Albert Canyon#Accidents
{{Use Canadian English|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Albert Canyon, British Columbia
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|settlement_type = Railway point
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|image_skyline = Albert Canyon-Gorge-1919.png
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|image_caption = Viewing platform, the gorge, Albert Canyon, c.1919
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| pushpin_map = Canada British Columbia
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Albert Canyon in British Columbia
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = Canada
|subdivision_type1 = Province
|subdivision_name1 = British Columbia
|subdivision_type2 = Region
|subdivision_name2 = West Kootenay
|subdivision_type3 = Regional District
|subdivision_name3 = Columbia-Shuswap
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|coordinates = {{coord|51|07|54|N|117|52|34|W|region:CA-BC|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_footnotes =
|elevation_m = 682
|elevation_ft = 2238
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|area_codes = 250, 778, 236, & 672
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|blank1_name = Highways
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Albert Canyon is a railway point in the West Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia. The community was immediately east of the mouth of Albert Creek{{BCGNIS|689|Albert Canyon (railway point)}}{{BCGNIS|692|Albert Creek (creek)}} on the south shore of the Illecillewaet River. That settlement no longer exists, but the Canyon Hot Springs Resort borders to its north.{{BCGNIS|38759|Albert Canyon Hot Spring (hot spring)}} On BC Highway 1, the locality is by road about {{convert|33|km|mi|0}} northeast of Revelstoke and {{convert|30|km|mi|0}} southwest of Glacier.
Explorers
In 1865, the government dispatched Walter Moberly to explore from Kamloops to the Canadian Rockies.{{sfn|Bilsland|1955|p=15}} He was the first European to penetrate the valley of the Illecillewaet, including Albert Canyon.{{sfn|Bilsland|1955|p=181}} However, the gorge, {{convert|2.5|mi|km|0|order=flip}} east of the station,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0310694#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |pages=1, 4 |title=Mail Herald |date=24 Jan 1906 |website=library.ubc.ca}} was named after Albert Rogers, who accompanied his uncle, Major A.B.Rogers, on the exploration of Rogers Pass in 1881.{{sfn|Booth|1991|p=37}}
Railway
Albert Canyon, one of the original Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) stations opened to regular service in 1886, was the Rogers Pass, then Connaught Tunnel, western slope base for pusher locomotives, which predominantly assisted eastbound freight trains up the 2.5 grade.{{sfn|Booth|1991|p=38}} The station name derives from the gorge, where the track crosses the south wall of the short box canyon on a narrow ledge.{{sfn|Booth|1991|p=37}} All passenger trains from the late 1880s until at least 1910 made a five-minute stop{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1889/Henderson%27s_BC_Gazetteer_and_Directory |title=1889 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}}{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1910/Henderson%27s_BC_Gazetteer_and_Directory_Part_1 |title=1910 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}} for passengers to alight and view the Illecillewaet River rushing through the {{convert|20|ft|m|adj=on|0|order=flip}} wide gorge {{convert|300|ft|m|order=flip}} below. A stone parapet later replaced the wooden lookout on a rock outcrop. The final train to stop was in 1939.{{sfn|Booth|1991|p=37}}
File:Albert Canyon-Gorge-1890.jpg
A dispatcher staffed the station telegraph office. A wye and water tank existed. To satisfy the anticipated mining boom, CP added a long siding westward in 1898, and lengthened the wye southward.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181693#p1z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=2 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=18 Jun 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In 1910, a spark from a locomotive ignited leaves and timber near the tunnel {{convert|1.25|mi|km|0|order=flip}} west. Initially controlled, the fire later spread, almost reaching the section house.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0310812#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Mail Herald |date=3 Aug 1910 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Quarries in the area provided ballast for the region.{{cite web | url=http://parkscanadahistory.com/series/mf/292.pdf#page=25 |last=Finch |first=David A.A. |page=10 |title=A History of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Glacier National Park, B.C., 1884–1930 |year=1987 |publisher=Environment Canada |website=parkscanadahistory.com}}
A 1916 CP building program included a rooming and boarding house, cottages,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0311347#p3z-3r0f:%22putting%22 |page=4 |title=Mail Herald |date=25 Nov 1916 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and a five-stall engine house{{Cite web | url=http://albert-canyon.blogspot.com |title=Albert Canyon... Relived by the Schut family 1956–1958|website=albert-canyon.blogspot.com}} that replaced an earlier building. CP erected a {{convert|20000|impgal|adj=on |order=flip}} oil fuelling tank in 1917, for oil-fired locomotives, and a mechanical coaling plant in 1921, for coal-fired locomotives. The engine house closed in 1940 when the pusher fleet relocated to Revelstoke.{{sfn|Booth|1991|p=38}}
Still operational in 1948,{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1948/British_Columbia_and_Yukon_Directory |title=1948 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}} it is unclear when the telegraph office closed. Passenger service ended in early 1965.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22board%22and%22McCallum+district%22&ymd=1965-03-18&t=12632 |page=1 |title=Golden Star |date=18 Mar 1965 |quote=….applied to the Board of Transport Commissioners to close the agency at Albert Canyon and Glacier.| website=www.newspapers.com}} The section crew probably relocated about this time.
