Biscotasing

The Canadian Pacific Railway founded Bicotasing in 1885. It was the centre from which all engines were located with engineers, firemen, trainmen and conductors.

When the railroad came to Bicotasing, it became the centre of Indian trade and transportation of goods to the Hudson's Bay Company at Flying Post, Mattagami and Green Lake. When the railroad moved their centre of operations to Chapleau in 1886, Bicotasing became a small peaceful hamlet and showed little signs of activity except as a fur trading point.

Archie Belaney who posed as Chief Grey Owl made his home at Bicotasing for a number of years. He was fortunate that he was not arraigned before the courts on murder charges.

Ever since the building of the railroad, Bicotasing has been an important point, first as a centre of operations for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company and then as a siding with a station and, at times, three telegraphers. Bicotasing was also known as a base for lumber operations and government fire detection in the 1920's.

Today the community depends largely on the tourism industry.

Bicotasing is located 131 km from Chapleau off the Sultan-Makwa road. Major employers are Inco, Canadian Pacific Railway, Ontario Hydro and tourist outfitters.

weather icon
Partly cloudy
Currently 0° 5 Day