The Blezard Valley

Abstract

The peculiar geological structure of the Sudbury Basin, with its agricultural land surrounded by a rooky rim, highly concentrated with nickel, is unique . in the Pre-Cambrian of Northeim Ontario. On the rim of the basin are located seven nickel mines, which at present are producing 90 - 95% of the world’s nickel. Due to this fact, numerous geological studies have been undertaken in the Sudbury area. All the papers that have been written on the basin, deal exclusively with geological features. Very little, if any study has been made of the other aspects within the basin. This thesis, will deal mainly with the floor of this geo-syncline or as we will call it — the Blezard Valley. Unlike the rim of the basin, this lowland has only one small nickel mine. Agriculture is the main activity in this region, with large farms found on the sand loam and clay soils. This study will endeavour to give a historical picture of agriculture in the valley, with an attempt to see what changes have taken place since the area was first settled. In the first chapter, the geology of the Sudbury Basin will be discussed. A rather full account will be given of how the basin originated. Also in this chapter, the physiography and drainage patterns will be described. In the second chapter, there will be a discussion on climate, vegetation and soils, to complete the section on physical geography. Here, an attempt will be made to show how the three aspects affect agriculture in the valley. The history of settlement, will be the theme of the third chapter. It will be seen from this chapter, the important roles played by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the lumbering camps, and the mines in opening up this valley. Portions of this chapter will deal only indirectly with the historical settlement of the lowland. The fourth chapter will be a discussion on the main economy of the valley — agriculture. A description of past and present agriculture will be undertaken along with an account of how agricultural changes are taking place as a result of outside forces. The latter part of this chapter will deal with the problems facing agriculture. The last chapter will deal with the present population pattern in the valley. A brief description will be given of the small urban communities, along with an analysis of the rapid rate of growth of these centres within the last two or three years. A look into the future, in regard possible population growth, will be given in conclusion.