Corporation of the Town of Latchford

“Welcome to Latchford” is the message and it is echoed by all who enjoy living here in the gateway to the District of Temiskaming. Situated on the shores of Bay Lake and at a bend in the majestic Montreal River, we are uniquely located with pristine water on three sides of Latchford. Founded in 1904 and incorporated as a town in 1907, we have evolved from a being a major lumbering and pulpwood community which once simultaneously featured three major sawmills and two pulp operations to primarily a dormitory and retirement community. While our residents are few, the one thing we have in abundance is natural beauty and it surrounds us in all seasons.

We are equally proud of our colourful history. A history that not only incorporates our lumbering past but that of being a major transportation centre as well as a supply point for water access mining sites. Elk Lake received its supplies on large river boats from the “Port of Latchford” until 1912 and the famous inventor Thomas Edison had a mine across the lake from town.

Despite all the activity that has occurred here over the last century plus, we have not done anything to negatively impact the natural beauty of the area we are so fortunately situated in. Wildlife abounds in the surrounding transitional forest and sport fishing still provides ample rewards for those who pursue it both in Bay Lake and the Montreal River as well as the countless other lakes accessed from here. Launching your boat in Latchford allows travelling some 70 kilometres up river to Mountain Chute or the short portage over the Mattawapika Falls dam launches you into Lady Evelyn Lake.

Regardless of reason, make it a point to visit Latchford because you can be assured you will be genuinely welcome! –George Lefebvre