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The municipality of Oka with a population of five thousand lies some fifty km northwest of Montreal along the shores of Lac des Deux-Montagnes (Lake of Two Mountains). The main economic activity is related to the agricultural production of mostly fruit and dairy products.
In the early 18th century, King Louis XIV of France granted a tract of land to the Sulpician Order in the area of the Lake of Two Mountains. Nearby, lands are set aside for the Mohawks of Kanesatake, and do not constitute a reserve. They are interwoven with lands belonging to non-aboriginal people of the village and parish of Oka.
 | The Cistercian Abbey of Oka, founded by Trappist monks in the late 19th century, is nestled in the woods overlooking the lake. The Abbey is very proud to sell quality local products, such as the renowned Oka cheese and a variety of jellies and honeys. Not far from there, the Parc national d'Oka offers fifty km of cross-country and hiking trails. From the top of the colline du Calvaire, the view extends over the area's beautiful landscape.
In 1960, the St. Lawrence Columbium Company (SLC) operated an open-pit mine until 1976. Today, Niocan plans to develop a nearby niobium deposit with sustainable development concepts in mind. Niocan will restore the SLC site. Niocan will have a neglible impact on the environment as the company will exist in the community for a long time and has extensively researched and adopted modern, world-class operating procedures. Niocan will establish and ensure that all local residents can share the benefits.
For more information about:
- Oka Park
- Kanesatake
- The Trappistes' Abbey
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