Thompson

Thompson, Manitoba is a city in Manitoba. It is the largest city in northern Manitoba, and it is located 739 km north of Winnipeg and some 400 km north-east of Flin Flon. As of the 2001 census, Thompson had a population of 13,256.

The modern history of Thompson began in 1956 when on February 4, a major ore body was discovered by use of an airborne electromagnetometer following ten years of mining exploration in the region. Inco Limited signed an agreement with the Manitoba government covering the construction of the mine, mill, smelter, and refinery, as well as town services. The agreement also required that the company provide financial assistance towards the Kelsey Generating System, and a spur line to connect with C.N's Bay Line near Thicket Portage. Thompson was incorporated as a town in 1967 on Canada's Centennial Anniversary. In 1970 Thompson was incorporated as a city in the royal presence of Queen Elizabeth II, having reached a population of 20,000. A decline in population occurred during the following decades, levelling off around 14,000 people. Thompson came to be known as "The Hub of the North", as it functions as a centre for politics and commerce in the region.

Its most prominent local industry is nickel mining. Many Federal, Provincial, and Aboriginal government agencies have offices in Thompson. Thompson has a large retail sector, providing such things as vehicles and groceries to many in the outlying region, who come to take advantage of the lower prices found there, mainly on the weekends. The aviation sector is also quite busy as Thompson boasts the 3rd busiest airport in Manitoba.