Redditt, Ontario

Infobox City
official_name = Redditt
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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Canada
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = Ontario
subdivision_type2 = District
subdivision_name2 = Kenora
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government_type = Local services board
leader_title =MP
leader_name =Roger Valley (LPC)
leader_title1 =MPP
leader_name1 =Howard Hampton (NDP)
established_title = Established
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area_total_km2 = 69.39
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population_as_of = 2006
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settlement_type = Designated place
population_total = 172
population_density_km2 = 2.5
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timezone = CST
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
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Redditt is an unincorporated community in the Canadian province of Ontario, located in the Kenora District. It is located at the northern terminus of Highway 658, 27 kilometres north of Kenora.

A designated place served by a local service board, Redditt had a population of 172 in the Canada 2006 Census. [ [http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/popdwell/Table.cfm?T=1302&PR=35&SR=1&S=1&O=D Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and designated places, 2006 and 2001 censuses] ]

History

Until 1985 the main street of Redditt was called highway 666. In 1985 an Evangelical Christian church located on the then Highway 666 nearer to Kenora, asked that the highway be renumbered. Subsequently the main street of Redditt and the road into town where renumbered to highway 658. Members of the church argued to the MTO, that it was inappropriate for their church to be located on the "Highway to Hell".

Redditt is also the starting point for what is locally known as the "English River Road", which provides access to resource (logging primarily) exploitation in the region north of Redditt.

Once a location for a CNR roundhouse, the railyard operations were closed down in the early 1950s when the CNR switched to diesel/electrics from steam. At this time Ontario Central Airlines, owned by Barney Lamb, established a maintenace facitlity in the old roundhouse, for its fleet of amphibious charter aircraft. The old switch yard was used as a landing strip for wheel aircraft after the tracks had been pulled. At this time the inflow to Corn Lake (the Mcfarlane River) was dredged, and a control dam constructed at the out flow of Ena Lake to ensure an adequate water depth for the the landing of amphibious aircraft, which where then towed by dolley to the former roundhouse for maintenance.

Redditt is a designated stop for VIA Rail. Passengers may board (with prior arrangement with VIA) and disembark trains in Redditt. There is no bus service to Redditt.

Norway Lake at the north end of town is a popular camping/picnic location. A fine beach and warm water make it an attractive outing destination in the summer. Armstrong Lake at the east end of town is also popular for recreation and fishing. Corn Lake at the south/west side of the village is also a popular fishing and swimming destination for residents and visitors.

A branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is located in Redditt.

Economy

Wireline telephone service is provided by Bell Canada. Wireless (cellular) service is currently unreliable—i.e. connections can only be made when stationary and at the top of hills and ridges. KMTS mobility is installing wireless cell gear, and the service should be up and running in the fall of 2008.update after|2008|11|30 As of 2008 wireless broadband is available from KMTS (now part of the Bell Aliant family). Television is limited to two off-air channels, one of which is the CBC. Satellite TV is available through Star Choice or Bell TV.

The primary economic activities are tourism and resource harvesting. Several hunting and sport fishing lodges and camps are found in Redditt. The facilities are usually quite basic, relying on the "external" or outdoor experience to provide the fun and excitement. Prices are generally quite affordable. Many outfitters, lodges, and camps (the terms are quite often interchangable) provide varying levels of service from simple "house keeping" cabins to full "american plan" (generally understood to mean all-inclusive except for licenses, alcohol, and tobacco). Price is of course service level dependent. Some of the operators provide an "outpost" camp experience. These outlying camps or cabins can usually only be reached by air via float plane, or by canoe over one or more portages and lakes. Traditionaly this has been seen as the truest wilderness experience. The areas where these "outposts" are located are more isolated, and less frequented by travelers, and thus often offer a higher potential for trophy hunting and fishing, and consequently also offer the non-hunter or non-angler a better chance to experience the northern wilderness unintruded upon by strangers.

The greater proportion of the working population is employed in Kenora. There are many summer and weekend cottages/camps located in and around Redditt. The majority of these are owned by people from Manitoba (Winnipeg), and Kenora. The relative remoteness and isolation, low density, and privacy are attractive to people seeking a "rustic" retreat or recreational experience. The cost of recreational properties around Redditt is still very affordable for average incomes, especially when compared to prices on Lake of the Woods, or the Winnipeg River.

At the west side of Redditt, just north of Corn Lake, there is a rock quarry where high quality granite is mined. Visitors and residents are sometimes alarmed when blasting takes place at the quarry.

Recreation

Fishing and hunting are the primary recreational and tourism activities for Redditt, and the Northwestern Ontario region in general. Though ecotourism is also being promoted, it has however failed to develop fully. Locals (including the First Nations, or Aboriginal Peoples) historically engaged in hunting and fishing for food. As such, whitetail deer, moose, ducks and geese were and are the primary quarry for local hunting. Ruffed and spruce grouse are popular upland game birds. Snowshoe hare is a tradition catch for women and children. Walleye (pickerel), northern pike, whitefish and lake trout where the primary food fish species. Outfitting and sport hunting is still focused on whitetail and moose. Black bear and wolf are becoming more and more desirable for non-resident hunters, especially those from Europe and the USA. Many local residents find employment as hunting and/or fishing guides. The primary sport fish species are walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout and muskie.

Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in Redditt. Snowmobile trails connect Redditt with Kenora. Day trips to Redditt from Kenora are very popular. It is also possible to travel by snowmobile from Redditt to Manitoba, and to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. The trails to Manitoba are fairly well maintaned, and appropriate for operators of average ability. The trails to Woodland Caribo Provincial Park are single track, rugged, and extremely challenging, with many unpredictable water crossings and are therefore only appropriate for very experienced operators. Hiring an experienced guide is strenously recommended, as is traveling in groups. It is always recommended to be prepared for self rescue when snowmobiling, winter weather conditions can prevent search and rescue from reaching those seeking aid for many days.

References

External links

* [http://www.ontariossunsetcountry.ca/regional.cfm?code=1255&tbid=7 Redditt profile at Sunset Country Tourist Region]