education in the Community
Moosonee is known for its strong sense of community, and education plays a significant role. The town has a vibrant educational environment that supports students and provides opportunities for growth and development.
Transport System in Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
Moosonee, Ontario, is a major transportation hub for Ontario's Far North. The main methods of access are rail and air. The town is not connected to the provincial road system, so travellers must arrive by train or plane.
Ontario Northland Railway
The Ontario Northland Railway reaches Moosonee, providing passenger and freight service to Cochrane, 250 km to the south. The Polar Bear Express train runs six days weekly in summer and five days weekly in winter.
Moosonee station has a small station building, freight shed, diesel shed, and outdoor yard to store trains. A barge can transport goods from Moosonee during the summer and early fall shipping season.
Moosonee Airport
Moosonee is accessible via the Moosonee Airport, and it is served with scheduled flights by Air Creebec and Thunder Airlines. In the summer, floatplanes can land at the Moosonee Water Aerodrome.
Winter Roads
During the winter, ice roads are plowed and maintained on the ice across the Moose River to Moose Factory, and winter roads are maintained to the coastal First Nations communities of Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Attawapiskat. In 2021, the 311 km James Bay Winter Ice Road was constructed to connect Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Moosonee.
Vehicle Transportation
Ontario Northland transports over 3,000 vehicles between Cochrane and Moosonee each year on the Polar Bear Express mixed train. Reservations are required for cars, vans, SUVs, and trucks up to 3/4 ton.
Moosonee is a transportation hub and launching point for destinations further north along the James Bay coast. The town's isolation and lack of road access to the rest of Ontario contribute to its unique character and role in the region's transportation network.
Living in Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
Moosonee, Ontario, Canada, is a remote town on the Moose River, approximately 19 km (12 mi) south of James Bay. It is the "Gateway to the Arctic" and has Ontario's only saltwater port. The town is not connected to the provincial road system, so travellers must arrive by train or plane.
Moosonee was first settled by Annie Hardisty and her two daughters in 1900. The place was fully developed in 1903 when a crew of 21 fur traders from Revillon Frères established the Moose River Post, which became their most important location.
The post was expanded with a staff house, carpenter's shop, warehouse, and sawmill. Although the outpost was prosperous, it remained isolated, with supply ships only arriving once a year from Montreal and mail arriving only four times yearly.
In 1932, the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway was extended to Moose River Post from Cochrane, and the town was renamed Moosonee from the Cree word "moosoneek," meaning "at the Moose (River)".
The town's economy shifted from fur trading to transportation, with the railway becoming the primary transportation to the north.
Moosonee experiences a humid continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm-to-hot summers.
The town is known for its bird sanctuaries, including Shipsands Island and Southern James Bay. The Tidewater Provincial Park is located near Charles Island, adjacent to Moose Factory Island.
Moosonee has a local school, Moosonee Public School, which offers special education programs. Northern College has a campus in Moosonee and provides students with the opportunity to complete their studies through remote learning.
Healthcare in Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) provides healthcare in Moosonee, Ontario. WAHA operates an ambulance service, health centre, and mental health services in the town.
A new state-of-the-art healthcare complex is officially coming to Moosonee. Quebec-based Pomerleau Inc. will build the complex, which will include a 36-bed hospital with a larger emergency room, ambulatory care clinics, and space for visiting specialists.
The existing Weeneebayko General Hospital will be relocated from Moose Factory Island to Moosonee. Once complete, the new hospital will provide modern healthcare facilities to serve the residents of Moosonee and surrounding communities.
The investment in a new healthcare complex demonstrates the commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for Moosonee and the surrounding region.
Tourist places of Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
Moosonee, Ontario, Canada, is a remote town with a rich history and unique attractions. Here are some tourist places to visit in Moosonee:
- Tidewater Provincial Park: Located on Charles Island, adjacent to Moose Factory Island, this park offers camping, birdwatching, and wildlife sightings. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Railway Car Museum: This museum showcases the area's cultural history in an old Baggage Car of the Temiskaming & Northern Ontario Railway. It is a must-visit for those interested in the town's history and rail transportation.
- MNR Interpretive Centre: This centre provides displays and videos highlighting the region's wildlife, geological, and geographical features. It is an excellent resource for understanding the natural environment of Moosonee.
- Shipsands Island and the Southern James Bay: These bird sanctuaries offer birdwatching and wildlife sightings opportunities. The area is known for its diverse avifauna and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
- Centennial Park: Located in Moose Factory, this park features 19th-century buildings from the fur-trading era. Visitors can take a private ferry across the Moose River to access the park.
- Polar Bear Express: This train is a popular tourist attraction. It offers a scenic rail excursion between Cochrane and Moosonee, a unique opportunity to view the hydroelectric dams, isolated homes, and wildlife.
- Moosonee Water Aerodrome: This water aerodrome is used for seaplane arrivals and departures, offering a unique perspective on the town and its surroundings.
These attractions offer a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making Moosonee a fascinating tourist destination.
Local Food of Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
Moosonee, Ontario, Canada, is known for its unique local food scene, reflecting the town's cultural heritage and location. Here are some local food options to try:
- Cree Cuisine: Moosonee is home to the Cree First Nations people, and their traditional cuisine is a significant part of the local food scene. Visitors can experience Cree cuisine through guided tours and cultural events, often featuring traditional dishes such as bannock, wild rice, and smoked fish.
- Fresh Fish: The Moose River and James Bay offer an abundance of fresh fish, including walleye, northern pike, and brook trout. Local fishermen and guides can help visitors catch these species and enjoy them fresh from the water.
- Wild Game: The surrounding wilderness is home to various wild game, including deer, moose, and beaver. These animals are often hunted and prepared locally, offering a taste of the region's wild cuisine.
- Local Groceries: The Northern Store in Moosonee and Moose Factory offers a range of local and imported groceries. Visitors can stock up on essentials and try local specialties like maple syrup and wild rice.
- Traditional Treats: Local bakeries and cafes offer traditional treats like bannock, often served with butter, jam, or honey. Other treats include wild rice cakes and maple syrup cookies.
- Community Events: Moosonee hosts various community events throughout the year, such as the Creefest celebration, which features traditional Cree music, dance, and food. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience local cuisine and culture.
Moosonee's local food scene is characterized by its emphasis on traditional Cree cuisine, fresh fish, and wild game. Visitors can experience these flavours through guided tours, local markets, and community events.
You can also check the information regarding Moose Factory, Ontario
