Gogama, Ontario

Infobox City
official_name = Gogama
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image_caption = Railstop and HBC store in Gogama


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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Canada
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = Ontario
subdivision_type2 = District
subdivision_name2 = Sudbury
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government_type = local service board
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leader_title2 =MP
leader_name2 =Ray Bonin (LPC)
leader_title3 =MPP
leader_name3 =France Gélinas (NDP)
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established_title = Established
established_date = 1917
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timezone = EST
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = EDT
utc_offset_DST = -4
latd=47 |latm=40 |lats= |latNS=N
longd=81 |longm=43 |longs= |longEW=W
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postal_code_type =Postal code
postal_code =P0M 1W0
area_code =705
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Gogama is a small community located in the heart of Northeastern Ontario, situated on Lake Minisinakwa, it is 580 kilometres north of Toronto, 191 km north of Sudbury and 114 km south of Timmins. With a population of 394 people in the Canada 2006 Census, it boasts recreation, hunting and fishing that is unrivaled in this part of Ontario.

Gogama is on Highway 661, a short spur route which connects it to Highway 144. The community is accessible by car, rail and chartered float plane transport.

The community is counted as part of Sudbury, Unorganized, North Part in Canadian census data.

History

Gogama is an Ojibway word meaning "jumping fish", likely in reference to the many fish that abound the waters of Lake Miniskawa. A native trading post was established in the area in the early 1700s. From 1911 to 1914, the Canadian Northern Railway, was under construction through this area, now the CNR. Gogama was first settled in 1917 by Arthur L'Abbé. The post office was opened shortly after in 1919 and since, Gogama has relied heavily on the forestry industry although tourism is starting to benefit the hamlet as well.

During the era of raiway construction, Gogama was likely a place of importance for the manufacture of Axe ties. However, following that period, maintaining and upgrading the railway required a constant supply of ties. The hand made axe ties were phased out and replaced with creosote treated ties. For the most part throughout Northern Ontario, this development followed World War I, at that same time, returned soldiers came to this area looking for work.

The first mill at Gogama was established in 1919, when W.H. Poupore contracted with the Harris Tie and Timber to supply the CNR with sawn ties. The mill produced all types of merchantable timber, but specialized in tie blocks. This mill was later taken over by Poupore's brother M.J.(Joe) Poupore. As orders for ties declined contracts were secured to supply mining timber for Falconbridge. Although the original mill burned in 1936, a new mill was erected at the mouth of the Nabakwasi River, in Togo Township, north of Gogama.

Another mill at Gogama was owned by Cochrane and Laforest and operated 1919 to 1932. It was sold to Acme Timber in 1932, but not re-opened. See Pineland Timber, Foleyet.

Notable people

Sergeant Wallace Edmond Firlotte, who served with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment during World War II, was born and raised in Gogama. He was bestowed with six war decorations for his heroism during the war — most notably, he was one of less than ten Canadians, and the only one from his regiment, bestowed the Order of the Bronze Lion by the Crown of the Netherlands. The Prince personally presented this Order to Sgt Firlotte by Royal Decree (No. 2) on December 8, 1945.

External links

* [http://www.gogama.ca/ Gogama, Ontario, Canada]