Sturgeon Falls

Sturgeon Falls is a community and former town in Nipissing District, Ontario, located on the Sturgeon River. The community had a population of 6,939 at the 2021 census and a density of 1,129/km2 (2,920 sq mi). Following a failed legal challenge in 1997, the community was merged into the municipality of West Nipissing in 1999.

History
Ojibwe and Algonquin tribes first settled in the Sturgeon Falls area thousands of years ago. Discovered by European fur traders in the 17th century, the development of Sturgeon Falls began with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1881. French Canadians immigrated to the community from Simcoe and Muskoka following the establishment of lumber and pulp and paper industries. Sturgeon Falls was officially incorporated as a town in 1895, with a population of 850.

Demographics
At the 2021 census, the community had a population of 6,939 with a density of 1,129/km2 (2,920 sq mi). The population increases by approximately 0.070% annually.

In 2016, the community consisted of 53.8% women and 46.3% men. The vast majority of residents were born in Canada, with immigrants making up only 2.5% of the population. 61.8% reported French as their first language, and 34.2% reported English. The people of Sturgeon Falls have advocated for French-speaking rights since its beginning. In 1930, 75-80% of residents were French speaking.