How a remote Northern Ontario outpost became the secret engine of global journalism

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Deep in the boreal forest of Canada, the town of Kapuskasing once served as the exclusive source of newsprint for The New York Times. From its origins as a WWI internment camp to its role as a pulp giant, this isolated community built an unlikely, decades-long industrial partnership with global media.

Kapuskasing, located in Ontario's Great Clay Belt, emerged in the early 20th century following the construction of the National Transcontinental Railway. Originally known as MacPherson, the town was renamed in 1917, adopting a Cree term meaning 'Whispering Water.' Its early history was defined by a government-run internment camp that held over 1,300 prisoners during World War I, including many Ukrainian civilians and later, prisoners of war. The site's isolation, surrounded by muskeg and harsh winters, served as a natural barrier to escape.

The town's industrial identity was forged in the 1920s with the establishment of the Spruce Falls Power and Paper Company. In 1926, the company entered into a joint ownership agreement between Kimberly-Clark and The New York Times. This partnership was so significant that from 1928 until 2003, the newspaper was printed entirely on paper produced in Kapuskasing. The mill, affectionately dubbed 'Uncle Spruce' by locals, provided steady employment for generations, though it also faced significant challenges, including the 1963 Reesor Siding strike and recent economic volatility that briefly threatened its closure in 2025.

Beyond its industrial output, Kapuskasing has served as a site for diverse government initiatives, ranging from a failed post-WWI soldier settlement scheme to a World War II radar base manned by the United States Army Air Forces. Today, the town remains a hub for specialized industry, including General Motors' cold-weather testing facilities. While the population has fluctuated—recording 8,057 residents in the 2021 census—the town continues to balance its heritage as a resource-dependent frontier with its modern role in regional healthcare and specialized research.

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