Greater Sudbury

Sudbury's origins can be traced back to 1883 and the westward expansion of the Canadian Pacific Rail (CPR) line. The railway work camp was named Sudbury by James Worthington, the CPR superintendent of construction after his wife's birthplace in England.

Soon after the railway section was completed in 1884, the discovery of rich deposits of nickel sulphide ore in the geological formation known as the Sudbury Basin launched a period of unparalleled growth. INCO was created in 1902 as the International Nickel Company. Falconbridge Nickel Mines Limited was established in 1928. Both companies remain two of the world's leading producers of nickel and international leaders in mining research and development.

While mining remains a major influence on the local economy, the City of Greater Sudbury (population 158,000) has diversified to establish itself as a major centre of finance, business, tourism, health care, education and government for approximately half a million residents in Northeastern Ontario.

The City boasts three post-secondary institutions - Laurentian University, Cambrian College and Collège Boréal. Sudbury Regional Hospital and the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre support Sudbury's role as the main provider of health services in the region.

Science North, an internationally renowned science centre and IMAX theatre, successfully anchors a vibrant tourism sector that continues to expand.

The community's success in ongoing land reclamation has transformed Sudbury into a green city that is recognized worldwide for its environmental stewardship. More than 300 lakes are within municipal boundaries and Ramsey Lake - an urban jewel - provides swimming, fishing and drinking water in the heart of the City.

Efforts to further diversify the local economy have sparked some exciting initiatives in recent years. Greater Sudbury is well on its way to becoming a world capital of leading research and development for the mining industry. The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, a unique underground laboratory, has captured the imagination of the international scientific community and millions of dollars in investment. Alternative energy technologies are increasing in importance as a new economic driver.

Visit the Greater Sudbury website.

Did You Know?

• The astronauts of the Apollo 16 and Apollo 17 moon missions had geology field trips to the Sudbury area as part of their training in 1971 and 1972 respectively.