Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site - Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, Offering Educational School Tours

tunnelVISION is the development plan of the Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society. This plan will increase the capacity of the Society to steward the nationally designated historic resources we hold in trust for the people of Canada. Pillars of the plan include providing an underground experience, completing historic restoration, expanding the mine train, building an underground interpretive centre, and evolving as an organization. Two of those pillars are in place, and we are actively implementing the others.

tunnelVISION will yield dividends for all Canadians. Getting there requires the assistance of government, corporations, community groups, and individuals. Be a part of the legacy, and keep alive the memory of those who mined the black!

Thank you to our partners and supporters!

CENTURY COALS LIMITED

Stantec

Norwest Mining Consultants

Town of Drumheller

Drumheller Institution

National Mine Service

DeVrial Resources Inc.

Astrik Mining and Consultants

TransCanada Pipelines

Paintearth Mine

Drumheller Lions

Fidelity Investments

Drumheller Regional Science Council

Many mine families and supporters

Update: The Underground Conveyer Tunnel

The first milestone of tunnelVISION was retimbering the 210 foot long conveyer tunnel, which connects the mine entry to the tipple. DeVrial Resources of Grande Cache accomplished this monumental feat in 9 months, hand mucking 260 tons and erecting 160 timber sets. It opened to the public in May 2009.

Update: The Underground Mine Entry

The second milestone is opening the first 100 feet of the Atls #3 Drift Mine Entry. In fall of 2010, the first half of this job was accomplished. The outer portal area was excavated and re-timbered in the historic manner. This will be open to the public in spring of 2011! We are planning and fundraising to dig a little deeper. Our goal is to expose the coal seam and check cabin, and create an authentic underground exhibit.

Update: Expanding the Mine Train Tour

The third pillar of tunnelVISION is providing a complete site rail tour. Crews cleared brush and muck from railway track in fall of 2009. They replaced rotten ties, regraded, and re-gauged. In summer of 2010, the rails were ready and the Mine Train Tour became a regular tour offering for visitors!

Update: Historic Restoration

Tipple: In 2010, we replaced 73-year-old timbers on the south tower that had rotted at the joints. Magnificant fir timbers were installed by timber experts from Vancouver Island, the temporary metal scaffolding ws removed, and the tipple stands strong on its own wooden legs again!

Primary Conveyer Gantry: This 230 foot long structure required "chiropractic" work to level and strengthen it. Over the course of 5 seasons, 14 jacks were used to lift it, 20 yards of cobbles were hauled uphill by "human mule" to reduce erosion, and 240 rotten timbers were replaced. A cyclonic wind storm in September 2009 damaged the structure, so in 2010 we added strong cable anchors to increase wind load capacity.

Rock Dump: This unique structure hugs the cliff, and was used to dump dirty coal into the slag pile. It is being stabililized over the winter of 2010/11. Complete restoration to a working educational exhibit awaits further funding.

Blacksmith Shop: Stabilized in 2007-8, it opened to the public in 2009. This is the only mine balcksmith open to the public in North America. Complete restoration awaits further funding.

Update: Underground Interpretive Centre

This will provide essential services to Atlas guests, expand our season, and cement the educational experience. Planning began late in 2009, and a completed design is expected in spring of 2011. Once a design has been approved, fundraising begins!

Update: Organizational Capacity Growth

The Atlas is growing from a grassroots museum to an organization with the internal capacity to fulfill our mandate for the long haul. This journey of maturation includes policy development, community engagement, partnerships, planning, learning, and leadership. In 2011, we are spearheading a community wide celebration of the Drumheller Valley Mining Centennial.

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

Box 521, 110 Century Dr.
East Coulee, Alberta, Canada
T0J 1B0

Phone (403) 822-2220
Fax 822-2225

info@atlascoalmine.ab.ca

© Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site