Shamattawa 1 is located on the banks of the Gods River where the Echoing River joins as a right tributary. The population as of 2016[update] was 1,019, an increase of 2.1% over the 2011 figure of 998.[2]
As a remote, isolated community,[6] Shamattawa for part of the year is only connected to the rest of the province by winter and ice roads − temporary roads over frozen water. Winter roads also extend east of the community towards Fort Severn, and Peawanuck, Ontario. It can also be reached via Shamattawa Airport. It has only one grocery store.[6]
A polar bear was sighted in Shamattawa in August 2010, 400 kilometres (249 mi) south of its typical range.[7]
Climate
Shamattawa has a subarctic climate (Köppen climate classificationDfc) with mild summers and severely cold winters. Precipitation is moderate, but is significantly higher in summer than at other times of the year. Due to its proximity to the Hudson Bay, storm systems often blow ashore with little warning.[8]