The city of Timmins , Ontario , Canada contains many named neighbourhoods. Some former municipalities that were merged into Timmins continue to be treated as distinct postal and telephone exchanges from the city core.
106-486: According to Barnes, "With the staking of the three great properties , The Porcupine came alive as hundreds of canoes bearing prospectors...Golden City and Pottsville sprang up, with South Porcupine soon to follow." Barbers Bay is located on the southern shore of Frederick House Lake along the municipal boundary with Iroquois Falls . It also includes an area of bays dotted with cottages to the south, and just north of Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. Recently Barber's Bay has seen
212-547: A Métis guide, Billy Moore, and used the Canadian Pacific Railway 's mainline running along the northeastern edge of Lake Huron to the Mattagami River . They started off by canoe and eventually reached Porcupine Lake, exploring around the area for some time. Although he found gold in numerous quartz outcroppings, the tiny flakes he saw were in stark contrast to the nuggets that could be panned in
318-500: A candle along it, but instead of wax it was gold. The team later found that the bootprint of one of the D'Aigle team-members had pressed directly into a vein of gold. They staked 12 claims near their discovery and then– because different sponsors had staked them food money –they flipped a coin to determine how to divide the claims. Hollinger won the toss and chose the six claims on the west. Noah Timmins and his brother, Henry , former Mattawa, Ontario merchants who had bought into
424-500: A candle along it, but instead of wax it was gold. The team later found that the bootprint of one of the D'Aigle team-members had pressed directly into a vein of gold. They staked 12 claims near their discovery and then– because different sponsors had staked them food money –they flipped a coin to determine how to divide the claims. Hollinger won the toss and chose the six claims on the west. Noah Timmins and his brother, Henry , former Mattawa, Ontario merchants who had bought into
530-553: A crowd who formed to see the samples. They received backing from a group in Scotland to develop the plots, forming the Scottish-Ontario Mine. The name later changed to Canusa (Canada–USA) and finally to Banner Porcupine over the years. The mine proved to have excellent surface gold veins, but stopped shortly underground and was never very productive. In early June, Jack Wilson, backed by two Chicago businessmen, led
636-424: A crowd who formed to see the samples. They received backing from a group in Scotland to develop the plots, forming the Scottish-Ontario Mine. The name later changed to Canusa (Canada–USA) and finally to Banner Porcupine over the years. The mine proved to have excellent surface gold veins, but stopped shortly underground and was never very productive. In early June, Jack Wilson, backed by two Chicago businessmen, led
742-598: A growth in its year-long residents, most notably around the densely developed Finn Bay. A small village just west of Barbers Bay, where the Frederick House River flows into Frederick House Lake. Sometimes all of the extreme eastern portion within Timmins' city limits (Barbers Bay, Hoyle and Connaught) is referred to as Connaught because the village contains the only post office in the area. It borders both Iroquois Falls and Black River-Matheson . Connaught
848-473: A mine on the lake in 1907, along with a crude mill. They had managed to produce a single bar of gold by the next year, when a fire burned the mine down. They decided not to bother setting it back up again, and abandoned the site. By 1909 the north was being inundated by prospectors travelling up the new railway and hunting down any hint of riches. As the stories of the Porcupine gold started to filter back to
954-416: A mine on the lake in 1907, along with a crude mill. They had managed to produce a single bar of gold by the next year, when a fire burned the mine down. They decided not to bother setting it back up again, and abandoned the site. By 1909 the north was being inundated by prospectors travelling up the new railway and hunting down any hint of riches. As the stories of the Porcupine gold started to filter back to
1060-419: A new trail where needed. The party arrived at the mine site on New Year's Day 1936, and soon acquired 560 acres of claims, including those of Hollinger, Miller, Gillies and Millerton. In 1910, Dome Mines began operations by sinking four shafts, the deepest being seventy-five feet. McIntyre was the last of the three to go into operation; McIntyre's partners were constantly quitting due to his behaviour, and it
1166-419: A new trail where needed. The party arrived at the mine site on New Year's Day 1936, and soon acquired 560 acres of claims, including those of Hollinger, Miller, Gillies and Millerton. In 1910, Dome Mines began operations by sinking four shafts, the deepest being seventy-five feet. McIntyre was the last of the three to go into operation; McIntyre's partners were constantly quitting due to his behaviour, and it
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#17327796790171272-531: A part of Schumacher. South Porcupine was founded on the southwestern shore of Porcupine Lake, due to its proximity to the mines. Locally, South Porcupine is traditionally known as "South End" and also more recently called "SoPo". The arrival of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway (T&NO) rail system in 1911 accelerated the growth of the area; until then, the trek to the South Porcupine
1378-415: A party of four prospectors and three native guides into Tisdale Township. On June 9 then came across a dome of quartz sticking out of the ground and decided to trench around it. As Wilson later noted, As I was examining the seams in the quartz, about twelve feet ahead of me I saw a piece of yellow glisten as the sun struck it. It proved to be a very spectacular piece of gold in a thin sean of schist... when
