Ontario's Last Frontier
Ontario's Last Frontier
Posts related to the community of Pickle Lake, Ontario
As of 11:00 July 20, 2026 Highway 599 is open to public travel; however, motorists are reminded that wildfires remain active in the area and the fires are not out.
Conditions have improved sufficiently to allow the highway to reopen, but fire behaviour and smoke conditions can change rapidly. If conditions deteriorate, the highway may be closed again with little notice to ensure public and firefighter safety.
Fire Update (July 18, 2026): Due to current wildfire conditions, access through the road closure area will be provided by MNR-escorted convoy only. There will be two (2) escorted trips per day.
SOUTHBOUND
• Trip 1: Departs 10:30AM – meet at Airport Road / HWY 599 (Pickle Lake)
• Trip 2: Departs 8:30PM (20:30) – meet at Airport Road / HWY 599 (Pickle Lake)
NORTHBOUND
• Trip 1: Departs 7:00AM – meet at HWY 599 / HWY 516 Junction
• Trip 2: Departs 6:00PM (18:00) – meet at HWY 599 / HWY 516 Junction
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• If you miss a scheduled departure, you must wait for the next scheduled escort trip.
• Traffic will be one-way only during escort operations. No two-way traffic will be permitted.
• Do not pass the pilot vehicle at any time.
• Travel is at your own risk.
• Escort trips may be cancelled or modified without notice due to changing wildfire conditions and operational requirements.
Please plan accordingly and monitor for further updates.
Fire Update (July 15, 2026 at 5:03PM): All of the fires around Mishkeegogamang and Pickle Lake are not currently threatening the community, the direction of spread today is to the southeast.
• SLK 74 has had a helicopter bucketing on it
• SLK 88 is burning across from Dog Hole Bay. It has 2 crews actively supressing the fire and had a helicopter bucketing this morning. No problems currently anticipated. The current size of the fire is 2.5 ha.
• SLK 89 north of Saugeen and SLK 86 burned across the highway yesterday. The highway is closed to non-emergency traffic.
MNR will continue to provide updates to the Township of Pickle Lake on the current fire conditions and road closures. Please stay informed and stay safe.
The Corporation of the Township of Pickle Lake and the Pickle Lake Lion’s Club welcome residents and visitors to the Canada Day Fireworks Show & pre-show Bonfire, happening on July 1st (7:30pm bonfire, approx. 9:45pm fireworks).
Everyone is invited for an evening of socialization with friends – enjoy some smores and a drink prior to the firework show!
Please be advised that HWY 808 (N.O.R.T. Rd) at the Otoskwin River Bridge, located approximately 60 km north of Pickle Lake, will have a maximum 4 hr. closures (intervals between 7am and 7pm on June 22nd through June 26th) to facilitate repairs to the structure. Traffic will be guided through the construction zone safely, directed by traffic signals and/or LH North personnel.
See post for full details.
Notification of Road Closure Read More »
Please be advised that The Township of Pickle Lake will be flushing fire hydrants as a preventative maintenance procedure. Expected flushing dates will be from June 9th to June 12th.
Water may be discoloured during the flushing process but should clear by running the water for several minutes. If possible, avoid doing laundry during this time. Water is still potable during this time.
Please contact the Town Office at 807-928-2034 if you have any questions or concerns.
The 2026 census is underway across Canada!
Residents are encouraged to complete the census to help plan programs and services that support employment, transit, education, health care, and more in the community.
Households will receive a census invitation letter in the mail with instructions on how to complete the questionnaire.
Complete your census questionnaire online today: census.gc.ca
There will be a market on Saturday, May 9th for Mother’s Day and another market on Saturday, June 20th for Father’s Day (both open from 10am to 3pm at the Pickle Lake Community Hall).
Don’t wait to sell your delightful treats and handmade crafts – book now! Doors open at 9:00am for table setup – contact the township office at 807-928-2034 to book a table.
Upcoming Community Markets Read More »
During the Wildland Fire Season (Apr 1 to Oct 31), open-air fires are not permitted during the day.
Fires are permitted two hours prior to sunset & must be completely extinguished two hours after sunrise.
If a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) is in place, no burning is permitted day or night.
Reminder for Fire Season Read More »
DriveTest will be in Pickle Lake at the Community Hall from May 27th to May 29th. See post for booking instructions.
DriveTest Schedule Read More »