Mattice-Val Côté, Ontario
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Mattice-Val Côté (2001 census population 891) is a township in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is located in northern Ontario, approximately 30 kilometres east of Hearst and 70 kilometres west of Kapuskasing along Highway 11, roughly halfway between Toronto, Ontario, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Mattice is located on the Missinaibi River, a historic fur-trading route that flows into the Moose River, then into James Bay. The river is a popular destination for canoers, known for its historical significance and its breathtaking views.
Postal Code: P0L 1T0
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[edit] Demographics
The majority of Mattice-Val Côté residents are French speaking. Most of the residents are also caucasian, born in Canada for many generations, but different cultures can also be found such as Portuguese, First Nations, Finnish, and Dutch.
The population of Mattice-Val Côté is declining, just like most of the municipalities in the Cochrane District, due to lack of employment. Young people leave the area to get post-secondary education, but few of them return. Seniors who leave often do so to live closer to their grandchildren and to medical specialists.
[edit] History
Mattice was founded in the 1910’s, fueled by the arrival of the Canadian Transcontinental Railway and free land given away by the government. Most residents came from the province of Québec.
The history of Mattice-Val Côté and its residents is detailed in the two volume book Si Missinaïbi m'était conté. Volume I tells the story of the original settlers in the early 1920’s. Volume II tells the story of their descendants.
Bibliography: Si Missinaibi m'était conté. I - L'histoire vécue des pionniers de Mattice-Val-Côté. II- L'histoire des gens de Mattice-Val-Côté, COLLABORATION, Éd. n/d,1986 ,356 et 438 p.
[edit] Economy
A majority of residents work in nearby Hearst and Opasatika in the lumber industry. Opasatika's mill is now shut down (Tembec Industry). Other residents work in the service industry.
A group of local women entrepreneurs have banded together to open clothing company who manufacture polar fleece clothing, ideal for the cold winter conditions of the area.
[edit] Tourist attractions
The Municipality of Mattice-Val Côté has set up a rest area on the river’s shores so that canoe enthusiasts can sleep, shower, rest and visit the sites. The Municipality has also erected a sculpture depicting a voyageur portaging along the river.
Mattice is home to a historical Indian cemetery. It is located 2 kilometers south of town. It had been abandoned in the 1940’s but has now been cleaned up and can be accessed by road or by canoe on the Missinaibi River.
A rock museum opened in Val Côté (10 kilometers west of Mattice) in 2002.
[edit] Festivals
The Carnaval Missinaïbi (winter carnival) is held over the course of two weeks in the end of February/beginning of March every winter. Activities include snowmobile rallies, music concerts, and kids activities. The Carnaval is best known in the area for its generous prizes (vehicles and money) given away in the Carnival draw.
The first “journées médiévales” (Medieval Days) took place in the summer of 2006. Inspired by a similar activity in a small Québec town, it featured the naming of a king and queen for the day, a competition to become a knight, and a meal without utensils.
The Canadian Rivers Day has been celebrated for four years with organized trips on the Missinaibi River, educational sessions and family activities.
[edit] Sports
Residents and visitors enjoy outdoor sports such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, swimming, and canoeing. It is a popular spot for anglers and hunters.
[edit] Politics
The current Reeve of Mattice-Val Côté is Jean-Louis Brunet. Town counsillors are: Maurice Carrier, Chantal Chabot, and Maurice Tanguay.
[edit] Education
The local grade school is called École catholique St-François-Xavier where students go from kindergarten to grade 8. Local youth then continue their education at École Secondaire catholique Hearst High School.
[edit] Health and Safety
Mattice has its own health clinic which is visited at least once a week by a chiropractor, a dentist, and a doctor.
The Municipality is served by a voluntary fire department.
