The first is its incredible natural surroundings. Positioned in the rugged Precambrian Shield of Canada, Flin Flon is a treasure trove of outdoor beauty. “We’re surrounded by natural lakes, rocky cliffs, and boreal forests,” Roberts-Young says. It’s this combination of unspoiled wilderness and city comforts that defines the town. One moment you’re enjoying a cozy café or browsing a local shop, and the next, you’re only a short drive away from untamed wilderness. The town also boasts deep roots in Canadian hockey history. Known affectionately as a “hockey town,” Flin Flon is home to the Flin Flon Bombers, a junior hockey team with an impressive legacy. “Our connection to the NHL is something we hold dear,” Roberts-Young says with pride. The City’s hockey culture is profound, especially at the Whitney Forum, the historic rink built in 1960. “Our slogan for the Forum is ‘Welcome to the zoo’ because it gets so loud in there,” she adds, laughing as she describes how the decibel levels even require hearing warnings. Flin Flon, founded in 1927 by the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, also has deep roots in mining. “The mining industry was how Flin Flon really got its start,” says Roberts-Young, adding, “We were once one of the main mining hubs in Canada.” This heritage is reflected in the town’s identity, from its namesake hockey team, the Flin Flon Bombers, to nearby Creighton, named after an early prospector. The town’s thriving arts scene also plays a major role in community life. Flin Flon hosts the annual Blueberry Jam Music Festival, which saw just under 9000 attendees this year. “It’s all local artists, performing on stage in the City of Flin Flon’s expansive campground,” Roberts-Young notes. REVITALIZING MAIN STREET Like many communities whose economies have shifted over time, Flin Flon is focused on breathing new life into its historic downtown. Once bustling with business, the area has faced challenges in recent years, particularly following the closure of the town’s primary industry. But the town isn’t standing still. One of the first areas of focus has been beautification. “Since we’re just building traction, we’ve been focusing on smaller wins,” Roberts-Young explains, 247 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 FLIN FLON, MB
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