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Black River-Matheson, Ontario, incorporated as a township in 1969, population 2,572 (2021 census), 2,438 (2016 census). Black River-Matheson is located 296 km northwest of North Bay.
History
The town of Matheson was originally a fur trading post called McDougall's Chute. Its name was changed in 1912 in honour of the Ontario provincial treasurer Colonel Arthur J. Matheson. Located on the Témiscaming and Northern Ontario Railway (Ontario Northland), it initially served as a supply centre for the surrounding lumbering and agricultural communities. It is widely known for the devastating fire of 1916 that officially claimed 233 lives, although the loss was probably much greater.
In the 1920s and 1930s, gold and asbestos mining began in the area.
The township of Black River was first incorporated in 1945 and was later merged with the town of Matheson in 1969. The township of Black River-Matheson was later enlarged in 1973.
Present Day
Black River-Matheson continues to be an agricultural centre. More recently, tourism has become important.
The community hosts various playgrounds, nature trails, churches and restaurants. With over 3 m of snow annually, the region sees extensive snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