In 1984, CP constructed a {{convert|930|ft|m|adj=on |order=flip}} test section of PaCT track at Albert Canyon to determine its suitability for laying in the Mount Macdonald Tunnel.{{Cite web | url=https://silo.tips/download/inspection-maintenance-and-repair-of-pact-canadian-pacific-rogers-pass-tunnels-b |last1=Bilow |first1=David N. |last2=Paradise |first2=Scott J. |page=3 |title=Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of PaCT Canadian Pacific Rogers Pass Tunnels British Columbia, Canada |website=www.arema.org}}
A hot box detector operates {{convert|0.8|mi|km|1|order=flip}} to the east.{{Cite web | url=http://www.mapleleaftracks.com/Store/Free/Rogers%20Pass%20Documents.pdf#page=3 |pages=13–14 |title=2003 timetable |website=www.mapleleaftracks.com}} Prior to double tracking, a siding existed, which measured 73 cars long west and 77 east in the late 1890s,{{cite thesis | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/media/stream/pdf/831/1.0095109/1 |last=Backler |first=Gary G. |page=87 |title=The C.P.R.'s capacity and investment strategy in Rogers Pass, B.C., 1882–1916 |year=1981 |type=MScB |website=library.ubc.ca}} and 97 cars long in 1935.
Built in 1887, the standard-design (Bohi's Type 3) two-storey station building was destroyed in 1971.{{cite book|last1=Bohi |first1=Charles W. |last2=Kozma |first2=Leslie S. |page=131 |title=Canadian Pacific's Western Depots |publisher=South Platte Press |year=1993 |isbn=0-942035-25-9}}
Mining
In the late 1880s, the government built a {{convert|8.25|mi|km|0|adj=on|order=flip}} wagon road from the station, across the Illecillwaet River, and up the Tangier River (then called the North fork) to serve the branch trails to various mines.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/dbc/1.0346690#p3z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=4 |title=Daily British Columbian |date=10 Oct 1888 |website=library.ubc.ca}} However, this artery was little more than a trail itself.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/dbc/1.0347110#p6z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=7 |title=British Columbian Weekly |date=26 June 1889 |website=library.ubc.ca}} The road reached the famous Jumbo Mine of Corbie, Kennedy & Co.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/kootstar/1.0310096#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Star |date=13 Sep 1890 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In 1897, Grant Govan, a mining entrepreneur, initiated a wagon road to the Waverley mine on Downie Creek. The approximate {{convert|25|mi|km|0|adj=on|order=flip}} length appears to include a rehabilitation of the original road.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181487#p0z-1r0f:%22waggon%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=10 Jul 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Barry & Ross, the road contractors,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181942#p0z-1r0f:%22Ross%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=4 Sep 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}} completed the project by that November.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186860#p3z-3r0f:%22paid%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=3 Nov 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
The Farm, a hotel, was established {{convert|15|mi|km|0|order=flip}} north on the road.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181201#p3z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=4 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=28 Aug 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181792#p2z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=3 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=7 May 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Patterson Bros, who were unsuccessful in leasing the Springs Hotel from John H. Skogstrom {{Crossreference|selfref=no|(see #Community)}},{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186827#p3z-3r0f:%22Patterson%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=16 Oct 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186906#p3z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=20 Jan 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} built a hotel at the {{convert|10|mi|km|0|adj=on|order=flip}} mark on the road.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187015#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=14 Sep 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
When the Waverley mine began shipping ore in November 1897,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186868#p1z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=2 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=27 Nov 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}} using horses, mules,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186876#p3z-3r0f:%22Benson%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=17 Nov 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and sleighs,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xtribune/1.0187753#p0z-2r0f:%22sleighs%22 |page=1 |title=Tribune |date=22 Jan 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} proposals were developing to build a narrow-gauge railway line from Albert Canyon to the mine.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181233#p2z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=3 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=4 Dec 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Soon, more grandiose railway plans emerged for the northward line to connect with the Tangier mine,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186962#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=27 Apr 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} continue north, then west, and finally south to Revelstoke.