coalminers

To the Galt #8 Mine Historic Site Society web page!

The Galt #8 Mine Site Historic Society is committed to saving the site of the historic Galt #8 Mine in

Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada for the citizens of Lethbridge and for visitors with an interest in the industrial history of Southern Alberta.

Although the mine ceased operations in 1958, its buildings remain standing and, silhouetted against the western skyline of the City of Lethbridge, present a powerful reminder of a time when “Coal Banks”, as Lethbridge was once known, was a hub of industrial activity in Southern Alberta, providing much needed coal for local industry, homes, and the great railways as they forged westwards to the Pacific.Long past its prime, the site is now the home of a cement works.

The site and buildings, described as “one of the most important abandoned coal mines in Canada… the headframe of the shaft mine is the last remaining structure of this type in Canada… the brick buildings area also a valuable heritage resource because of their distinctive architecture and their good condition.(1)” run the risk of being lost.

The Galt #8 Mine Historic Site Society has proposed the purchase of the site and the redevelopment of the industrial buildings as a museum, interpretive centre, neighbourhood park and neighbourhood community facilities. Help us realise this goal by joining our Society and saving the last remnants of the history of coal mining in Lethbridge.

Please look around the site – it is new and growing – to see what we have done in the past and what our vision is for the future. We look forward to your support.

Sincerely

Les Toth, President

(1) Larry Chrismas, past chairman, History and Heritage Committee of the Coal Association of Canada