The settlement was founded as an agricultural community by John Dryden, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture in 1895. While his train was stopped at what was then known as Barclay Tank to re-water, he noticed clover growing and decided to found an experimental farm the following year. The farm's success brought settlers from the Uxbridge area of southern Ontario and the Bruce Peninsula and the community came to be known as New Prospect. It became a town in 1910 and a city in 1998 after merging with the neighbouring township of Barclay. Dryden's eastern boundary is located near Aaron Provincial Park on Thunder Lake. Pulp and Paper came to the town in 1910. Today, its main industries are agriculture, tourism and mining. Paper/pulp industries in Dryden were a major contributor in its local economy. In 2008 the mill ceased production of fine paper as the second of two paper machines was shut down. The town came onto the national consciousness in the early 1970s when people in Grassy Narrows became sick with Minamata disease. Investigation determined that a chloralkali plant located at the Dryden mill was the source of the mercury in the Wabigoon and English rivers. The town was also the site of the March 10, 1989 crash of Air Ontario Flight 1363, which killed 24 people and led to the Moshansky Inquiry on airline safety.
Geography
Dryden is located near Wabigoon Lake in northwestern Ontario at 340 km northwest of Thunder Bay. The city is on the territory of the Ojibwe nation. Dryden is also surrounded by the Unorganized Kenora District.
Climate
Dryden experiences a Humid continental climate. The highest temperature ever recorded in Dryden was on 11 July 1936. The coldest temperature ever recorded was on 11 February 1914.
Demographics
According to the 2016 Canadian Census, the population of Dryden is 7,749, a 1.7% increase from 2011. The population density is 117.1 people per square km. There are 3,541 private dwellings with an occupancy rate of 94.9%. According to the 2011 National Household Survey, the median value of a dwelling in Dryden is $149,942 which is significantly lower than the national average at $280,552. The median household income in Dryden is $54,577, almost on par with the national average at $54,089. Dryden is mostly made up of European descent and Aboriginal peoples. The racial make up of Dryden is:
Most of Dryden is either a Christian, or affiliates with no religion. 0.1% are Buddhist, and 0.1% practise traditional Aboriginal spirituality.
Arts and culture
Dryden is known by people passing by as the home of "Max the Moose", Dryden's high mascot on the Trans-Canada Highway. The city holds an annual Moosefest festival, during which musical performances, children's activities and a fishing tournament known as The Walleye Masters are held. Several annual music concerts are held featuring local musicians. "Come Together" is an annual December 27 or 28th concert, and "Kickin' Country" is a mid April country show. Both featuring local acts. The "Blue Moon Festival" is a daylong event that is held on or near a blue moon calendar event in the summer months. Dryden is home to a variety of arts groups. "Theatre 17" is a community theatre group under the direction of Judith Hamilton that stages theatrical productions, including Noises Off and Tony and Tina's Wedding. The DRAC is an artists group that organizes yearly art tours, art shows and also operates a retail store known as Naked North Art Gallery. The Dryden Community Band is a group of musicians who perform under conductor Ryan Graham. Dryden is home to Aaron Provincial Park, which is on the eastern border of Dryden.
Federally, the city is part of the Kenora riding and is represented by Eric Melillo, a Conservative. The region is also served politically by Senator Lynn Beyak.