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186910#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=12 Feb 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} The Waverley mine erected a further warehouse at Albert Canyon,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186973#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=4 Jun 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and Fred Forrest opened a store at the mine site. A sawmill was installed on the North fork to meet the expected lumber demands.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181803#p0z-1r0f:%22fork%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=14 May 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186971#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=13 Jul 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} When the avalanche danger ruled out any railway line,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xtribune/1.0187909#p0z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Tribune |date=22 Oct 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} the Waverley mine quickly abandoned the assembly of the new concentrator plant at the site.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xtribune/1.0187915#p0z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Tribune |date=17 Sep 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/goldenera/1.0227358#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Golden Era |date=21 Oct 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In 1900, the Tangier mine closed.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xnakledge/1.0182113#p0z-2r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Ledge |date=4 Jan 1900 |website=library.ubc.ca}} When Goldfields of BC had been floated in 1897 for £2 million, the Tangier and Waverley mines were the prime properties. After the speculative frenzy evaporated, Marble Bay Mines purchased all the equipment (sawmill, compressor plant, concentrator plant, and stores) from the liquidators in 1901 for shipping to Texada Island.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181726#p1z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=2 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=28 Jun 1901 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187688#p3z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=21 Sep 1901 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
In the mid 1910s, there was some activity at the Waverley mine{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xledgreen/1.0308324#p0z-4r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Ledge |date=19 Aug 1915 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and other properties,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/nelsondaily/1.0386523#p5z-2r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=6 |title=Daily News |date=17 Jan 1916 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xledgreen/1.0308418#p0z-4r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Greenwood Ledge |date=25 May 1916 |website=library.ubc.ca}} which expanded over the following years.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/nelsondaily/1.0389214#p2z-2r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=3 |title=Daily News |date=11 Aug 1919 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In 1921, Walters Investment Co. purchased the Waverley-Tangier mine properties.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/cranherald/1.0068966#p2z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=3 |title=Cranbrook Herald |date=2 Jun 1921 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Small crews rehabilitated the sites in 1924 and 1925, and active exploration in 1929 was promising. In 1951, {{convert|6|mi|km|0|order=flip}} of road repairs to the Tangier site were abandoned because of forest fires. In 1987, geological mapping was conducted at both locations.{{Cite web | url=https://propertyfile.gov.bc.ca/reports/PF861376.pdf#page=24 |last=Borovic |first=P. |pages=24, 26 (12, 13) |title=Report on the Mineral Exploration and Mining of the Tangier-Waverley Project |date=10 Nov 1987 |website=propertyfile.gov.bc.ca}}
Community
File:AlbertCanyonLayout1926.jpg
A.J. Strand, a mixed farmer,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/kootstar/1.0310200#p1z-3r0f:%22Strand%22 |page=2 |title=Kootenay Star |date=23 May 1891 |website=library.ubc.ca}} in the Skogstrom & Strand hotel partnership, ran the Hot Springs hotel from the late 1880s. The warm spring for bathing was said, somewhat optimistically, to be a few hundred yards south. At that time, the population was about 25.{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1892/Williams%27_Illustrated_Official_BC_Directory_Part_2 |title=1892 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}} When Strand relocated,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xtribune/1.0187851#p0z-1r0f:%22Strand%22 |page=1 |title=Tribune |date=19 May 1894 |website=library.ubc.ca}} John H. Skogstrom, a farmer, became hotelkeeper in the mid-1890s.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181527#p0z-1r0f:%22Skogstrom%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=13 Jul 1895 |website=library.ubc.ca}} That year, Ben Green bought {{convert|40|acre|order=flip}} from Skogstrom.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181241#p0z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=7 Dec 1895 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Both Skogstrom and Green lost farm produce in an 1896 forest fire that even endangered the station and hotel, renamed that year as The Springs Hotel.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181567#p0z-1r0f:%22Skogstrom%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=25 Jul 1896 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
