ELLIOT
LAKE NUCLEAR & MINING MUSEUM
NORTHERN HOME OF THE CANADIAN MINING HALL OF FAME
Elliot Lake was once known as the mining capital of the world!
ELLIOT
LAKE NUCLEAR & MINING MUSEUM
NORTHERN HOME OF THE CANADIAN MINING HALL OF FAME
Elliot Lake was once known as the mining capital of the world!
| HISTORY
OF ELLIOT LAKE In the late 1800's the area was a trapping and logging center and in 1901 the actual lake was apparently named after a logger and the area took on the name Elliot Lake. In 1949 a prospector name Karl Gunterman staked a claim in the area. Franc Joubin, who was trained in both chemistry and geology examined his find. Gunterman let his claims lapse and Joubin, financed by Joe Hirshorn, a mining promoter, staked some claims. Two major mining companies, Denison Mines Ltd and Rio Algom Ltd became involved and were the primary develops and eventual operators of the 11 different mine sites in and around Elliot Lake for almost 40 years. In 1954 the area was created as an improvement district (from unorganized territory). It turned into a thriving area by 1956 and the infrastructure of the town was built to serve the mining community. At its 1960 peak the town had a population of 25.000! It was incorporated as a town in 1966. Details of these events are chronicled in Joubin's memoirs, Not For Gold Alone. The first BOOM and BUST occurred from 1956 to 1966! The boom ended when the US Atomic Energy Commission determined to purchase all its supplies from U.S. sources and not to renew any Canadian contracts. Mines closed and employment in the mines fell from 8,500 to 1,060 in 1964. The population of Elliot Lake plummeted to a low of below 6,700 in 1966. In the latter 1960s the international market for uranium revived somewhat. The new demand for uranium began the second phase of development at Elliot Lake, from 1967 to 1996. This started the mines operating again in and resulted in renewed investment in the area and a population increase to approximately 19,000 by 1983. By the late 1980's however, Elliot Lake faced competition from much lower cost producers, and Ontario Hydro terminated its contracts. Employment at both mining companies in Elliot Lake (Rio Algom and Denison) declined rapidly, and ended with the closure of the Stanleigh Mine in 1996 and the start of decommissioning the mines and tailings areas. Denison Mines Ltd and Rio Algom Ltd mined uranium for almost 40 years at 11 different mine sites in and around Elliot Lake. In 1991 Elliot Lake was officially incorporated as Ontario's 50th city and began new diversification efforts. One of these was the renewal of Elliot Lake as a retirement haven. Since then, Elliot Lake Retirement Living has become successful in its goals and has become known as the most affordable retirement program in the country, and Elliot Lake as a centre of excellence for retirement living. |
| ELLIOT
LAKE NUCLEAR & MINING MUSEUM / NORTHERN HOME OF THE MINING HALL OF FAME The museum now stands as a tribute and celebration of the proud mining heritage of Elliot Lake. It traces the history of the area from early trapping and logging through the uranium mining exploration, operation and then closures. The museum has information and exhibits about: Mining - showing how uranium ore is mined and milled, from raw ore to the milling process. Nuclear - up to date information, with co-operation of the Atomic Energy Commission and Ontario Hydro, on the many uses of nuclear power. Community - includes achievements of citizens as well as history of the Elliot Lake Police and Fire Departments. Wildlife - Extensive display of wildlife from black bear to rainbow trout. Logging - history of logging in the area as well as artifacts Marine - artifacts on display from the many lakes surrounding the city |
MUSEUM'S FAVOURITE ATTRACTIONS: (from Museum's official brochure)
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Aerial Views of E L Page 1 Aerial Views of E L Page 2 Fire Tower Lookout Mississagi Park Deer Trail Nuclear Museum Nature Sanctuary |
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