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Leitch collieries provincial historic site

Details | History

Details

Detailed Description: Leitch Collieries was a sophisticated early coal mining company that established its operation in the Crowsnest Pass in 1907. The company closed in 1915 due to problems caused by strikes, over development, not enough production, and a loss of contracts at the start of World War I. Company management recognized the difficulty in maximizing production underground due to the impossibility of holding coal-cutting machinery against the coal face, and Leitch Collieries put effort instead into maximizing the efficiency of its processing at the surface. The remains of the surface plant are graceful ruins today. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site, or explore the beautiful setting on their own.	Type of Attraction: Major attraction, Family attraction, Historic attraction, Industrial tour
	Open: Year Round May 15 - September 6, 2004 9:30 am-5:00 pm, daily The remainder of the year the site is self-guided and washrooms are closed.
	Cost: Donations are accepted.
	Guided Tours: Available on request Education Programs are available by booking in advance
General Info Season: Summer, Spring/Fall	Event Directions: Located at Highway 3, entering the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass from the east.
Facilities/Services Onsite: Free parking, Motor coach/RV parking, Restrooms	Wheelchair Accessibility: All public areas
Payments Accepted: Cash

History

Leitch Collieries was one of the largest and most ambitious local mines.  Established in 1907, it was the only coal company in the Pass completely Canadian owned and operated.  The first entry into coal seams occurred at Byron Creek, south of the present site.  The No. 2 mine was started in 1909 in the area known locally as "Police Flats".

The town of Passburg, 1 km west of the site, was built as a bedroom community for Leitch Collieries miners and their families.  When the mine ceased operations, the town's buildings were moved over time to other communities in the Crowsnest Pass.

Due to steep coal seams at the No. 2 mine, no underground mechanization could be developed. As a result, improvements were made above ground.  These included:

• an impressive row of 101 coke ovens;

• a 27 metre (90 foot) wooden washery;

• a huge tipple with a daily capacity of between 1000 and 2000 tons of coal; and

• a large sandstone powerhouse, completed in 1910, which supplied electricity to the mine and the town of Passburg.

A sandstone quarry located at the eastern edge of the site provided materials for the construction of the power house and mine manager's residence.  The mine was heavily mortgaged to cover the costs associated with this massive development.

In 1909 and 1911, despite the serious effects of strikes, construction continued using non-union labour.  Financial setbacks occurred as coal markets went 'soft' and contracts with England, the Balkan countries and the USA never materialized.  Relations with the Canadian Pacific Railroad, an important customer, also became strained.

Bad luck continued to dog the company and coal production ceased in 1915.  An agreement to sell the mine for $1,000,000 was reached with John Frankland of Vancouver, but he died before the deal was completed.  Unable to raise the capital to start production again, Leitch Collieries management grew frustrated as neighbouring mines expanded production to meet World War 1 demands.  By 1919, the company was forced to liquidate its assets.  Ownership of most of the property not already sold to adjoining collieries was finally taken over by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in 1926.