Municipality of Sioux Lookout

The Hub of the North 

The restructured Municipality of Sioux Lookout expanded in 1998 to include three communities; Alcona, Sioux Lookout and Hudson. The municipal boundaries now cover an area of 536 km², with a land area of 379 km² and a population of 5,600.

Sioux Lookout has one of the most dynamic economies in the north. The Municipality's present condition can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing technology and a healthy economic base.  In 2003, building permits reached a record of $28,000 with construction valued at over $20 million. The Municipality recently completed a Land Use Study in Hudson to identify new residential, commercial and recreational land that is currently held by the Ministry of Natural Resources. This will support the release of Crown Land surrounding urban Sioux Lookout. 

The Sioux Lookout airport has been recognized as being the 4^th busiest airport in Ontario, providing service to northern communities and southern destinations. Effective February 1, 2004 the airport was established as a Municipal Service Board known as the Sioux Lookout Airport Commission.  VIA Rail continues to include Sioux Lookout as a major stopping point.  In addition, there are several Tribal Councils and First Nations agencies based out of Sioux Lookout, to address the diverse needs of the area. McKenzie Forest Products has a sawmill located in Hudson that employs about 350 people.  There are also several long established tourist outfitters in the Sioux Lookout area.   The central location has allowed it to take advantage of changing transportation modes and derive benefits from developments in other connected communities. 

The area has a very rich history. The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is located on the traditional lands of the Ojibway.   Artefacts have been discovered that date back 5000-7000 years.  The name Sioux Lookout is a reflection of its strategic location, from where early canoe brigades using the English River system could be sighted from a great distance. 

In the early 1900's the Grand Trunk Railway, now the Canadian National Railway (CNR) was being constructed. On the main line, a station was established and called Superior Junction because there was a Y track that branched south to Port Arthur (now part of Thunder Bay).  On this southern line a station called Alcona was built. There were many small farms around Alcona and today this area remains a recognized settlement area within the Municipality.

In 1906 the railway construction had progressed to the present site of Sioux Lookout. A roundhouse was constructed and the town originally called Graham became incorporated as the Town of Sioux Lookout in 1912.

On the east end of Big Vermilion Lake, the settlement called North Pines thrived from 1912 to 1928. However, when the market for the iron pyrites mined there disappeared, so did the community. To the west of North Pines was Rolling Portage. When a railway station was built here, the place was renamed Hudson.   In the early 1920's Hudson was headquarters for the gold rush north in Red Lake.

From 1953 until its closure in 1987, the Pinetree Radar Base was one of the major employers in town.

In recent years, the community has benefited significantly from its close relationship with northern First Nations communities.  Providing services to these communities has become a major factor in Sioux Lookout's booming economy.

The Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre is located in Sioux Lookout and a new facility is to be built. The hospital serves three municipalities and 29 First Nations communities, covering an area the size of France!  Sioux Lookout is an important education centre and offers continued education opportunities. There are several hotels and restaurants, each with distinct character, and a variety of retail stores to meet your shopping needs.

Organized sport opportunities include curling in the winter and golf in the summer, with course rules regarding golf balls lost to fox or raven! Access to the English River system provides opportunities for boating, canoeing and camping. During the winter an extensive ski trail system is groomed, and snowmobile trails are linked to neighbouring communities. The Cedar Bay complex is available for community use, and is an ideal location for outdoor education and overnight getaways.

You will notice a lively spirit in the residents and strong interest in community issues. There's always a place off-the-beaten-track awaiting exploration, which makes Sioux Lookout a great place to live or visit.