80’s ghost town in BC to be revived?

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

Interesting. It is a mining town that was only inhabited for a few years, then the mine closed and everyone split.

It’s in good condition still, a man bought it and keeps it maintained by a small crew. You can tour it (I only just read about it)! A mall, pub, library, clean homes, mostly in decent repair - it’s practically move-in ready. Install a cell tower and bob’s your uncle!

I’m surprised a cult didn’t move in already. They missed their chance.

The owner wants the Alberta/ BC pipeline through it - says it’s a good plan, perfect timing. If they’re building it regardless…maybe. But why not just encourage people to move there because it’s already a town? Tourism, small business. It has lots of potential, I think. I’m surprised it was so monolithic, everyone moved out - fast!

What do you think? (It was cool looking at the decor in photos. It’s familiar looking.)

Owner of B.C. ghost town taking another swing at energy exports

He says Kitsault's time as an energy hub has finally come, as trade and geopolitical upheaval focus political attention on boosting oil and gas exports to non-U.S. markets.

cheknews.ca

Visiting Canada’s $50 million 1980s ghost town

It sounds made up. In the wilderness of British Columbia, a two hour drive from any town with cell reception, sits a ghost town. Not only a ghost town, but a ghost town that was built for $50…

justinmcelroy.com

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

For it to be a publicly owned town again, what would be the process? Would he be like a feudal lord?

A private company or person owning a whole town (not just heavily invested) sounds strange for Canada. I guess not?

 

[Mendalla]

A private company or person owning a whole town (not just heavily invested) sounds strange for Canada. I guess not?

We have had "company towns" in the resource industries forever. Basically, the company would provide housing and services to encourage workers to move into remote areas to work in their mines. SOme of them have died when the mines ran out or otherwise closed, some have become actual municipalities.

For it to be a publicly owned town again, what would be the process?

Depends on BC's municipal act or similar, I imagine. Municipalities fall under the province constitutionally. But if it becomes a public town, then he is no longer in charge. There would have to be an elected municipal government, I imagine, though obviously he could run for mayor.

But why not just encourage people to move there because it’s already a town?

Get some good quality Internet in there and it could be a haven for remote workers and influencers and others who don't need access to an office.

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

I’m wondering why they ordered an “evacuation”?

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

I know we’ve had company towns forever. Ft. McMurray comes to mind but oil companies have invested rather than owned the town outright, no? Lots of towns revolve around industry and jobs in it and the companies operating are prevalent but, wholly owned by sounds like a bad strategy. Apparently, it has been, for Kitsault.

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

Older article (2021) about it. The small group of resident caretakers looks happy.

It is nice there.

I can’t find any photos of when it was a fully functioning town, with all the people in it. It’s so weird. There’s no Facebook page for past residents - people who went to school there, ran the pub, the hospital, the library, worked at the bank, worked in the mall, and at the mine. It was a small town. They’d know each other, even if only for 3 years, I’m sure it was an experience. Maybe some would keep in touch. It would be interesting to hear from them.

The BC Town That Was Abandoned As Quickly As It Was Built

You've probably never heard of the town, Kitsault. Although it has houses and schools, restuarants and pubs, it's been completly abandoned.

604now.com

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

I find it kind of melancholy to look at the photos even though it was a mining town. Just because they were optimistic - had everything there - it wasn’t a work camp. Maybe they were too ambitious to build the whole thing.

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

Such a waste of a gem, sitting empty. Houses still good enough to live in, and maybe renovate.

I don’t feel good about the pipeline prospect though.