1484-415: A party of four prospectors and three native guides into Tisdale Township. On June 9 then came across a dome of quartz sticking out of the ground and decided to trench around it. As Wilson later noted, As I was examining the seams in the quartz, about twelve feet ahead of me I saw a piece of yellow glisten as the sun struck it. It proved to be a very spectacular piece of gold in a thin sean of schist... when
1590-417: A troy ounce. Improvements in mining techniques had by this time dramatically improved recovery rates and cost of operation, and a third wave of mines opened. These efforts included reprocessing of the massive tailing piles left by the previous mining efforts. Most recently many of the remaining plots were acquired by Goldcorp Inc . (Porcupine Gold Mines). Porcupine Gold Rush The Porcupine Gold Rush
1696-472: Is named after early settler and mining prospector Frederick W. Schumacher, who sank the first mine shaft in the community during the Porcupine Gold Rush . It was once home to one of Canada's largest Croatian communities. Although it still has many people of Croatian and other European descent, more recently, many people of Aboriginal heritage (mainly Cree ) have taken up residence. Schumacher
1802-495: Is north of Algonquin Boulevard West and mainly west of Thériault Boulevard up to Vimy Avenue. The McChesney Lumber Mill (now owned by EACOM) is located in this neighbourhood on the river. It is the northernmost subdivision in the urban core of Timmins, bounded by Jubilee Avenue, MacLean Drive and Airport Road. Originally, the older upper section located east of College Street was known as "Melrose Heights" or "Westmount" and
1908-477: Is one of the city's most prominent neighbourhoods and is located on the riverbank of the Mattagami River. Situated at the eastern end of Porcupine Lake, just northeast of the community of South Porcupine. Porcupine represents the easternmost part of the city's urban core. It was originally known as "Golden City" in its early days. A fire devastated the area in 1911. The great fire engulfed communities from
2014-617: The Great Depression changed the economics of running a mine, and an increased demand due to a lack of faith in paper money led to higher gold prices on the market. A number of sites formerly ignored due to low production were suddenly rendered profitable. By 1932, approximately 75% of the gold mined in Canada came from the Kirkland Lake and Porcupine camps. By the late fifties, the Porcupine camp employed 6,000 miners. By
2120-435: The Great Depression changed the economics of running a mine, and an increased demand due to a lack of faith in paper money led to higher gold prices on the market. A number of sites formerly ignored due to low production were suddenly rendered profitable. By 1932, approximately 75% of the gold mined in Canada came from the Kirkland Lake and Porcupine camps. By the late fifties, the Porcupine camp employed 6,000 miners. By
2226-549: The Mattagami River , includes the Timmins Square shopping mall, Home Depot , Canadian Tire , Mark's , Best Buy , Staples and a Walmart Supercentre . Franco-Ontarians make up the vast majority of Mountjoy's population. It was originally known as "Mountjoy Township" and was separate from Timmins until amalgamation in 1973. Also found in the Mountjoy, Le Domaine Beaurivage or more commonly known as Bonaventure Drive,
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#17327796790172332-461: The 1950s many of the original plots had been mined out, and only the richer veins remained profitable. By the mid-1960s most of the mines in the area had closed. Even the main Hollinger eventually closed in 1968. Gold prices started to rise, inflation adjusted, for the first time starting in the later 1960s, rising to $ 150 by the 1970s. By the late 1980s this had increased to an average around $ 400
2438-404: The 1950s many of the original plots had been mined out, and only the richer veins remained profitable. By the mid-1960s most of the mines in the area had closed. Even the main Hollinger eventually closed in 1968. Gold prices started to rise, inflation adjusted, for the first time starting in the later 1960s, rising to $ 150 by the 1970s. By the late 1980s this had increased to an average around $ 400
2544-482: The 23-level of the Dome extension was discovered in 1933. The Hollinger site was also wiped out in the fire, but rains that followed washed off the now unprotected topsoil to reveal many more veins of gold-bearing rock. The mine was processing 800 tons of ore a day by 1914, and that year they were able to announce that they had proven reserves worth at least $ 13 million, and started paying dividends. In 1916 they were
2650-431: The 23-level of the Dome extension was discovered in 1933. The Hollinger site was also wiped out in the fire, but rains that followed washed off the now unprotected topsoil to reveal many more veins of gold-bearing rock. The mine was processing 800 tons of ore a day by 1914, and that year they were able to announce that they had proven reserves worth at least $ 13 million, and started paying dividends. In 1916 they were
2756-624: The Klondike, and he remained unimpressed. Nevertheless, he returned the next summer in 1907 with a larger party including several experienced prospectors and tools needed to break down the rock. Several test pits were dug, but none of them seemed terribly promising. Bob Mustard, one of the prospectors in the D'Aigle party, stated "Quartz veins in Ontario never pay to work." D'Aigle apparently agreed, and they simply abandoned their tools in their latest pit and headed south. Seven claims were staked by
