Municipality of Sioux Lookout

Manufacturing

Although not involved in heavy industry, Sioux Lookout does have a stable light industrial base consisting mainly of forestry and private manufacturing operations. Industries include lumber and wood, printing and publishing, sand and gravel supply, glass, furniture fabrication, telecommunication repairs, sign fabrication and others. There are also vast and unlimited opportunities present in private entrepreneurial enterprises for the retail, leisure and service sectors.

Several mineral exploration companies are working in the area and there is good opportunity for Sioux Lookout to become a mineral staging area to the Far North.

Commercial and Service Activities

Growth in the commercial and service sectors has been extensive. Commercial, First Nation and government agencies have all expanded to meet the needs of our growing service centre.

Tourism

Northwestern Ontario has historically been known for its "pristine" waters and its abundance of renewable resources such as fish, waterfowl, moose, deer and woodland caribou, as well as other wildlife. In fact, a large percentage of tourist promotion of Northwestern Ontario has been, and is presently, geared towards this "wilderness/ frontier" image. When tourists are asked to comment on the image conveyed by the term "Northwestern Ontario" the following responses are most often given:

• lakes, trees, relaxation
• good fishing, boating and vacationing area

Tourists visiting the area have traditionally been attracted and continue to be attracted by the "untouched" and "pure" nature of the area. Part of the attraction also lies in the "frontier" experience, reinforcing the impression that the tourist is interacting one‑on‑one with the natural environment and that he/she is entering an unknown frontier.

The local tourist industry, conscious of this market, has been able to capitalize on this image and to develop a strong tourist base.

Forestry

McKenzie Forest Products operates a saw mill in Sioux Lookout, employing approximately 60 full time staff on site. An additional 80 staff are employed in the woodlands division, cutting and hauling to their operation located in Hudson.

Agriculture

Agricultural activity within the area is limited primarily to private gardening for personal use. There are, however, a number of people who enjoy farming as a hobby and a source of supplementary income.

Although some hay is grown locally, in the Sioux Lookout area, much of the feed for local farm animals is trucked in from the Dryden area.