In 1897, Skogstrom built a store.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181822#p0z-1r0f:%22John%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=22 May 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Meanwhile, Green developed mining interests.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181721#p0z-1r0f:%22Green%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=26 Jun 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186992#p0z-3r0f:%22waggon%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=7 May 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Expecting an exponential growth in mining, and Albert Canyon becoming a key centre, Grant Govan wanted to purchase {{convert|100|acre|order=flip}} from Skogstrom to build the town site.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xnakledge/1.0182165#p0z-1r0f:%22purchase%22 |page=1 |title=Nakusp Ledge |date=22 Jul 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}} J.P. Kennedy and T.E. Marshall planned to erect a $15,000 hotel.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186799#p0z-3r0f:%22Kennedy%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=14 Aug 1897 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In 1898, Skogstom renovated the Springs Hotel,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186928#p0z-3r0f:%22repainted%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=2 Apr 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and sold the store to his nephew, Charles Carlson, who added a storeroom.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186966#p0z-3r0f:%22postmaster%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=20 Apr 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://www.canyonhotsprings.com/history.html|title=Albert Canyon has a rich history |website=www.canyonhotsprings.com}} As storekeeper,{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1899-1900/Henderson%27s_BC_Gazetteer_and_Directory |title=1899–1900 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}} Carlson was the inaugural postmaster 1897–1899.{{cite web |url=https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record?app=posoffposmas&IdNumber=27739 |title=Postmasters |website=www.bac-lac.gc.ca|date=25 November 2016 }} William J. White assumed management of the Springs hotel,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181900#p0z-1r0f:%22White%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=8 Oct 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and the Skogstrom liquor licence was transferred. That year, the community erected a schoolhouse, which was also used as a community hall, and for church services.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0186990#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=30 Jul 1898 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
In 1899, Skogstrom resumed control of the Springs Hotel,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181737#p0z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=4 Mar 1899 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and Carlson leased the store to Andre Maroney, the former section foreman,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187163#p3z-3r0f:%22Carlson%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=7 Jun 1899 |website=library.ubc.ca}} who became postmaster 1899–1901. That year, Miss Ada W. Griffiths was the inaugural teacher at the school opening.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0064230#p86z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=87 (xxxix) |title=Public Schools annual report, 1899–1900 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181955#p0z-1r0f:%22school%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=16 Sep 1899 |website=library.ubc.ca}} During 1900, Dr. E.C. Paget, vicar of St. Peter's (Anglican), Revelstoke,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187131#p3z-3r0f:%22vicar%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=16 May 1899 |website=library.ubc.ca}} visited to hold services.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187462#p3z-4r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=17 Jan 1900 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187523#p3z-3r0f:%22Paget%22 |page=4 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=17 Aug 1900 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Skogstrom appears to have briefly leased the hotel to Carlson.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187540#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=12 Oct 1900 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Ben Green became postmaster 1901–1906, most likely after the store had shuttered.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181375#p0z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=21 Feb 1903 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In 1903, the two thermal pools and a new changing facility were described as being over {{convert|.75|mi|km|1|order=flip}} away.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187334#p0z-3r0f:%22bath%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=6 Aug 1903 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181191#p0z-1r0f:%22walk%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=8 Aug 1903 |website=library.ubc.ca}} By 1906, six houses stood at the gorge,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0310813#p2z-3r0f:%22settlement%22 |page=3 |title=Mail Herald |date=28 Feb 1906 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and several tourist cabins existed on the Waverley road. That year, Rev L.E. Gosling, a Presbyterian missionary, resided in the hamlet, while he ministered along the CP line.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/armstrongad/1.0065985#p2z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=3 |title=Armstrong Advance |date=8 Jun 1906 |website=library.ubc.ca}} A.E. Shark was postmaster 1906–1909.