2862-623: The La Rose silver mine in Cobalt, purchased Benny Hollinger 's claims and opened the Hollinger Mine , one of the greatest gold-producers in the western hemisphere. Noah's nephew, Alphonse Paré, described it: "It was as if a giant cauldron had splattered the gold nuggets over a bed of pure white quartz crystals as a setting for some magnificent crown jewels of inestimable value." On the strength of his nephew’s information, Noah paid $ 330,000 for
2968-452: The La Rose silver mine in Cobalt, purchased Benny Hollinger 's claims and opened the Hollinger Mine , one of the greatest gold-producers in the western hemisphere. Noah's nephew, Alphonse Paré, described it: "It was as if a giant cauldron had splattered the gold nuggets over a bed of pure white quartz crystals as a setting for some magnificent crown jewels of inestimable value." On the strength of his nephew’s information, Noah paid $ 330,000 for
3074-650: The McIntyre mine and the McIntyre Community Building , the primary sporting facility in Timmins, both of which were named for another early prospector, Sandy McIntyre. The McIntyre arena is also where Schumacher's most famous resident first donned his skates; Frank Mahovlich , a recipient of the Order of Canada , a Senator for the Liberal Party of Canada , and a Hockey Hall of Fame member,
3180-622: The Porcupine Lake area in hopes of finding gold. D'Aigle had earlier been a latecomer to the Klondike , arriving after the initial rush but nevertheless sticking it out and eventually striking it rich along the Koyukuk River . After returning south he enrolled in a geology course at Queen's University , and used the library to pore over mining reports for new gold deposits. Discovering Parks' earlier report, he finished his course at
3286-494: The Porcupine Lake area on a number of occasions before the actual rush started. The earliest recorded mention is by a Department of Mines surveyor, E.M. Burwash, who reported seeing gold-bearing quartz as he travelled through Shaw Township, just southwest of the future goldfields. This was of little interest at the time, as the area was almost inaccessible. A University of Toronto geologist, W. Parks, followed up with three surveying runs in 1898, 1899, and 1903. These crossed through
Neighbourhoods in Timmins - Misplaced Pages Continue
3392-570: The Porcupine camp during the Porcupine Gold Rush . It was not originally considered to be part of Porcupine but is today. Some people consider newer neighbourhoods (Melview and Woodlands subdivisions) located to the west within Whitney Township behind the Porcupine Mall to be part of Pottsville but many disagree. The Ontario Government Complex which services the Timmins area is located here. Schumacher, once known as Aura Lake,
3498-604: The Porcupine to Cochrane . People fled to the lake to survive. It was founded at the beginning of the Porcupine Gold Rush . Porcupine, Pottsville and South Porcupine were the three towns making up the 19 km (12 mi) portion of gold-bearing land known as the Porcupine Camp . Located on the northwest portion of Porcupine Lake west of the bridge over the Porcupine River. Located between Porcupine and South Porcupine, it constituted one of three towns making up
3604-405: The abandoned tools. Gillies' report of the find shows just how unlucky D'Aigle had been: ... Benny was pulling moss off the rocks a few feet away, when suddenly he let a roar out of him and threw his hat to me. At first I thought that he was crazy but when I came over to where he was it was not hard to find the reason. The quartz where he had taken off the moss looked as though someone had dripped
3710-405: The abandoned tools. Gillies' report of the find shows just how unlucky D'Aigle had been: ... Benny was pulling moss off the rocks a few feet away, when suddenly he let a roar out of him and threw his hat to me. At first I thought that he was crazy but when I came over to where he was it was not hard to find the reason. The quartz where he had taken off the moss looked as though someone had dripped
3816-427: The area are marked largely by the development of larger mining companies, and most people involved in the mining operations were their employees. The mines peaked between the 1940s and the 1950s but still continue to produce gold although the many smaller mines have been consolidated into a small number of larger holdings. By 2001, 67 million troy ounces of gold have been mined from the Porcupine area, making it by far
3922-417: The area, as opposed to earlier rushes where the gold could be extracted through placer mining techniques. Although a number of prospectors made their fortune, operations in the area are marked largely by the development of larger mining companies, and most people involved in the mining operations were their employees. The mines peaked between the 1940s and the 1950s but still continue to produce gold although
4028-405: The area. Following right behind them was the smaller team of Benny Hollinger, a young barber from Haileybury, and his partner, Alex Gillies. They met Wilson's Dome group, who told them that most of the good sites were already staked as far as four miles (10 km) to the west. They decided to skip those six miles, and moved westward where they came across one of D'Aigle's test pits, the one with
4134-405: The area. Following right behind them was the smaller team of Benny Hollinger, a young barber from Haileybury, and his partner, Alex Gillies. They met Wilson's Dome group, who told them that most of the good sites were already staked as far as four miles (10 km) to the west. They decided to skip those six miles, and moved westward where they came across one of D'Aigle's test pits, the one with
4240-402: The area. Golden City (later Porcupine) and Pottsville sprung up almost overnight, followed by South Porcupine at the end of the lake, closer to the main mining areas. As the area was quickly explored and staked, the main gold producing area was revealed to be three miles (5 km) wide and five long. South Porcupine was incorporated in 1911. Mines all along the area started production over
