LOCATION: "NORTH OF 55"

R. D. Parker Collegiate is located in the City of Thompson, Northern Manitoba at Latitude 56N and Longitude 98W.

Appearing from the air as a small oval surrounded by acres of forest and shining lakes and rivers is Thompson, Manitoba's nickel capital. The International Nickel Company (INCO, Ltd.) began the building of Thompson in 1956. For two years, workers battled the rugged terrain and weather conditions to build a town by the beautiful Burntwood River. As mining production began, people flooded into the town.

Today Thompson is a modern city of approximately 15 000 people. Although it may not be considered big by metropolitan standards, it is the "big city" to many residents from smaller northern communities that depend on Thompson for many of their shopping, medical, and leisure activities. Thompson has a wealth of recreational facilities in and around Thompson, including racquetball courts, two arenas, indoor pool and waterslide, a ski hill, golf course, and Paint Lake Provincial Park. Its latest attraction is the Heritage North Museum, a community-run museum of natural history and local historical artifacts. It is housed in a beautiful log building at the southern entrance to the city.