Le Canton De Hornepayne

Housing in Hornepayne is not only abundant, but economically viable. Combine this with our low cost of living and our healthy wage rates and you have a recipe for success.

The Family Medicine Clinic operates out of the Hornepayne Community Hospital. We currently have one full-time physician who is supported by a competent team of medical personnel. Hornepayne Community Hospital is a host hospital for medical students and residents from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine – actively trying to keep physicians in the north. Our lab and imaging (x-ray and ultrasound) departments are state of the art and the hospital offers 24 hour emergency care. There are 8 Acute Care beds and 12 Long Term Care beds. The Long Term Care facility services those from the surrounding area. Our small size ensures that personalized care at the hospital is a given. Air ambulance service is readily available and frequently used.

In addition, the community is also serviced by two registered massage therapists, a pharmacy, the Porcupine Health Unit, the Children’s Aid Society, Algoma Family Services, Community Living Algoma, Home Care, Meals on Wheels, and also has access to Integrated Services for Northern Children and North Algoma Counselling Service. Hornepayne falls under the protection of the Ontario Provincial Police, a volunteer Fire Department and Algoma EMS (ambulance) service.

There are two financial institutions in Hornepayne, one grocery store, a post office, an LCBO, two convenience stores, two gift shops, two gas stations, 2 service stations, a hardware store, three restaurants (one fine dining), and one hotel. Cellular, satellite, cable and internet services are all available.

There is a weekly local newspaper and the Chronicle Journal from Thunder Bay is delivered daily. Canada Post and various courier services keep us connected to outside sources on a daily basis.

Hornepayne has an active chapter of the Masonic Lodge. The Hornepayne First Nation serves the native population of the community and the Club Phenix celebrates French culture. The Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 194 is very active, as is the Ladies’ Legion Auxiliary and the Hospital Auxiliary.

There are four churches in Hornepayne – Calvary Gospel Church, Grace United Church, Holy Name of Jesus Parish, and St. Luke’s Anglican Church, the last two of which are serviced by out of town clergy.   Women’s groups are active for all but one. Volunteers run the Sunday Schools and a Youth Group.

There is an annual Trade & Craft show run by the Hornepayne Economic Development Corporation, showcasing the talents and wares of locals and those from surrounding communities. Each winter there is also a Winterfest Celebration where various groups host winter themed events, i.e. moonlight walk, sliding, community bonfire.

Hornepayne has two major employers – CN Rail and Olav Haavaldsrud Timber Co. Ltd., a family owned and operated lumber company. Hornepayne Community Hospital and A&F Kistemaker Trucking as well as Hornepayne Public School, Hornepayne High School, École Saint Nom de Jésus, Holy Name of Jesus School and the Township of Hornepayne also employ a fair number of residents.Compared to the whole of Ontario, the average wage rate in our community is relatively high and the cost of living is reasonable resulting in a good standard of living. Being that there is virtually no commute to work, your time away from work is basically your own to spend with your family, volunteer, enjoy the outdoors or pursue personal interests. Walking to and from work (even for lunch) is a reality.

For those looking for employment or looking to start a business, there are Job Connect, the Hornepayne Economic Development Corporation and the Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corporation out of nearby Hearst that have many resources to offer. Our local paper also carries job postings and there is a Community Action Centre in town to help people seeking employment and to provide information on training and upgrading.

There are three elementary schools in Hornepayne, the public elementary which has JK – 8, the English Catholic elementary which also offers JK-8 with instruction in both English and core French, as well as French language Catholic School offering Kindergartent to grade 8. There is one public high school, grades 9-12 (as previously mentioned, a new school, grades K-12, is in the works). Due to the size of our community our teacher to student ratio is low; this gives your children the advantage of a more personal teaching experience.

Through Contact North, adults have access to university and college level courses via distance learning. As well, there is access to a guidance counsellor at the high school for help with upgrading and/or career choices. Through the internet, there is also access to online education courses.

The Three Bears Day Care is a licensed day care facility that provides a safe, fun, educational environment for little ones aged 18 mos. to 12 yrs. They also provide Before & After School Programs as well as a Lunch Program. The Hornepayne Family Resource Centre (Ontario Early Years Satellite) offers programming for children and parents together, 6 days per week.  It also provides various programs for moms and dads and sometimes even cooking courses.

Those interested in setting up a business in our community can benefit from the Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corporation which helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, provides technical advice, business loans, business counselling, and much more. The Hornepayne Economic Development Corporation may also be of help to someone looking to settle here and start a business. In addition, the Northeast Superior Forest Community is a regional board made up of municipal representatives from the communities of Hornepayne, White River, Manitouwadge, Dubreuilville, Wawa, and Chapleau with focus on further developing the forest industry, non-forest timber products and creating sustainable employment in the region.

In addition to the NSFC, there is a Regional Mayor’s Group involving the same 6 communities; by banding together, the communities have a stronger voice when lobbying for services and financial aid for the region. The common goals of developing and attracting new businesses and residents to the area unite the communities.

Like most northern communities, life in the wintertime revolves around the arena. Minor hockey and figure skating are a daily occurrence and adult shinny, men’s recreational hockey and women’s hockey follow closely behind. We are also lucky to have a functioning curling club as well, for both children and adults.

There are many other sports and recreational opportunities for children as well, such as soccer and intramural sports such as volleyball, basketball, badminton and cross-country running. The public pool is utilized both by the school boards and general community members for swimming lessons. The pool also offers AquaFit, a Jr. Lifeguard Program and public swim. Hornepayne also has a youth centre, a public gymnasium, a fitness facility and, if volunteers are available, Scouts and Girlguides. Piano, guitar and violin lessons are also available. The public library is a popular place and offers children’s programming throughout the school year.

For seniors, there is the Sunshine Club which meets twice a month. They hold card parties and various other events when they are not playing with their Wii entertainment system. Every year at Christmas the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary holds a free Christmas dinner, complete with servers and entertainment, for the seniors of the community.

For the outdoorsmen, hunting and fishing are plentiful. There are several fly-in fishing resorts in the area serviced by a local air base. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are popular in winter as are cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Sliding is also a common pastime. Hornepayne is part of the Superior Snow Challenge Loop which is sponsored by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.

Nagagamasis Provincial Park is located on Highway 631 North, approximately 33 km (20 miles) from town. This is a popular camping spot for locals and tourists alike. The many lakes around town provide swimming, boating, and water sport opportunities. Many people own cottages within the vicinity.

Intisar Mohamed

Meena Gurung and Family