4346-402: The area. Golden City (later Porcupine) and Pottsville sprung up almost overnight, followed by South Porcupine at the end of the lake, closer to the main mining areas. As the area was quickly explored and staked, the main gold producing area was revealed to be three miles (5 km) wide and five long. South Porcupine was incorporated in 1911. Mines all along the area started production over
Neighbourhoods in Timmins - Misplaced Pages Continue
4452-539: The basis of a company that would, in 1909, become McIntyre Mines . Although his name made millions, Sandy McIntyre himself had serious drinking problems , and sold his claims to the Timmins brothers before he could grow wealthy from their rich yields. The Hollinger was the first of the three mines to go into production. In 1935, Timmins wrote that he had set out with a mining party in December 1909, and had followed an old logging road that had fallen into disuse, cutting
4558-483: The basis of a company that would, in 1909, become McIntyre Mines . Although his name made millions, Sandy McIntyre himself had serious drinking problems , and sold his claims to the Timmins brothers before he could grow wealthy from their rich yields. The Hollinger was the first of the three mines to go into production. In 1935, Timmins wrote that he had set out with a mining party in December 1909, and had followed an old logging road that had fallen into disuse, cutting
4664-527: The bottom of the hill. Buffalo Ankerite is an old mining area and there are some homes. There is also a lake near by. If you continued down the road you would reach the GoldCorp mining area. Often called "Dome Ex", it was an abandoned residential community which surrounded the Dome Mine . It was "abandoned" due to the company evicting the residents in order to open pit mine the area The Hallnor Mine Site
4770-404: The boys came back we got out the drills and hammers, and that night had about 132 pounds of very spectacular specimens. Following the vein they found it to be several hundred feet long and about 150 wide, running down the side of the hill. The vein later became known as the "Golden Stairway", and the dome of rock gave its name to the Dome Mine , which would become one of the "Big Three" mines in
4876-404: The boys came back we got out the drills and hammers, and that night had about 132 pounds of very spectacular specimens. Following the vein they found it to be several hundred feet long and about 150 wide, running down the side of the hill. The vein later became known as the "Golden Stairway", and the dome of rock gave its name to the Dome Mine , which would become one of the "Big Three" mines in
4982-466: The bush, looking for the minerals that were expected to stretch across all of Northern Ontario. Almost immediately the massive silver deposits in Cobalt were discovered, leading to a " silver rush " in 1903. This, in turn, filled Northern Ontario with miners, assayers, prospectors and all the requirements for rapid development of new mining sites. Reuben D'Aigle was the first to explicitly set out for
5088-573: The early 20th century, drove most of the settlement effort in northern Ontario. During the late 17th century, explorers and fur traders established outposts in Northern Ontario (then part of Rupert's Land ) to capitalize on the fur trade. The Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company later developed several trading posts along major routes in Northern Ontario. The rivalry between these two trading companies resulted in
5194-424: The fire, development shifted. On Labour Day 1911 Noah Timmins held a public auction for building sites on a relatively flat area of land just west of the McIntyre and Hollinger mines, creating the village that would soon develop into the town of Timmins. By the time it incorporated on January 1, 1912, it had already surpassed both Golden City (now known as Porcupine) and South Porcupine in size. Timmins has remained
5300-424: The fire, development shifted. On Labour Day 1911 Noah Timmins held a public auction for building sites on a relatively flat area of land just west of the McIntyre and Hollinger mines, creating the village that would soon develop into the town of Timmins. By the time it incorporated on January 1, 1912, it had already surpassed both Golden City (now known as Porcupine) and South Porcupine in size. Timmins has remained
5406-642: The first mine in the area to install underground electric railways, which paid for themselves in six months due to faster movement of man and ore. Hollinger then purchased the Acme and Millerton properties, creating a single 440-acre (180 ha ) plot, and becoming the Hollinger Consolidated Gold Mines in the process. McIntyre lacked the financial backing of the Hollinger or Dome, and took longer to get into full production. They had constant problems finding reasonable veins, and moved to
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#17327796790175512-502: The first mine in the area to install underground electric railways, which paid for themselves in six months due to faster movement of man and ore. Hollinger then purchased the Acme and Millerton properties, creating a single 440-acre (180 ha ) plot, and becoming the Hollinger Consolidated Gold Mines in the process. McIntyre lacked the financial backing of the Hollinger or Dome, and took longer to get into full production. They had constant problems finding reasonable veins, and moved to
5618-606: The fur trade. The Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company later developed several trading posts along major routes in Northern Ontario. The rivalry between these two trading companies resulted in the need to get their furs to market as soon as possible and this led to the development of the Porcupine Trail , a trading route that connected the Abitibi River to the Mattagami River and passed directly through present day Timmins . There were hints of gold in
