of Canada and to the creation of Canadian
wealth and jobs throughout this country,”
said Garry McKinnon, executive director at
the Atikokan Economic Development Cor-
poration.
The town was strongly entwined in the
mining business, which was why when the
mines closed in the early 1980s, Atikokan
underwent several decades of economic
dormancy. In the 1970s, Atikokan had the
highest per capita income and the highest
birth rate in Canada. The population was
approximately 7,600 people, but the mine
closures resulted in a loss of 1,800 jobs.
The population immediately dropped to
around 5,000 within an 18-month period,
and the decline continued until another 50
percent of the population was lost.
Although the economic erosion was an
ongoing occurrence, it was a gradual one.
The community continues to have a mod-
ern hospital, which is currently undergoing
“Historically, Atikokan has made a significant contribution to the development
of Canada and to the creation of Canadian wealth and jobs throughout this
country.” Garry McKinnon, executive director
French Lake Beach by Chris Stromberg
4
business elite canada
H
OCTOBER 2016
