Local Links

Each community provides a unique addition to the North Claybelt area and a short description of the communities is presented below.  For more information, click on the town name below and you can view their municipal websites (if available)

If you have any questions, please e-mail us, or call toll free at:
(888) 289-4233

Opasatika

Opasatika is located North of the Agrium Phospate Mine.  At the time of the construction of the paper mill in Kapuskasing, in the early 1900's, the Opasatika River was used as a mode of transportation for the wood. Many lumbermen from the Maritimes and as far away as Switzerland and Germany sought prosperity in Opasatika. Nowadays, the river, in addition to its scenic beauty, has earned a reputation as a fisherman's paradise.

Val Rita/Harty

Most people who chose to live in Val Rita/Harty are employed in Kapuskasing. The town has earned a solid reputation for its great snowmobile trails and the cultivation of a variety of fruits such as raspberries and strawberries.

Kapuskasing

Kapuskasing is the location of our main NCCFDC office and is home to a large percentage of the North Claybelt population. Tembec - Spruce Falls Operations is the major single employer of the town. The harsh winter climate has diversified the economy somewhat with the establishment of the General Motors Cold Weather testing facility and the tourists attracted to the hundreds of kilometers of well-groomed double-track snowmobiling trails. In other seasons, Kapuskasing offers great hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling and canoeing opportunities.

Annual local tourist activities include the Heritage Lumberjack Festival, the Heritage Boat Tour and the Festival of Lights.

Moonbeam

Moonbeam, home of the famous flying saucer, is a picturesque town surrounded by numerous lakes and rivers including the locally famous Remi Lake. Many residents of the Claybelt area own cottages at the lake and spend the majority of the summer and winter in the area. Moonbeam was also the location of the Edward Bonner Nursery, one of Ontario's largest tree plantations. A wide variety of summer and winter activities create a wonderful atmosphere.

Fauquier/Strickland

For more than 80 years, the Fauquier area has been a major lumbering centre. Like many of the surrounding communities, this quaint village boasts many outdoor activities as well as being a great starting point for canoe trips down the scenic Groundhog River.

Smooth Rock Falls

Established in 1929, Smooth Rock Falls is a safe, friendly, bilingual community to live and raise a family, as well as retire. The community is always looking for new ways to flourish and is openly accommodating to entrepreneurs and new businesses. The municipality invites you to take part in a variety of recreational activities and sporting events for outdoor lovers and indoor sportsmen.

Cochrane

Cochrane, famous for its Polar Bear and the annual Truck Drag Races, is a friendly town of 6,800 people surrounded by numerous lakes and rivers. The site of many summer and winter activities, Lake Commando is located in the heart of the community. The community's major economic strength is provided by the forestry industry, although, with over 10,000 lakes in the area, hunting, fishing and general tourism are growing economic influences.

Iroquois Falls

Iroquois Falls is home to Abitibi-Consolidated Pulp and Paper Mill. Tourists are attracted to the area to visit the museums displaying early settler activities, the birth of the Abitibi Mill and to experience the famous Moby Pike Fishing Derby.  Visitors also enjoy the GPS Guided Eco-Tour and the Pulp and Paper Mill Tour.