5724-472: The future goldfields. This was of little interest at the time, as the area was almost inaccessible. A University of Toronto geologist, W. Parks, followed up with three surveying runs in 1898, 1899, and 1903. These crossed through the main gold-bearing area along what was known as 'the Back Road' which has since been renamed "Goldmine Road". On his return to Toronto, he made a now-famous comment that "I regard
5830-421: The initial rush but nevertheless sticking it out and eventually striking it rich along the Koyukuk River . After returning south he enrolled in a geology course at Queen's University , and used the library to pore over mining reports for new gold deposits. Discovering Parks' earlier report, he finished his course at the university and immediately set out for Porcupine. Ignoring the new railway, he hooked up with
5936-502: The larger supporting towns along the line, more and more teams headed out for Porcupine. During the summer of 1909 there were several parties in the area; it was only a matter of time before the main veins were discovered. George Bannerman set out with a partner, Tom Geddes, and started prospecting in the area north of Porcupine Lake. They found an excellent surface sample, staked several claims, and started their return trip to Haileybury to register them. When they arrived they were mobbed by
6042-502: The larger supporting towns along the line, more and more teams headed out for Porcupine. During the summer of 1909 there were several parties in the area; it was only a matter of time before the main veins were discovered. George Bannerman set out with a partner, Tom Geddes, and started prospecting in the area north of Porcupine Lake. They found an excellent surface sample, staked several claims, and started their return trip to Haileybury to register them. When they arrived they were mobbed by
6148-540: The largest gold rush in terms of actual gold produced. For comparison, the well-known Klondike Gold Rush produced about 12 million troy ounces. The Porcupine rush, along with the Cobalt Silver Rush and Kirkland Lake Gold Rush , all in the early 20th century, drove most of the settlement effort in northern Ontario. During the late 17th century, explorers and fur traders established outposts in Northern Ontario (then part of Rupert's Land ) to capitalize on
6254-408: The long winters in Timmins, Mount Jamieson Resort is a very popular winter attraction among residents and tourists. One of the early neighbourhoods in Timmins, it was first developed along the east bank of the Mattagami River in the 1910s by prospector Charles M Auer. It is distinctive because all of it is on a hill overlooking the river, and the streets are somewhat hilly, unlike much of Timmins. It
6360-526: The main gold-bearing area along what was known as 'the Back Road' which has since been renamed "Goldmine Road". On his return to Toronto, he made a now-famous comment that "I regard the region south of the Porcupine trail as giving promise of reward to the prospector." A major event that led to the eventual rush was the start of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway (T&NO) running from North Bay through to Cochrane . As it expanded northward it allowed prospectors to support longer surveys deeper into
6466-428: The many smaller mines have been consolidated into a small number of larger holdings. By 2001, 67 million troy ounces of gold have been mined from the Porcupine area, making it by far the largest gold rush in terms of actual gold produced. For comparison, the well-known Klondike Gold Rush produced about 12 million troy ounces. The Porcupine rush, along with the Cobalt Silver Rush and Kirkland Lake Gold Rush , all in
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#17327796790176572-419: The massive silver deposits in Cobalt were discovered, leading to a " silver rush " in 1903. This, in turn, filled Northern Ontario with miners, assayers, prospectors and all the requirements for rapid development of new mining sites. Reuben D'Aigle was the first to explicitly set out for the Porcupine Lake area in hopes of finding gold. D'Aigle had earlier been a latecomer to the Klondike , arriving after
6678-473: The mine. Alphonse Paré, a Royal Military College of Canada trained mining engineer, continued working for the family company exploring stakes and mining operations all over the world. The third great discovery was made by Sandy McIntyre (né Oliphant) , an adventurous Scotsman who, years before, gave up his factory job as to become a prospector. He teamed up with Hans Buttner, and together they staked two claims north of Hollinger's. McIntyre's findings formed
6784-473: The mine. Alphonse Paré, a Royal Military College of Canada trained mining engineer, continued working for the family company exploring stakes and mining operations all over the world. The third great discovery was made by Sandy McIntyre (né Oliphant) , an adventurous Scotsman who, years before, gave up his factory job as to become a prospector. He teamed up with Hans Buttner, and together they staked two claims north of Hollinger's. McIntyre's findings formed
6890-533: The need to get their furs to market as soon as possible and this led to the development of the Porcupine Trail , a trading route that connected the Abitibi River to the Mattagami River and passed directly through present day Timmins . There were hints of gold in the Porcupine Lake area on a number of occasions before the actual rush started. The earliest recorded mention is by a Department of Mines surveyor, E.M. Burwash, who reported seeing gold-bearing quartz as he travelled through Shaw Township, just southwest of
6996-527: The newer lower area west of it "Melrose Gardens." The area of Timmins south of downtown. It has a high concentration of people of Italian descent. Flora Macdonald Public School was originally called Moneta Public School. There is a Moneta Avenue and the Moneta Hotel, a bar/restaurant located on Pine Street South both within Moneta. Mountjoy, which comprises all of the city's populated area lying west of
