An historical coal mine will continue to stand as a reminder of Nanaimo’s heritage.
The B.C. government announced Friday it will provide $25,000 to conserve structures at Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park.
The money will go to assessment of the mine shaft, removal of unsecured timbers and organic debris from around the headframe and structure, and some stabilization of the headframe and tipple.
“We are delighted that the significance of this industrial landscape is being acknowledged through this collaboration with government, and hope that this project will stimulate further interest in making these unique structures a touchstone to B.C.’s coal mining history,” said Sandra Larocque of Friends of Morden Mine, in a press release.
The $25,000 includes $20,000 from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development’s heritage branch and $5,000 through the province’s park enhancement fund.
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“This work will bring history to life, and at the same time, honour the coal miners who lived, worked and died in Vancouver Island coal mines, while building families and creating strong communities,” said Doug Donaldson, B.C. forests minister, in the release. “Eight Island communities had coal mines, but the structures at the Morden Colliery are the last that remain. Restoring the mine’s headframe and tipple will help remind visitors to the park of Vancouver Island’s rich coal mining history.”
The mine was built in 1913 and produced 76,000 tonnes of coal in its first year of operation, according to the release.