In 1908, a falling tree demolished the hot pool enclosure, but not the pool. Carlson re-established a general store.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0310899#p3z-3r0f:%22cedar%22and%22Carlson%22 |page=4 |title=Mail Herald |date=22 Apr 1908 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Entrepreneur, Curtis D. Morris of Rogers Pass opened Canyon House, a boarding house, transferring his liquor licence from the Windsor Hotel at Illecillewaet.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0311095#p2z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=3 |title=Mail Herald |date=29 Apr 1908 |website=library.ubc.ca}} A year later, his brother Bernard{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22brother.+w+bernard%22&ymd=1950-10-13&t=11420 |page=38 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=13 Oct 1950 |quote=MORRIS….Curtis Dexter….one brother. W. Bernard….| website=www.newspapers.com}} ran the Springs Hotel.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0311213#p2z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=3 |title=Mail Herald |date=22 May 1909 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Frank Holder, the CP agent,{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1918/Wrigley%27s_British_Columbia_Directory |title=1918 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}} was postmaster 1909–1927. By 1910, Bernard Morris managed Canyon House, the Springs Hotel was in its final days, and the Presbyterians were holding regular services, which continued into the decade.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0310752#p7z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=8 |title=Mail Herald |date=8 Feb 1913 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0310821#p0z-3r0f:%22service%22 |page=1 |title=Mail Herald |date=26 Mar 1913 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0311060#p7z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=8 |title=Mail Herald |date=9 May 1914 |website=library.ubc.ca}} The Revelstoke Sunday schools held their combined annual picnic for many years at Albert Canyon.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0310608#p5z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=6 |title=Mail Herald |date=12 Jul 1911 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
to {{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0311335#p3z-3r0f:%22Methodist%22 |page=4 |title=Mail Herald |date=26 Aug 1916 |website=library.ubc.ca}} By the late 1910s, Graham Thomas was the storekeeper, CP operated the only lodgings, and the population was about 85,{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1919/Wrigley%27s_British_Columbia_Directory |title=1919 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}} soon increasing to 100.{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1920/Wrigley%27s_British_Columbia_Directory |title=1920 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}}
In 1924, the Morris family became the store owner,{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1924/Wrigley_Henderson_Amalgamated_BC_Directory |title=1924 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}} but Mrs. Jessie E. Crabbe ran the business.{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1925/Wrigley_Henderson_Amalgamated_British_Columbia_Directory |title=1925 BC Directory |website=bccd.vpl.ca}} The latter was postmaster 1927–1929, and the population was about 60.{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1927/Wrigley%27s_British_Columbia_Directory |title=1927 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}} The Union Mission conducted the church services 1927–1932.{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1927/Wrigley%27s_British_Columbia_Directory |title=1927 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}}
to {{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1932/Wrigley%27s_British_Columbia_Directory |title=1932 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}}
Returning as storekeeper,{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1930/Wrigley%27s_British_Columbia_Directory |title=1930 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}} Charles Carlson was postmaster 1929–1950. The store and CP boarding house appear to have closed in the late 1930s.{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1936/BC_and_Yukon_Directory |title=1936 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1937/British_Columbia_and_Yukon_Directory |title=1937 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1938/British_Columbia_and_Yukon_Directory |title=1938 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}} Throughout the 1940s, the population was just over 40.{{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1943/British_Columbia_and_Yukon_Directory |title=1943 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}}
to {{Cite web | url=https://bccd.vpl.ca/index.php/browse/title/1948/British_Columbia_and_Yukon_Directory |title=1948 BC Directory|website=bccd.vpl.ca}}
A sawmill existed from the late 1940s at least until the late 1950s. After a couple of shorter incumbents, Robert Arthur Woolsey was the final postmaster 1955–1966. A store operated at that time.
