Matagami
Founded in 1963, Matagami (“meeting of waters”) is located at the confluence of the Bell, Allard and Waswanipi Rivers flowing into Lake Matagami. In earlier days, the discovery of plentiful fish stocks in the region led to a fishing industry with the Nottaway Fish Company supplying the Hudson Bay Company post. Dr. Robert Bell, a geologist working for the Canadian Government, explored the region in 1895. His discoveries and analysis led to the area’s first mining operations. In 1960, lumber companies set up shop and, later, Matagami’s development was associated with large hydroelectric projects and James Bay Highway construction.