Schreiber, Ontario, a municipal township in the Canadian province of Ontario, is a hidden gem nestled on the northernmost point of Lake Superior along Highway 17. With a population of approximately 1100 people, the town is steeped in history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Schreiber, Ontario, is part of the large rocky area defined as the Canadian Shield in Northwestern Ontario. The town sits in the midst of these very hard rocks, residing in the bottom of a three-sided bowl. It is surrounded by higher terrain on the west, north, and east sides, while the south opens to the descent to Lake Superior. Despite being in a bowl, Schreiber sits higher than the surrounding area, with its centre at 988 ft (301 m) above sea level.
The weather in Schreiber, Ontario, is influenced by the flow of cooler air from the northwest and the presence of Lake Superior. The Lake acts as a temperature moderator, providing milder winters but cooler summers. According to Climate Ontario, Schreiber's climate is classified as the humid microthermal climate, Dfb (humid continental, cool summer, no dry season).
Founded in 1883 as a construction camp for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Schreiber, Ontario, has a rich history. The town was named after Sir Collingwood Schreiber, a railway engineer and founding member of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers. During World War II, Schreiber was the site of one of the four work camps established for Japanese-Canadian internees. The town's economy is sustained by the CPR and a pulp mill in Terrace Bay, located 15 minutes away.
Schreiber, Ontario, is serviced by the Ontario Northland motor coach on its Sault Ste. Marie–Thunder Bay route. The town's birth and continued existence are based on the Canadian Pacific Railway, which provides a number of high-quality skilled jobs for the township.
The Canadian Pacific Railway has played a significant role in the development and sustenance of Schreiber, Ontario. The railway attracted and employed people for many occupations, including track maintenance, signal maintenance, telecommunications, mechanical and locomotive maintenance, yard operation, radio communication, engineering, and administration. The railway built and maintained homes in Schreiber for its supervisory and trades staff, contributing to the town's growth and development.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Schreiber, Ontario, had a population of 1,039 living in 516 of its 612 total private dwellings. With a land area of 35.81 km2 (13.83 sq mi), it had a population density of 29.0/km2 (75.1/sq mi) in 2021.
In conclusion, Schreiber, Ontario, is a town rich in history, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful getaway, Schreiber, Ontario, has something to offer everyone.