During the Rogers Pass highway construction, a camp existed at Albert Canyon.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22Albert+Canyon%22&ymd=1958-06-18&t=11702 |page=40 |title=Province |date=18 Jun 1958 |quote=New section of the Trans-Canada Highway.…. the contractors, are erecting a camp at Albert Canyon.| website=www.newspapers.com}} An all-season gravel highway, which linked westward to Revelstoke from 1960,{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22Trans-Canada+Highway%22and%22However%22&ymd=1960-11-28&t=11420 |page=6 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=28 Nov 1960 |quote=….New Trans-Canada Highway…will be maintained to Albert Canyon for the winter. However….east of Albert Canyon….is closed.| website=www.newspapers.com}} was paved in 1961.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22Rogers+Pass%22and%22Dawson%22&ymd=1961-05-25&t=11702 |page=1 |title=Province |date=25 May 1961 |quote=A $371,678 contract for paving 12.44 miles….between Revelstoke and Glacier National Park has been awarded to Dawson Wade & Co. Ltd.| website=www.newspapers.com}} The school closed in 1966. By the 1970s, the hamlet comprised deserted buildings.{{cite web| url=https://archives.exporail.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/canadian-rail-257-1973.pdf#page=9 |page=173 |title=Canadian Rail |date=June 1973 |website=www.exporail.org}} In 1975, the Canyon Hot Springs Resort opened with a pool, campsite, restaurant and store. The cabins came later.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22campsite%22&ymd=1975-03-18&t=11420 |page=25 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=18 Mar 1975 |quote=Canyon Hot Springs now offers…a modern hot plunge plus a pool. A restaurant….trading post….campsite. No lodge accommodation is available as yet. The waters are said to have been discovered by Canadian Pacific Railway Co. workmen at the turn of the century. | website=www.newspapers.com}} The resort receives electricity from the CP transmission line.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22provides+a+free%22&ymd=1993-08-30&t=11420 |page=3 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=30 Aug 1993 | website=www.newspapers.com}} In 2020, the property was advertised for sale at $10,800,000.{{Cite web | url=https://www.narcity.com/en-ca/real-estate/canyon-hot-springs-is-for-sale-right-now-and-its-cheaper-than-a-vancouver-penthouse |title=Narcity |date=27 May 2020 |website=www.narcity.com}}
Accidents
File:Albert Canyon - CPR Station - Joeseph Heckman 1899.jpg
1892: A freight train wrecked in the vicinity.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/kootstar/1.0310186#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Star |date=9 Jul 1892 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1894: Just west, an avalanche derailed the tender on a westbound passenger train.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22Shortly+after+leaving%22and%22mail+car%22&ymd=1894-05-31&t=1017 |page=3 |title=Winnipeg Tribune |date=31 May 1894 |quote=Shortly after leaving Albert Canyon, the train ran into another slide, which threw the tender off the track….| website=www.newspapers.com}}
1899: While attempting to board a moving train, a passenger slipped, falling beneath the wheels, where he suffered fatal injuries.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181490#p0z-1r0f:%22dreadful%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=28 Jan 1899 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1901: About {{convert|10|km|mi|0}} west, a five-year-old boy fell from an eastbound passenger train, the wheels severing both his legs. Although found by a watchman, his absence was unnoticed until the train reached Albert Canyon. A relief train found and took the boy to Revelstoke hospital, where a double amputation was successfully performed.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187572#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1|title=Revelstoke Herald |date=13 Mar 1901 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1902: The engineer and fireman were found negligent when a locomotive and eight cars of a westbound freight train derailed, tearing up part of the station platform. The engineer sustained burns and other crew members bruises.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181203#p0z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=22 Aug 1902 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181949#p0z-1r0f:%22Caldwell%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=5 Sep 1902 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1903: The fireman was scalded when an avalanche derailed a locomotive and one car.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xkootmail/1.0181778#p0z-1r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Kootenay Mail |date=28 Mar 1903 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1904: A second avalanche killed two workers, and injured several others, while clearing an earlier slide.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/xrevherald/1.0187372#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Revelstoke Herald |date=14 Apr 1904 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1905: A freight locomotive derailed in the vicinity.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/nelsondaily/1.0382026#p0z-2r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Daily News |date=25 Nov 1905 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1906: Three miles east, the wheels of a construction train fatally crushed the spine of a section hand who was crossing beneath a car when it began to move.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22evidently+crept%22and%22the+wheels%22&ymd=1906-12-11&t=11745 |page=6 |title=Victoria Daily Times |date=11 Dec 1906 |quote=Three miles east of Albert Canyon…a construction train….At the moment the train was put in motion a Japanese had….crept under the car….and became caught under the wheels which….crushed in his spine. He….expired almost immediately….| website=www.newspapers.com}}
