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The Elk Valley:Effects of Coal Mining on Settlement and Employment Patterns From the mid 1800’s to the early 1900's coal was used as a major source of fuel for transportation systems such as railways and steamships. During this period smelters, factories in which ore is melted in order to extract metal, throughout British Columbia were creating an even larger demand for coal than ever before. This was particularly true in the West Kootenay region of the province. As a result of the increasing demand for coal throughout North America, many new coal mines were opening within the province. This increased demand for coal influenced employment and settlement patterns throughout the province. A natural resource like coal can be a major contributing factor in the development of early communities. The Elk Valley, situated in the East Kootenay region, is an excellent example of how these patterns were affected during the late 1890’s and early 1900’s as a result of the discovery and extraction of coal in the area.
A large mining operation extracting substantial amounts of coal requires an extensive work force. People from Canada and around the world were eager to find employment within the mines due to the prospect of good wages and, for many, a better way of life. |
Introduction | Elk Valley | The Kootenay Smelter | The Missing Link | Heat and Electricity | Pacific Steamships | The Strikebreakers on Vancouver Island
© MM Fernie & District Historical Society.
