July 24, 2007

The Robinson's, Keith and Arlene, started Souris River Canoes in 1985 and they now manufacture and sell seven different types of canoes.  In the "outdoor product world", Souris River is very reputable company both in product and innovation.  The product material used to make them was Keith's own creation, making the canoes very unique.  This business has the only lightweight canoe in the world that will flex when going over rocks.  The aluminum gunnels used in the canoes was designed by Keith as well, and is highly advanced.  This Company has succeeded in formulating a safe system to work with epoxy resin when no other canoe manufacturers have been able to due to difficulties with allergies.

- First year of production in Atikokan, 40 canoes were built
- 1994 they received funding from Atikokan Economic Development Corp.
- 2000 Souris River built a storage building which will hold 650 canoes
- 1995 Keith and Arlene created and hosted the Souris River Canoe Challenge

To date, production and sales have increased to over 500 canoes per year with 3,000 canoes being manufactured since inception.  They now employ seven people with this number steadily increasing.  The Robinsons' attend trade shows throughout the year promoting not only their product, but the community of Atikokan.  Keith and Arlene contribute to many local business as well, though such things as donating products for fundraising activities.  The Township also benefits from a tourism perspective because the business is becoming somewhat of a tourist attraction in itself.

Souris River is not only a great success story for Atikokan, but also for Canada.  The vast majority of their product is exported to the United States.  Every year, this growing company is brining more jobs and more money into our economy and it is being done the old fashioned way - they work hard for it!