Geography
Located on the north shore of Larder Lake, in Northeastern Ontario, the Town of Larder Lake is approximately 15 kilometers west of the border of the province of Quebec. The local terrain varies from hilly to flat, mostly wooded with coniferous forests, and dotted by numerous lakes and streams. The land formation known as "the height of land" runs through the area. Waters north of the height of land flow north into Hudson Bay and waters south flow into the Great Lakes system.
Lake Characteristics
Thermal stratification: Water temperature drops from 70 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface to 43 degrees Fahrenheit near the bottom. The 28 degree temperature drop (70° F to 42° F) between the 25 foot and 40 foot depth identify the thermocline, the layer of water in which there is the greatest drop in temperature.
Water Quality: Dissolved oxygen content is constant in the upper 40 feet of water, ranging between 7.0 and 8.0 parts per million. A surface 7.8 ph value shows an alkaline characteristic in relation to hydrogen ion composition in the water. Conductivity readings determine a dissolved solids concentration of 124 parts per million. A secchi disc disappears from view below the surface of this light brown coloured water.
Fish: Species of fish that can be found in Larder Lake are Lake Trout, Walleye (Pickerel), Northern Pike, Perch, Lake Herring, Whitefish, Small Mouth Bass and a number of species of the Cyprinid (minnow). The lake has a reputation of providing excellent Lake Trout fishing, especially in winter. Deep waters in narrows and off steep shorelines are favored by local anglers. Northern Pike are found in shallower bays and weed beds. Walleye (Pickerel) are found around shoal areas.
Climate
The regional climate is best described as modified continental with short, warm summers and long cold winters. Average daily temperatures in summer reach a maximum of 24° C with average winter temperatures reaching a maximum of -23.6° C. The area receives an average of 58.74 cm of rain and 288.9 cm of snow per year. Current weather conditions can be found through Environment Canada Weather.
Population
(2006 Census information)
Total Population: 735
Workforce
According to 1991 census information, 67% of the 260 working males were employed in mining, forestry, processing, fabricating, construction trades or transportation. Of the 150 females employed, 63% were involved in sales and service occupations. The remaining 37% are working in teaching, health care, social sciences and managerial administrative positions.
Transportation
Road: The community is conveniently located on Highway 66 which links the Northern Route of the Trans Canada Highway between Ontario and Quebec. This provides for easy shipping of goods to markets in Eastern and Western Canada and to Southern Ontario. With the northern route of the Trans Canada Highway traversing the area, proximity to other major urban centers is as follows:
