Canadian Pacific 2816 crosses the Lethbridge Viaduct - Date unknown J.P. Bell.

26 March 2013

Grand Plans for Galt No. 8 Mine Site Revealed

Lethbridge Alterta - While in operation, the valley-top mine paid hundreds of workers over a 22-year period, and produced 3.1 million tonnes of coal.
 
Today it's a Lethbridge landmark, but soon it could be a multi-purpose educational and tourism attraction.
 
In addition, proponents say Canadian Pacific Railway officials would consider a plan to run a sightseeing train across their iconic bridge, using the mine site as the starting point.
 
With $3.6 million, a local organization told council it could buy the Galt No. 8 mine and site, then convert it into an interactive interpretive and community centre.
 
It could focus on energy sources of the future, as well as sharing southern Alberta's colourful coal mining history.
 
Architect Alvin Fritz and Les Toth, president of the Galt No. 8 Mine Historic Site Society, outlined their ideas Monday as city council heard capital funding proposals from community groups.
 
"The buildings are intact, and they're ready for renewal," Fritz said.
 
The organization has already obtained an option on the land and structures, council learned.
 
Fritz said the structures remain sound, more than 50 years after mining ended.
 
The mine was built to higher standards, it says, to prevent frost heaving.
 
"The Galt No. 8 site stands unique in Canada in that 10 major buildings remain standing and are fully intact," the report says.
 
"Other historical mine sites have almost none of their original buildings remaining."
 
With council's support, the group could purchase the 77-acre site and buildings for $3 million.
 
Alternatively, the owner, now operating a precast concrete plant on part of the site, would swap for cash plus a 10-acre site to relocate somewhere in the city's industrial park.
 
"The site provides a spectacular view overlooking the Oldman River and the CPR High Level Bridge," the report reminded council.
 
Better still, "CPR rail officials have indicated an interest in our vision to operate short distance train rides that would take passengers from the Galt No. 8 site across the High Level Bridge."
 
Fritz said several of the heritage buildings could be used as a theatre, a community meeting place, or a hall.
 
The tall tipple structure could be transformed into a restaurant and lounge, he added.
 
"This site has huge, huge, potential," he said.
 
"Can you imagine how exciting it would be to have this in Lethbridge?"
 
Once the land is purchased, the Galt No. 8 organization would have time for careful planning and preservation.
 
If the city doesn't secure the land soon, Fritz warned, someone else could buy it and tear down the mining structures.
 
"The whole heritage concept could be destroyed."
 
Dave Mabell.

Vancouver Island
British Columbia
Canada