The Town of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids First Nation area are experiencing some growth. Grand Rapids area has Commercial Fishing, Tourism, and Forestry for Economic Activity. Grand Rapids area is exploring the possibilities of a National Park Project, (a Cedar Lake CFDC Community Development project which is currently in the Strategic Planning Stage) to maintain wildlife and natural resources as well as promote ecotourism, within the area. The Town of Grand Rapids is developing a Community Complex which houses office spaces, youth and senior centers, skating arena, curling rink, bowling alleys, restaurant/take out, community hall (capacity of 350 people), and a green space management area within the center court. The Town of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids First Nation combined have a population of 1,124 residents.

Easterville community is situated near the Chemawawin First Nation which is located on the south shore of Cedar Lake. Their location has prompted commercial fishing as the most important economic activity in the area. As well as commercial fishing, residents rely on trapping on the Cedar Lake and Grand Rapids Registered Trap Line Zones.

Trapping is the second most important source of income. Easterville and Chemawawin are in the process of building a new educational facility equipped with teacher’s residents. The Easterville Community and Chemawawin First Nation combined have a population of 1,276 residents.