NORSEMAN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Red Lake (population 6,700) is a community that successfully blends charm and hospitality with spectacular scenery, a fascinating heritage and outstanding quality of life. Stroll through the town's steep and narrow streets and step into the Red Lake Museum to get a glimpse of the town's colorful history.

Settlement here was precipitated by the Red Lake Gold Rush, which began in 1925 with the discovery of the Howey Mine. Significant mining operations continue today throughout the district.

The town's slogan refer_ to the Norseman airplane, the first to be designed and built in Canada specifically for flying in the rugged north. Very few of these aircraft still exist, but in Red Lake, the historic planes are still flying to remote communities, mining camps and tourist lodges throughout the region. The town celebrates its aviation, mining and trapping heritage with a variety of festivals throughout the year.

There are all kinds of interesting places to explore in the region, including 15 old gold mine sites and hundreds of islands, bays and channels. Red Lake is also known as the birthplace of fashion designer Linda Lundstrom, creator of La Parka. West of the community lies Woodland Caribou Park, the provinces fifth largest with over 1,600 km of canoe routes. Between Ear Falls and Red Lake, Pakwash Provincial Park with a one and a half km sandy beach, campground and superb examples of ancient native pictographs on the surrounding cliffs.

BUSSINESS COMMUNITY

Red Lake is the commercial hub of the district, so shopping opportunities are many and varied. Everyday needs are readily available through a wide range of stores and specialty shops. Provincial and local government offices are also available to serve your needs. The daily newspapers are published in the district. Access to cable television, national and regional newspapers and most other amenities of modern communities across the province are enjoyed by the residents of Red Lake.

Tourism is a mainstay of the district, with over 50 seasonal resorts and lodges in the area. A variety of hotel, motel and bed and breakfast accommodations are available, along with a good range of restaurants.

The services of at least two law firm are available in Red Lake. You will find complete banking services at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and the Bank of Nova Scotia, both offering Instant teller machines for 24-hour service.

EDUCATION

There are three modern public schools, one high school and a separate school for K-8. Also, Continuing Adult Education programs are available in the community and through Distance Education.

Contact North, a distance education network with Confederation College and Lakehead University offers a variety of courses taken by correspondence, or distance education.

RECREATION

Red Lake is a spirited community offering exceptional year-round recreational activities limited only by your own imagination. Mining, forestry and tourism form a strong and diverse economic base.

A wide range of organized sports leagues and clubs for all ages include baseball, skating, hockey, gymnastics, swimming, fast ball, skiing and judo.

Many special events and festivals are planned throughout the year, including fishing tournaments, the Snowmobile Festival, Cross Country Ski Loppet, Mining Week celebrations and the famous Norseman Festival, an international rendezvous for aviation buffs.

The are two recreation centers, a swimming pool, bowling alleys, curling rinks, ballparks, an indoor arena, tennis courts and many other facilities provide plenty of possibilities for your leisure time. An 18-hole golf course is nearby.

SOCIAL & SERVICE CLUBS

The Kinsmen, Lions, Royal Canadian Legion, Knights of Columbus and Masonic Lodge are among the active service clubs in the community. There is also a Chamber of Commerce and several Native service groups. For youth, there are Girl Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders and Beavers, Clubs and Scouts.

SPIRITUAL CARE

The following denominations are represented by churches in the Red Lake area: Anglican, Baptist, Jehovah's Witness, Lutheran, Mennonite, Pentecostal, Roman Catholic, United, Ukrainian Catholic, and Christian Assembly.

ARTS & CULTURE

A Museum and library both offer a variety of displays and programming. Live theatre performances are popular in Red Lake and the surrounding communities. There is an active arts community as evidenced by the popular craft shows, with a special emphasis on native arts and crafts.

EMPLOYMENT

Goldcorp Ltd, gold mining operations, is the major employes for the district. The tourist industry and Board of Education also employ a significant number of residents, followed by the hospital and logging industry.

TRANSPORTATION

Red Lake is located at the north end of Highway 105, 175 km north of the Trans Canada Highway, on paved roads. Rental cars are available. Wheeled aircraft use the Red Lake District Airport at Cochenour, featuring a 5,000 foot asphalt all-weather runway. There are daily scheduled commercial flights from Thunder Bay and Winnipeg.

There is a daily bus service between Kenora and Red Lake, with connections to other parts of Canada and the U.S.