Cornerstone of the South Shore

Today the South Shore of Lake Nipissing is an area rich in recreational opportunities fuelled by the beauty of the landscape and the natural characteristics of this area of Lake Nipissing. Much of the history that abounds in the area surrounds the small village of Nipissing located 8 km up the South River from Lake Nipissing. The first village to be established in the area, Nipissing was scouted as an area potentially rich in mineral deposits. Failing any lucrative possibilities in the mining industry, the area was recognized for its abundance of arable farming land.

Dreams by lumberman John Beatty to found Nipissing as the terminus of the CPR line and major steamboat port were dashed when the CPR line took a more southerly route than originally planned. Had this not occurred, North Bay may not be the prominent community it is today.

For those interested in the rich history of Nipissing township and how Lake Nipissing influenced the development of the near north, historical accounts can be found in the following publications:

North Words, The Near North's History, by Wilston Steer, 1990, Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data.

Pioneer Days in the Township of Nipissing, Published by the township of Nipissing, Hamilton Printers, Callander, Ontario.