How Kenora Got its Name

Rats and flour just don't go together!

An Interesting Story...

The story of how Kenora, on the north shore of Lake of the Woods, got its name is a very interesting one. Back in the late 1800s, the area around Kenora was a bustling stop along the CP Rail line. There was activity in a number of industries, notably gold and flour. At the time, there were three communities situated right beside each other, each with a different name. There was Keewatin, where the flour mill was situated, Norman, the island just east of Keewatin, and the bustling burb of Rat Portage. Much talk and complaining about the name "Rat Portage" occurred, but nothing was done about it until 1905.

Keewatin from above.  Photo: Darren Tacknyk

Here is the story as written on the Lake of the Woods Museum website:

It was not until 1905 that the community changed its name to Kenora. Dissatisfaction with the name of Rat Portage had been expressed by the residents of the town over the years, but apparently, it took a final push from the industry to initiate the change. The Maple Leaf Flour Company reportedly refused to build here because they didn't want the word rat on their flour bags. 

Read the full story on the MUSE website.

It didn't take long for the prospective flour barons to realize that flour in bags labeled "Rat Portage" would not be a hit with consumers. Obviously, rats and flour don't go together, especially when you think of how prolific rats are in the areas of eating and generating waste!

Downtown Kenora.  Photo: Lake of the Woods Museum

So the town fathers got together and sat down to figure out what they could name the town, without offending any of the citizens in either of the three existing communities. Someone came up with the clever idea to combine parts of the names of the three existing communities into one name. Hence, they took the "KE" from Keewatin, the "NO" from Norman, and the "RA" from Rat Portage and developed the name we all know and love today: Kenora!

So, as they say, the rest is history... KEewatin-NOrman-RAt Portage!

Kenora's Present-Day City Hall
`
About Gerry Cariou

Gerry is Executive Director of Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association and is an avid fisherman and nature photographer. Gerry has been writing about Sunset Country's varied travel experiences for over 20 years and lives these experiences year-round in Kenora, Ontario.

Recommended Articles

New Restrictions on What You Can Bring into Canada

Keep up to dates with the changes.

8 facts you didn't know about moose

Just how big is a moose anyway?

Renew Your Outdoors Card, Online!

It's never been easier to buy your Ontario fishing license and Outdoors Card

Fishing in the Fall?

Here's some walleye fishing tips as the weather cools down.

10 Facts About Lac Seul

How many of these did you know?

3 of the best places to see the northern lights

Where will you be when you see the sky dance?

When will the leaves change colour?

Ontario Parks lets you know.

Curious as to which fish species are in your favourite lake?

Use this interactive map to find out.

10 things to do in Dryden

See the famous "Dryden Buck"!

Fish Eagle Lake

68,000 acres, 70 miles long and over 400 islands

White Otter Castle: The Incredible Story of the Mansion in the Middle of Nowhere

Imagine single-handedly building this massive structure in the middle of the wilderness?

A Beginner's Guide to Ice Fishing in Canada

(With a few tips for the seasoned fishermen too!)

Rent an Ice Hut in Sunset Country

Make the most of winter in Northwestern Ontario with a unique ice fishing experience

It's Laker Time

Fall lake trout before the season ends

Do you want to take better photos of the Northern Lights?

16 tips for taking better photos of the aurora borealis

Reference Guide to the Towns & Cities in Northwest Ontario

Small towns with big hearts

How many fish do you think are in the English River System?

Too many to count! Find out more about this fantastic fishery.

5 Essential Boreal Experiences in Ontario's Sunset Country

Freshwater fishing, forest hiking, and sunset views await in this pristine paradise

Black Spruce 101

Things You Probably Didn't Know About This Boreal Icon

6 road trips from Minneapolis to Northwestern Ontario’s Sunset Country

From fishing and wildlife sightings to culture, good eats and of course sunsets, there’s lots to discover