The Atlas Coal Mine is armed with an important study to make sure its most precious resource is protected for generations to come.
The museum’s identity and strength is tied to the tipple. For decades, it has been one of the most recognizable icons in the valley. But it has also been getting noticed nationally and internationally. However it wasn’t built to last forever, and will need some attention.
The museum now knows just how much attention. Over the last year it has completed an extensive assessment of the artifact. This study was carried out by Macdonald and Lawrence Timber framing and supported by the provincial and federal government. On Friday, Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson was at the Atlas to present $10,000 from Parks Canada to help with the assessment.
Parks Canada gave $10,000 to the Atlas Coal Mine for an assessment into its condition so it is able to make a plan to keep the Tipple standing for years to come. Last Week MP Kevin Sorenson visited to bring greetings. At the Tipple are (l-r) Jim Ramsbottom of the Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society, Kelly Eddy and Linda Digby of the Atlas Coal Mine, Sorenson, Bob Moffatt and Jay Russell of the Atlas Coal Mine.
“Our government has taken a leadership role in the protection and promotion of Canada’s invaluable and irreplaceable historical heritage such as the Atlas No. 3 Coal Mine National Historic Site,” said Mr. Sorenson. “This new funding will ensure the preservation of one of Alberta’s most treasured national historic sites for future generations and help foster a healthy local economy and thriving tourism industry.”
Executive Director at the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, Linda Digby, explains that currently the tipple is safe. The stabilization work has been completed on part of the tipple, but more is needed. With the study, they have extensively detailed drawings of the structure and even three-dimensional computer rendering outlining every piece of the tipple and its condition.
“Now we have some good data. We never knew how urgent (the need was) until we did the study,” said Digby. “Now we have an excellent plan in our hands.”
She says the work will be carried out in three phases and they hope to begin the first phase this coming season. Part of the first phase is to purchase much of the materials up front. They are able to acquire high quality fir timbers, and as they continue, the wood will cure as they work on the construction.
“The wooden tipple is the last of its kind in Canada, and a monument to history. Thousands of people tour the tipple every year,” said Digby, “Deceptively rustic in appearance, the Atlas tipple is brilliantly engineered. However, its open timber structure makes it vulnerable to decay. This condition assessment will guide a preservation strategy to keep it safe for visitors, and to ensure this iconic building remains for future generations to enjoy.”
The donation from Parks Canada was partnered with an Alberta Government grant to make the assessment possible.
