abstract
| - Greater Sudbury is the largest city in northern Ontario. Formed through amalgamation in 2001, it is home to 160,000 people spread over an area of 3200 square kilometres. The terrain consists of rocky outcrops, mixed forest and some 300 lakes of various size. The population is spread over an urban core (which itself is separated into distinct neighbourhoods over a large area) and several smaller communities. Historically, the economy was dependent on mining and this sector is still extremely important to the city. Vale (formerly INCO) and Glencore Xstrata (formerly Falconbridge Nickel Mines) operate mines, mills, smelters and other facilities throughout the city, predominantly in the Copper Cliff, Falconbridge, Levack and Skead areas. Other mining companies are also present and the mining service sector is also a major economic driver. The city is also the major education, retail, health and government service centre for Northeastern Ontario. It's home to a university, two colleges and several government offices. It is also located at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 69/400 to southern Ontario, and is an important rail junction point. Canadian Pacific operates a major yard in downtown Sudbury.
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