1908: When an avalanche swept two section crew boarding cars from the track, at least five of the 40 occupants died.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/dcanadi/1.0079355#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Daily Canadian |date=14 Apr 1908 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1910: An avalanche struck a car carrying senior staff being hauled by a rotary snowplow in the area. Although the car tumbled down an embankment, the occupants sustained only bruises.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0310435#p0z-2r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Mail Herald |date=26 Jan 1910 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1912: An avalanche toppled the locomotive and three cars of a wrecking train, killing one occupant and injuring three others.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/nwdn/1.0317768#p0z-3r0f:%22Albert%22 |page=1 |title=Daily News |date=16 Jan 1912 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
1928: Upending two boarding cars, an avalanche killed four section crew and injured ten others.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22workmen+which%22and%22Albert%22&ymd=1928-04-14&t=11702 |page=22 |title=Province |date=14 Apr 1928 |quote=A big slide overwhelmed two C.P.R. boarding cars….on a side track in Albert Canyon. Four were killed and ten injured.| website=www.newspapers.com}}
1929: At Lauretta, which is {{convert|5.2|mi|km|1|order=flip}} west of Albert Canyon, one engineer and a bystander died in a head-on collision.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22miles+east%22and%22trains+collided%22&ymd=1929-01-31&t=12589 |page=6 |title=Red Deer Advocate |date=31 Jan 1929 |quote=….the first engineer on the eastbound freight train….collapsed at the throttle….at Lauretta, near Albert Canyon….when a heads-on collision occurred. Thompson was standing by a switch….ties broken loose….fell upon him. | website=www.newspapers.com}}
1955: An 80-year-old man did not survive on being struck by a snowplow.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22Canyon%22and%22victim%22&ymd=1955-03-23&t=11420 |page=1 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=23 Mar 1955 | website=www.newspapers.com}}
1956: Thirteen freight cars derailed between Albert Canyon and Lauretta.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22Delayed%22&ymd=1956-10-01&t=11420 |page=1 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=1 Oct 1956 |quote=Derailment of 13 freight cars…No-one was injured….transcontinental line was blocked between Albert Canyon and Lauretta…. | website=www.newspapers.com}}
1963: A boulder on the tracks derailed three diesel engines and a baggage car on a passenger train.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22Derails%22&ymd=1963-03-25&t=11420 |page=21 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=25 Mar 1963 |quote=….Canadian was derailed when it slammed into a 15-foot-high boulder on the tracks in Albert Canyon….No-one was hurt as three diesel engines and a baggage car left the tracks. | website=www.newspapers.com}}
1970: Eighteen cars of a 104-car westbound coal train derailed.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22night%22and%22superport%22&ymd=1970-10-30&t=11420 |page=25 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=30 Oct 1970 | website=www.newspapers.com}}
1975: Seven cars of a westbound coal train derailed.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22shortly+before+noon%22an%22Revelstoke%22&ymd=1975-01-28&t=11420 |page=2 |title=Vancouver Sun |date=28 Jan 1975 |website=www.newspapers.com}} The following week, 21 cars of an empty 78-car coal train derailed.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22the+second+derailment%22and%22miles+east%22&ymd=1975-02-04&t=11702 |page=10 |title=Province |date=4 Feb 1975 |quote=the second derailment in a week at Albert Canyon….| website=www.newspapers.com}}{{Cite web | url=http://archive.org/stream/dailycolonist19750205#page/n10/mode/1up |page=11 |title=Daily Colonist |date=5 Feb 1975 |website=archive.org}}
1981: A passing train fatally injured a man walking along the tracks.{{Cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=%22Ibbitson+54%22&ymd=1981-10-14&t=11702 |page=5 |title=Province |date=14 Oct 1981 |quote=| website=www.newspapers.com}}
{{Cite web | url=http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/0153f0c0-32b0-49cb-a82e-67d65f9272a1 |title=Death Certificate (William A. IBBITSON)|website=royalbcmuseum.bc.ca}}
2011: Seventeen cars of a westbound freight train derailed just west of Lauretta.{{Cite web | url=https://www.bclocalnews.com/news/update-with-video-train-derails-near-albert-canyon |title=BC Local News |date=21 Jun 2011|website=www.bclocalnews.com}}
Footnotes
{{reflist}}
References
- {{cite book|last=Booth |first=Jan |title=Canadian Pacific in the Selkirks: 100 Years in Rogers Pass |publisher=BRMNA, Calgary, Alberta|year=1991 |edition=2nd |isbn=0-919487-15-7}}
- {{cite thesis | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/831/items/1.0107145#downloadfiles |last=Bilsland |first=William Winstanley |title=A History of Revelstoke and the Big Bend |year=1955 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
Category:Canadian Pacific Railway stations in British Columbia
Category:Columbia-Shuswap Regional District
Category:Hot springs of British Columbia