7102-513: The next few years, buying plots staked during 1910 and 1911. Seeing the obvious potential of the area the T&;NO started construction of a spur line , but was delayed by the constant defection of workers to the goldfields. The province responded by shipping prisoners to work the line, handing secondary duties such as clearing trees and rock. The spur reached Golden City on June 7, 1911, and an official opening followed on July 1. More people poured into
7208-461: The next few years, buying plots staked during 1910 and 1911. Seeing the obvious potential of the area the T&NO started construction of a spur line , but was delayed by the constant defection of workers to the goldfields. The province responded by shipping prisoners to work the line, handing secondary duties such as clearing trees and rock. The spur reached Golden City on June 7, 1911, and an official opening followed on July 1. More people poured into
7314-405: The north side of Pearl Lake, a symbol for the entire rush. The initial rush resulted in scores of small mines, but the hard rock mining demanded a high level of investment to be profitable, and many of the smaller sites with less valuable plots failed. There was a major first-mover advantage and many of the surviving properties were consolidated by the larger holdings to produce a single mine that
7420-405: The north side of Pearl Lake, a symbol for the entire rush. The initial rush resulted in scores of small mines, but the hard rock mining demanded a high level of investment to be profitable, and many of the smaller sites with less valuable plots failed. There was a major first-mover advantage and many of the surviving properties were consolidated by the larger holdings to produce a single mine that
7526-407: The north side of Pearl Lake, eventually digging five shafts before finding a reasonable deposit. By this time the company was having trouble paying bills and was often being delivered goods "cash on delivery", but without a strong financial backer this was difficult to arrange. There is an oft-told story in Timmins that the first bar of gold produced by the mine was rushed to the bank so quickly that it
7632-407: The north side of Pearl Lake, eventually digging five shafts before finding a reasonable deposit. By this time the company was having trouble paying bills and was often being delivered goods "cash on delivery", but without a strong financial backer this was difficult to arrange. There is an oft-told story in Timmins that the first bar of gold produced by the mine was rushed to the bank so quickly that it
7738-539: The oldest houses in Timmins and used to be where the wealthiest people lived including mine managers. Hoyle is a tiny hamlet and a series of farms located just north of Highway 101 near the Porcupine River approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) east of South Porcupine. Located Northeast of Highway 101, Kamiskotia is home to Mount Jamieson Resort, as well as many residential homes, and some cottages/camps located on Kamiskotia Lake and other smaller lakes. Due to
7844-427: The other end of the lake. Throughout the day the smaller fires combined, and by the afternoon had merged into a single wall of fire up to 20 miles (32 km) wide at points, sweeping eastward on gale-force winds. It swept through South Porcupine around 3:30 p.m., burning it to the ground, and continued to burn its way as far as Cochrane , sending blankets of ash hundreds of miles downwind. Tom Geddes, co-claimer of
7950-427: The other end of the lake. Throughout the day the smaller fires combined, and by the afternoon had merged into a single wall of fire up to 20 miles (32 km) wide at points, sweeping eastward on gale-force winds. It swept through South Porcupine around 3:30 p.m., burning it to the ground, and continued to burn its way as far as Cochrane , sending blankets of ash hundreds of miles downwind. Tom Geddes, co-claimer of
8056-466: The potential to mine remnant gold mineralization as part of a possible future open-pit mining operation. The ongoing evaluation of the properties is part of the closure planning process that Porcupine Gold Mines is completing for the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines . Preliminary indications show the possibility of more than 4 million ounces of gold in the area. The area is also home to
8162-448: The real center of the mining area to this day. By March 1912 the site had grown so large they were able to host a major party for the investors, shipping them in via a new spur line that ran to the site. In its first full year in operation the mine had already produced almost a million dollars of gold, with a profit of $ 500,000. Over the next five years the quarry mining gave way to shafts, producing $ 5 million in gold. A rich ore body at
8268-448: The real center of the mining area to this day. By March 1912 the site had grown so large they were able to host a major party for the investors, shipping them in via a new spur line that ran to the site. In its first full year in operation the mine had already produced almost a million dollars of gold, with a profit of $ 500,000. Over the next five years the quarry mining gave way to shafts, producing $ 5 million in gold. A rich ore body at
8374-459: The region south of the Porcupine trail as giving promise of reward to the prospector." A major event that led to the eventual rush was the start of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway (T&NO) running from North Bay through to Cochrane . As it expanded northward it allowed prospectors to support longer surveys deeper into the bush, looking for the minerals that were expected to stretch across all of Northern Ontario. Almost immediately
