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Home>> People and Communities>> Geographical Communities>> Regional Profiles>> Crowsnest Pass>> Blairmore |
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Blairmore | |||
Property disputes plagued Blairmore, and likely delayed the development of the mining industry in the area. In the spring of 1899, Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Station Agent H. E. Lyon and First Section Foreman Felix Monalbetti built log houses in the settlement. Both claimed squatter's rights and a legal battle ensued for full ownership of the area. At stake was land deemed valuable due to the construction of a nearby mine at Frank.. As the area was growing in value, neither man backed away from his claim.
The development of the coal industry in Blairmore faced a number of challenges. In 1921 and 1922, unemployment problems forced the local unions to seek relief for more than 70 unemployed men. Matters were further complicated the following year when Blairmore experienced one of the most devastating floods in Pass history, the Crowsnest River and its tributaries overflowed. Officials estimated the damage at $250,000 in property, rail tracks, bridges, waterlines, and loss of coal sales. Upon the closure of the mines, the town's population started
to decline. What should have been an economic blow was offset by
people coming to the area seeking recreational and retirement
homes. Centrally located in the Crowsnest Pass, Blairmore has
become a commercial centre for the area. |
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