Although a state of emergency has been declared for the Town of Mattawa due to high water levels causing floods and devastation to homes and businesses, the neighbouring community of Papineau-Cameron has not faced the same fate, but is feeling the impact.
Due to their proximity to the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers, many of Papineau-Cameron’s businesses incorporate “Mattawa” into their business name and visitors are assuming they are flooded out and closed.
See: Mattawa Resort devastated by cancellations
Such is not the case insists Mayor Robert Corriveau.
“We are deeply saddened by the extensive property damage and economic devastation our neighbouring communities’ business sector and citizens along the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers are experiencing," Corriveau told BayToday.
"Papineau-Cameron’s businesses, citizens and volunteer fire department members have and will continue to assist in providing support, most notably to our Mattawa neighbours. Our accommodation businesses have opened their doors to displaced citizens offering them free temporary housing, our citizens and fire department volunteers have helped with sandbagging and helped at the emergency shelter and at the Legion."
The Mattawa Adventure Camp, on the Ottawa River has seen some minor property damages.
"Unfortunately each of Papineau-Cameron’s tourism sector businesses has taken economic hits as a result of the state of emergency declared in the municipality of Mattawa," adds Corriveau. "On behalf of Council and in support of Papineau-Cameron’s businesses, I want to tell you that we are open for business and ready to serve you. We look forward to greeting you this week, next weekend and all year long. “
- Mattawa River Resort and Cardinal Lodge on Lake Chant Plein, offers 8 kms of boating and fishing opportunities, 12 cottages, a great view from no matter where you sit, stand or stay on site, campfires, a beach, great food, and the Grigorov Family hospitality! Canoes and kayaks are available for guest use and the resort offers motorized boat docking facilities to its patrons. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, a fishing trip, or a wedding, you can expect the very best of Canadian culture and hospitality in every way, throughout your stay.
- The Mattawa Golf & Ski Resort is now open for the 2019 season. This 9- hole challenging golf course, owned and operated by Mike and Brenda Martel is open daily starting at 8:00 a.m. and the restaurant is open until 8:00 p.m. Mattawa Golf & Ski Resort offers four 2- bedroom cottages, each sleeping 6 and one large, two-level cottage with 4 bedrooms, sleeping 12. All have a full kitchen, 4-piece bathrooms, fireplaces, air conditioning and barbecues. Park your ride and trailer here after a long day on the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System.
- Mattawa Adventure Camp, on the shores of the Ottawa River, continues to offer guests a great mountain and river view from their lounge and cabins. ATVers and dirt bikers coming to the area to enjoy the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System’s (VMUTS) 300 km of multi-use trail system in and around the Nipissing Forest in neighbouring Mattawan can continue to count on Wim and Claire’s second to none hospitality. The trails are open and so are they! While by Transport Canada’s order boaters and anglers are not currently permitted on the Ottawa of Mattawa River waterways, many other lakes in the region are but a short drive away. Mattawa Adventure Camp is happy to help you fry up your day’s catch upon your return from a day out on Lake Talon, Lake Nosbonsing or Papineau Lake.
- Two Rivers Motel located in the heart of town offers ATV/UTV & pet-friendly, bilingual service in recently full-service renovated rooms. With a capacity to house 36 guests in 12 motel units, your host Estelle Smith will always greet you with a smile. “Come as a guest, leave as a friend.”
- Come stay at the Welcome Inn on Earl’s Lake. Stop in on your way through or stay a while and enjoy the beach and some of the best bass fishing around. Boasting 8.5 acres of fresh cut lawn, and with more than 500 feet of water frontage, this motel with refurbished rooms makes a great place for family reunions, camping or picnicking. Our famous Chip Bus will keep hunger at bay! The Bath family welcome you to come to share their little piece of paradise.
- Jonathan and Charisma at Lazy Rock RV Park and Campground on Taggart Lake offer overnight RV sites, serviced and unserviced tent sites as well as seasonal sites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire table, fire ring, and lake access. With some pull-thru sites, they can accommodate an RV up to 40ft. Lazy Rock offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for the couple looking to take a break from their hectic lives and immerse themselves in nature or the thrill seekers looking to experience all the area has to offer. Enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating and swimming on secluded Taggart Lake or take in the view from your site. After a long day, hang out by the fire and stare up at the stars so bright they light up the sky.
- Mattawa Sports and Marine is a family-owned and operated small engine specialist shop. As John and Ginette say, “If it’s got a spark plug, we can fix it!”. Their daughter Joanne, a licensed mechanic is there to help when your ATV/UTV or boat motor gives up on you or tests your patience. Don’t wait until you break down on the trails or on the water to pop in for a visit!