8480-515: The sites that started the gold rush, died attempting to save his dog. The T&NO spur line, unharmed north of the lake, sped relief supplies to the area. Eaton's funded an entire train of supplies, including blankets, tents and supplies, while churches across Ontario responded with clothing and other supplies. As crews returned to South Porcupine they found and collected the dead, including people who had died of smoke inhalation or asphyxiation and were seemingly uninjured. Some 500,000 acres of land
8586-515: The sites that started the gold rush, died attempting to save his dog. The T&NO spur line, unharmed north of the lake, sped relief supplies to the area. Eaton's funded an entire train of supplies, including blankets, tents and supplies, while churches across Ontario responded with clothing and other supplies. As crews returned to South Porcupine they found and collected the dead, including people who had died of smoke inhalation or asphyxiation and were seemingly uninjured. Some 500,000 acres of land
8692-401: The team during their prospecting, but all of these eventually lapsed. Although D'Aigle's parties were the largest, several other prospectors also made attempts to find gold in the area, potentially after hearing of his efforts. Edward Orr Taylor had camped on Nighthawk Lake three years before a major discovery. The two prospectors Victor Mansen (or Mattson) and Harry Benella (or Penella) set up
8798-401: The team during their prospecting, but all of these eventually lapsed. Although D'Aigle's parties were the largest, several other prospectors also made attempts to find gold in the area, potentially after hearing of his efforts. Edward Orr Taylor had camped on Nighthawk Lake three years before a major discovery. The two prospectors Victor Mansen (or Mattson) and Harry Benella (or Penella) set up
8904-598: The tiny flakes he saw were in stark contrast to the nuggets that could be panned in the Klondike, and he remained unimpressed. Nevertheless, he returned the next summer in 1907 with a larger party including several experienced prospectors and tools needed to break down the rock. Several test pits were dug, but none of them seemed terribly promising. Bob Mustard, one of the prospectors in the D'Aigle party, stated "Quartz veins in Ontario never pay to work." D'Aigle apparently agreed, and they simply abandoned their tools in their latest pit and headed south. Seven claims were staked by
9010-446: The town of South Porcupine, was incorporated in 1909. The Township was later amalgamated and became part of Timmins. A neighbourhood found within South Porcupine at its southernmost portion. It is located near the southwestern part of Porcupine Lake. It is not to be confused with the village of Connaught located within city limits on Frederick House Lake. It was built on a small hill as its name suggests. A railroad station once existed at
9116-455: The towns, and by the end of the summer there were 8,000 active claims. The summer of 1911 was unusually hot, reaching a record temperature of 107 °F (42 °C) on July 10. There had been no rain for several weeks, and by the evening several small bushfires had been spotted. The threat to the mining townsites was obvious, and starting on the morning of the 11th boats started ferrying women and children from South Porcupine to Golden City at
9222-455: The towns, and by the end of the summer there were 8,000 active claims. The summer of 1911 was unusually hot, reaching a record temperature of 107 °F (42 °C) on July 10. There had been no rain for several weeks, and by the evening several small bushfires had been spotted. The threat to the mining townsites was obvious, and starting on the morning of the 11th boats started ferrying women and children from South Porcupine to Golden City at
9328-423: The university and immediately set out for Porcupine. Ignoring the new railway, he hooked up with a Métis guide, Billy Moore, and used the Canadian Pacific Railway 's mainline running along the northeastern edge of Lake Huron to the Mattagami River . They started off by canoe and eventually reached Porcupine Lake, exploring around the area for some time. Although he found gold in numerous quartz outcroppings,
9434-530: The veins, without requiring the massive amounts of lumber needed to shore up horizontal drifts. The Coniaurum was successful into the 1950s, when the gold ran out. Another success was the Vipond , which had veins similar to the Coniaurum, and used their profits to build up a larger set of holdings. Starting in the late 1920s and early 1930s a second wave of new mines opened across the area. Low labour costs due to
9540-421: The veins, without requiring the massive amounts of lumber needed to shore up horizontal drifts. The Coniaurum was successful into the 1950s, when the gold ran out. Another success was the Vipond , which had veins similar to the Coniaurum, and used their profits to build up a larger set of holdings. Starting in the late 1920s and early 1930s a second wave of new mines opened across the area. Low labour costs due to
9646-607: Was 39.4 °C (103 °F) on July 12, 1936. The coldest temperature ever recorded was −45.6 °C (−50 °F) on February 1, 1962. Porcupine Gold Rush The Porcupine Gold Rush was a gold rush that took place in Northern Ontario starting in 1909 and developing fully by 1911. A combination of the hard rock of the Canadian Shield and the rapid capitalization of mining meant that smaller companies and single-man operations could not effectively mine
9752-455: Was a gold rush that took place in Northern Ontario starting in 1909 and developing fully by 1911. A combination of the hard rock of the Canadian Shield and the rapid capitalization of mining meant that smaller companies and single-man operations could not effectively mine the area, as opposed to earlier rushes where the gold could be extracted through placer mining techniques. Although a number of prospectors made their fortune, operations in
9858-419: Was a small settlement, which housed workers of the nearby Pamour mine. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the residents of the houses were evicted due to the expansion of the open pit mining operation. Pamour was a small settlement, which housed workers of the nearby Pamour mine. Through the 1980s and 1990s, the houses were abandoned and then razed due to the expansion of the open pit mining operation. The site
9964-654: Was also the location of the Frederick House outpost of the Hudson's Bay Company . Located in the northeast portion of Timmins, it is north of Algonquin Boulevard and generally East of the streets with names of trees. It does not really have any precise boundaries, but much of it is located on a hill, thus its name. Both Gillies Lake and the Timmins and District Hospital are located here. The neighbourhood has some of
10070-543: Was born in Schumacher. Mahovlich's National Hockey League (NHL) contemporary, Dean Prentice , was also born in Schumacher. This arena was also where Canada's own Barbara Ann Scott taught figure skating in the 1950s. Gold Centre is a small planned town site situated just 500 m (1,600 ft) southeast of Schumacher. The town site though small is still an active community of less than 100 residents today. Although still identified by its name, many consider it to be
10176-464: Was burned. The dead, officially numbered at 73 but thought to be as high as 200, were buried in a new cemetery across the point of the lake from the town, known to this day as Dead Man's Point. Although most of the Porcupine area mines were destroyed in the fire, the return to production was almost overnight. The Dome founders held an emergency meeting within two days, and funds to rebuild were immediately forwarded. With most of Porcupine wiped out in
10282-464: Was burned. The dead, officially numbered at 73 but thought to be as high as 200, were buried in a new cemetery across the point of the lake from the town, known to this day as Dead Man's Point. Although most of the Porcupine area mines were destroyed in the fire, the return to production was almost overnight. The Dome founders held an emergency meeting within two days, and funds to rebuild were immediately forwarded. With most of Porcupine wiped out in
10388-464: Was done by canoe and by foot from Haileybury. That same year, (two days after the first train arrived in the South Porcupine), the entire area was destroyed in the fire of 1911. Because of the importance of the gold discoveries, very few people abandoned the area and it was rebuilt in two months. The Township of Tisdale, which later included the townsite of Schumacher (established in 1911) and
10494-509: Was eventually entirely engulfed by the pit. Timmins is near the northern periphery of the hemiboreal humid continental climate ( Dfb ). Timmins has cold and snowy winters, being located in Northern Ontario . Temperatures in late summer and autumn tend to be among the coolest for any non-coastal major city in Canada. During the late spring and summer, temperatures can rise considerably, sometimes accompanied by high humidity and unstable air masses. The highest temperature ever recorded in Timmins
10600-412: Was much more profitable. Although the "big three" were the most successful at this, there were a number of other success stories as well. The Coniaurum Mine was founded in 1924; backed by Cobalt money, they amalgamated several older plots north of the McIntyre area. The mine proved highly profitable due to the nature of the veins, which tended to run vertically. This allowed shafts to be sunk directly over
10706-412: Was much more profitable. Although the "big three" were the most successful at this, there were a number of other success stories as well. The Coniaurum Mine was founded in 1924; backed by Cobalt money, they amalgamated several older plots north of the McIntyre area. The mine proved highly profitable due to the nature of the veins, which tended to run vertically. This allowed shafts to be sunk directly over
10812-414: Was not until 1915 that any real production started. By the spring of 1910 the rush was in full swing. Thousands of fortune seekers poured into the area, either in an attempt to stake their own claims, or more and more commonly, looking for work in high paying mining jobs. Towns, often nothing more than tent camps, sprung up along the banks of Porcupine Lake, at that point the terminus of the canoe route into
10918-414: Was not until 1915 that any real production started. By the spring of 1910 the rush was in full swing. Thousands of fortune seekers poured into the area, either in an attempt to stake their own claims, or more and more commonly, looking for work in high paying mining jobs. Towns, often nothing more than tent camps, sprung up along the banks of Porcupine Lake, at that point the terminus of the canoe route into
11024-465: Was part of Tisdale Township until the township was amalgamated into the City of Timmins in 1973. Porcupine Gold Mines is currently engaged in a surface diamond drilling program on the previous Hollinger and McIntyre properties. This activity aims to better determine the location and extent of underground mine workings in the area, which have caused sinkholes to appear. In addition, it is done to evaluate
11130-454: Was still warm. Things improved dramatically when Sir Henry Pellatt , rich from the Cobalt silver mines, took interest in the McIntyre, and the mine paid its first dividend in 1917. In 1924 the company went on a buying spree, purchasing the Jupiter and Pearl Lake mines, creating a single 626-acre (253 ha) plot. In 1927 they built their Number 11 shaft, whose headframe can still be seen on
11236-399: Was still warm. Things improved dramatically when Sir Henry Pellatt , rich from the Cobalt silver mines, took interest in the McIntyre, and the mine paid its first dividend in 1917. In 1924 the company went on a buying spree, purchasing the Jupiter and Pearl Lake mines, creating a single 626-acre (253 ha) plot. In 1927 they built their Number 11 shaft, whose headframe can still be seen on
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