Situated on the Shores of Rainy Lake
The area is home to 8000 people.

Fort Frances, or the "Fort" as it is commonly known, is the largest town in the Rainy River District and one of Canada’s major tourist entry points. Situated on the shores of Rainy Lake and the Rainy River, the "Fort" is a prosperous, full-service community of approximately 8,000. Fort Frances is located across the international bridge from it’s sister city, International Falls, Minnesota making it the gateway to Northwestern Ontario. Fort Frances is only hours away from some of the largest markets in Canada and the United States. Fort Frances bears the distinction of being the oldest settled community west of Lake Superior. It was first established in 1688 by Jacques de Noyen and has been settled continuously since 1731. Furs, logging, mining, and farming have been the major components of the economic base but today the pulp and paper industry is the chief employer. Fort Frances has the advantages of a large city, with the convenience of a small town. A world traveler and worker has summed up the benefits of life in the community of Fort Frances - the town offers every amenity desired for comfortable living?

Northwestern Ontario offers excellent investment opportunities in secondary product manufacturing. Investors can take advantage of the large production capacity of primary manufactures of solid wood and pulp and paper products. The forests of Northwestern Ontario are managed to internationally recognized standards of sustainability, and the quality of the wood fibre produced is excellent. The region is strategically located, providing access to major world markets. The United States, especially the Great Lake States, is a key market for Ontario wood and paper products.

Emerging markets in Mexico and Chile also offer unique opportunities for Ontario based forest product companies. The forest products industry is continuously adapting to maintain its competitive position in the global marketplace. Companies are looking toward value-added products such as engineered wood, speciality papers, and pre-fabricated buildings and components.

Ontario's forests also offer significant opportunities for specialized products derived from non-timber forest resources. Producers of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, gourmet/speciality foods, naturopathic products and consumer goods benefit from the advantages of locating in Northern Ontario.

Forest research centres in Northern Ontario, such as the Great Lakes Forestry Centre, the Ontario Forest Research Institute, and the Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research, complement the many academic institutions offering forestry related programs.

In addition, northern forest industry communities offer modern infrastructure, an ample supply of skilled labour, and provide an outstanding quality of life for residents.

LOOK TO SEE THE EMERGING VALUE ADDED FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES TAKE ONTARIO TO THE NEXT LEVEL.