Introduction
White River is surrounded with natural beauty perfect for the avid outdoors person in the summer or winter. We have a 2, 3, or 5 km cross-country skiing trail that is great for hiking or biking in the summer. For the snowmobile enthusiasts, White River connects to the TOPs trails and Superior Snow Challenge Loops making it a great place to start your ride. There are many small lakes and a tremendous amount of forest, which boasts good fishing, hunting, boating and canoeing in the area. The Community Centre can be utilized for activities such as hockey, figure skating, curling, fitness centre, and more!
While you are in White River stop at the Heritage Museum to learn about Winnie the Pooh and the Canadian Pacific Railway history, visit our Information Centre that depicts the CPR station of 1940, see the many Historical Murals displayed throughout the community, and have your picture taken by the Winnie the Pooh Statue to complete your memorable experience.
Join us to celebrate Winnie’s Hometown Festival held the third weekend in August every year. People of all ages will enjoy a fun-filled weekend of activities including: dances, fireworks, parades, tradeshow, funland, and much more.
Accomodations White River’s accommodations include three motels with a total of 89 rooms and five cabins, available year-round. Various amenities are provided along with the option of full kitchen and Jacuzzi suites. There are dining facilities that range from fast food to licensed dining lounges. Facilities are also available for meetings, receptions, or conventions, catering services available.
Attractions & Recreation
- Beaches, Provincial Parks, and National Parks in area
- Community Centre
- Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, and Canoeing
- Hunting, fishing, and bear hunt
- Library with computers, videos, etc.
- Minor hockey, pick-up hockey, and tournaments
- Outdoor Baseball Diamond
- Public and Figure Skating
- Superior Snow Challenge Loop (groomed trails)
- White River Air – Sightseeing Tours and Historical Murals
- Winnie the Pooh Statue and Pooh Park
Climate
In general, the White River Area experiences the majority of precipitation during the fall and winter months, dominantly as snow with temperatures range from an approximate high of -1ºC to a low of -35ºC. The summers have moderately warm days and cool nights resulting in comfortable, arid summer weather, with temperatures as high as 28ºC to a low of 1ºC depending on the month.
Community Services & Facilities Please refer to our Business Directory
Demographics The Corporation of the Township of White River is a Northern Ontario community, home to approximately 600 residents. 80 people under 15
75 people 15 to 24
135 people 25 to 44
245 people 45 to 64
80 people over 65
Median age is 46.9 years old.
Information from Statistics Canada 2011 Census
Economic
Base Top 7 Employers: Albert Bazzoni Ltd., A&W Restaurant, Tri Timber, NCCP, CP Rail, Home Hardware, Primary Power. The Gross Labor Force is 590 people. Our newest source of employment is White River Forest Products Ltd. which started operation June 2013, and will soon begin producing lumber. White River‘s Median Employment Income is above per capital average at $36,209 per year Other industries include tourism, retail, public services, construction, mechanical, and fabrication. 88% of the population indicated English as their official language, with 9% as French, and the rest as other.
Energy Conservation & Demand Management
For more information on White River’s 5 Year Energy Conservation & Demand Management Plan click here.
Education & Training Facilities
White River’s elementary school is St. Basil’s Separate School, which all elementary students can attend. Students can also be bused to Wawa for French or non-Catholic school. Secondary school students are bused to Michipicoten High School or Ecole Carrefour Superieur Nord in Wawa. Contact North is Northern Ontario’s Distance Education and Training Network providing access to a wide variety of programs and courses via audio and video-conferencing, which can be done through ON Tel. There are also both colleges and universities in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay.
Health Care & Social Services
White River’s Medial Clinic has one full-time General Practitioner. Other visiting service providers include dental, chiropractic, diabetes education, Ontario Breast Screening Program Van, CNIB Eye Van, and Orthopedic Surgeon. Hospitals are located in Wawa (1 hour east) and Marathon (1 hour west).
Location
White River is located at the intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 631. Six neighboring communities make up a combined population of approximately 12,000 people all within 1 hour of White River. Sault Ste. Marie is 3.5 hours southeast and Thunder Bay is 4 hours west of White River both with border access to the United States. White River would be the mid-point between Toronto and Winnipeg both having major urban markets.
Municipal Taxation
(Taxation rates include both municipal and education) Residential 0.02880828
Commercial 0.07787923
Industrial 0.06073933
For more information call the Township at (807) 822-2450
Police, Fire & Ambulance Services
White River and the surrounding area are policed by the Ontario Provincial Police. White River’s detachment consists of five Constables. White River operates a Volunteer Fire Department of approximately 23 men, including a Fire Chief. White River has a two-bay ambulance facility operating two vehicles with approximately six staff.
Power & Utilities
Hydro Electric Service – Ontario Hydro out of Thunder Bay
Card Lock Fuel – Husky in White River
Propane – Cal Gas in White River
Real Estate Markets
Owned Dwellings 245, Rented Dwellings 40
Constructed before 1986 – 205, 1986 to 2006 – 75
Building Permits are $5 per $1000 of building cost
Residential Land $11,000 to $13,000
Industrial Property $5,000 to $10,000
Houses for sale from $40,000 to over $100,000
Rental Listing:
One bedroom from $465 to $525
Two bedrooms from $500 to $676
Houses $600 and up (as available)
A listing of commercial or residential real estate for sale or rent is available at the Township Office (807) 822-2450.
Telecommunications
White River offers full communications services including: 911 Emergency Service
Telephone Services – Bell Canada out of Thunder Bay
Cell Phone Service – through Superior Wireless
High Speed Internet (Industrial/Institution) – Onlink
Video Conferencing – through ON Tel
Newspapers (Sault Star, Algoma News, Chronicle Journal, Toronto Star)
Commercial Radio
Cable Television – provided by Shaw Cable
Transportation
Air Service – available from different communities in area
Bus Service – Greyhound Bus Lines
Freight and Courier Services
Rail Services – VIA Rail operates the Budd Car between White River and Sudbury