Wawa, Ontario

Wawa, Ontario is a town in the north of Ontario, Canada. It is known for its 28-foot-tall metal statue of a Canada goose, built in 1963. Wawa takes its name from the Ojibwe word for "wild goose", wewe, and is a major migratory point for these birds.

Related Topics:
Wawa, Ontario - Ontario - Canada - Canada goose - Ojibwe

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In 1897, gold was discovered on nearby Wawa Lake which led to a rush to the area. Production had slowed by 1906 but as mining technology improved, additional amounts began to be extracted from the area. Iron ore extraction has also been an important industry in the area. The community was served by the Algoma Central Railway.

Related Topics:
Gold - Wawa Lake - Iron ore - Algoma Central Railway

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Wawa suffered a mass exodus after the Helen Mine and AOP sinter plant shut down, leaving its main industries as forestry and tourism. In recent months, diamond prospecting has created new excitement in the town.

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In the latter half of the 1950s, the town's name was changed to Jamestown, but was changed back to Wawa by the request of the town's residents.

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