What happened in Kitsault, BC, Canada's most perfect Ghost Town?
Aug 25, 2024
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Discover the fascinating tale of Kitsault, a ghost town in British Columbia that was abandoned just 18 months after its creation. Unlike typical ghost towns, Kitsault is remarkably well-preserved, maintained for decades. Explore its eerie yet nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of 1980s video games. Join a captivating journey through this unique location and learn about the challenges faced by its current owner in reviving the town. Can it offer solutions to the housing crisis in the region?
Kitsault remains uniquely well-preserved due to continuous maintenance and investment, reflecting a snapshot of life in 1982.
The town's history illustrates the economic cycles of mining towns in Canada while raising questions about its potential future uses.
Deep dives
The Unique Preservation of Kitsault
Kitsault, a ghost town in British Columbia, has remained remarkably well-preserved despite being abandoned for 40 years. Unlike typical ghost towns that deteriorate over time, Kitsault boasts intact buildings and amenities such as a mall, bowling alley, and swimming pool, all maintained in a condition as if the residents could return at any moment. This preservation is largely due to ongoing investments, with the town's owner committing significant funds annually toward maintenance and repairs to counteract the wear of time and harsh weather. As a result, the town stands as an eerie snapshot of 1982, reflecting a time frozen in place.
The History Behind Kitsault's Abandonment
Kitsault was established in the early 1980s by the American Metals Company to support a molybdenum mining operation, designed to attract families with its modern facilities and community amenities. However, the mining venture did not last long, as plummeting molybdenum prices led to the immediate shutdown of operations after only two years. The town's residents were ordered to leave, yet the company's initial commitment to maintain the property allowed Kitsault to avoid the common fate of decay that befalls many abandoned towns. Thus, its history reflects not only economic cycles but also the unique circumstances surrounding mining towns in Canada's remote regions.
Current Prospects and Cultural Significance
While the owner of Kitsault has explored various ideas for utilizing the town, including a wellness retreat and a mining operation linked to liquefied natural gas, none have materialized to date. This has spurred speculation around the town's potential uses, especially amid a housing crisis in British Columbia, although challenges related to the town's remote location limit practical solutions. The town's distinct 1980s aesthetic has garnered public interest, contributing to its allure as a potential filming location or unique tourism destination. Ultimately, Kitsault stands as a fascinating testament to human ambition and the volatile nature of resource-driven communities.
Kitsault was a mining town of 1,200 or so people in one of the most remote areas of British Columbia. It opened in 1981. It was empty by 1982. That was its first lifetime.
Since then, however, something has happened to Kitsault. Unlike other abandoned towns, Kitsault has been maintained. First by the mining company, later by a private owner. So today it sits, almost perfectly preserved, ready for a small town's worth of people to show up and move in. Will they?