What will be the next boom?

Ken Johnston

What could be that one thing that brings boom to our little town?
You have heard the saying “It’s either boom or bust,” haven’t you?
Rainy River has had its boom times in the past 100 years and it has had its bust times.
The boom times included a thriving lumber industry early in the town’s history, which was followed by the bust brought on by the 1910 fire; which was referred to as The Great Fire... I am sure the local businesses depending on the logging did not think it was so “Great!”
The railway then boomed, chugged and sputtered when the roundhouse was closed and crews eventually were cut back.
A boat company made boats here in the 1960s, but that boom eventually sank.
In the 1970s Arctic Cat came in to make winter apparel to compliment its snowmobile industry. However, a lack of snow dealt the company a huge blow and that boom left, followed by a sputter called Weatherwear that also busted.
Through the 80s and 90s the town tried making Rainy a retirement village and a home to a panelized home factory or two. Neither turned into booms. A lumber remanufacturing plant also started and failed.
Now the community sits awaiting an idea that could be a boom that lasts with no bust involved.
Perhaps it will be a major tourism initiative that would attract thousands to our area. Or maybe the students at RRHS are on the right track... movies could be filmed here.
The people here have proven time and time again that they have gusto... we just need the right thing to pour it into.
–Until then, Ken