Matagami is closely linked to raw materials industries. Strategically located near natural resources, the town offers undeniable advantages to those who wish to establish their businesses.

The Market and the Industrial Park

In spite of a restricted market, Matagami holds interesting opportunities such as : one of the highest family income in Canada ($52,7101), the fact that competition is relatively far away, and the rapidly evolving northern market.

The surroundings of Matagami offer quality industrial spaces. Several lots and buildings are available at a reasonable price. The proximity of the sites makes it possible to travel from home to work in less than five minutes! Located along Road 109, serviced by the railway and close to the airport as well as to the heliport, Matagami's industrial park is a first class location for enterprises.

Manpower

To be able to compete, companies must rely on the quality of their manpower. Matagami is a place where firms can hire reliable, qualified and experienced staff. 80% of the town residents have been here for more than 10 years. The actual population is approximately 2,000 inhabitants, 40% of which are between 25 and 44 years of age. 25% of this young and dynamic population hold college diplomas. After 35 years of existence, Matagami is coming of age and sees a first generation of Matagamians starting to work and willing to stay permanently.

The Markets

At the end of 1997, in collaboration with different partners, the Town of Matagami completed a study of internal markets and positioning. This study aimed, on the one hand, at knowing the buying habits of Matagami's population including business and institutions, and, on the other hand, positioning Matagami compared to Abitibi's other localities.

The study of the buying habits of Matagami's residents, business and institutions lead to identifying niches which could hold potential markets.

Positioning of Matagami

Industries

Several factors have been analyzed in order to position Matagami in relation to other municipalities in the area. Matagami has everything needed to accommodate enterprises. Matagami's location is particularly attractive for logging companies. The study clearly shows that transporting transformed materials represents very important savings compared to transporting raw materials. Matagami is in the vicinity of forest resources and thus offers a real advantage.

Residences

In the residential sector, Matagami favourably compares to other municipalities. The low cost of land compensates the slightly higher cost of construction. Buying an existing house instead of building a new one can be done at a price largely inferior to what is found in other municipalities. As for taxation levels, they correspond to the average found in other municipalities.

Major Employers

Noranda inc.Mine Matagami.

In the mid-fifties, five mining companies merged their interests to start prospecting in the Matagami area. This was a profitable step since as soon as 1960, two mines started operating, the Mattagami Lake and Orchan mines, thus contributing to the foundation of Matagami. Noranda already held an important participation in these mines exploited in partnership with three other companies. It is only in 1979 however, that Noranda Ltd. became the sole owner. The merger of Matagami Lake Mines Ltd. with Orchan Mines Ltd. and its subsidiary Bell-Allard Mines Ltd. resulted in the start-up of Noranda inc. Mine Matagami. Since then, Noranda has been a model corporate citizen which insures Matagami's prosperity. More than 200 direct jobs depend on this company and that is why we wish to express our gratitude and congratulate all those who contribute to its success.

Domtar Forest Products Inc.

Logging companies have been active in the Matagami area since the beginning of the sixties. Entreprises Ouellette were the first company present in the sector. In 1968, the company Bisson & Bisson obtained its first logging right. Following a major fire, the company moved from the Bell riverbank, close to the bridge, to its present site. It will however survive two more fires, one in 1974 and the other in 1986! These three fires did not stop Domtar from buying Bisson & Bisson in 1988. Domtar is still present today and, with its 200 employees, represents an important economic driving force in our community. We wish to pay tribute to those who make it so.

Domtar Forest Products

Noranda inc, Mine Matagami