photo © 2003 r griffin

Chantelle at Gold River’s abandoned pulp mill Oct 2003. enlarge photo

This mill is at the centre of much controversy. It is this type of institution that has contaminated our waters, fish, whales, and has infected people with illness due to industry exposure. But an overwhelming presence it has, and a reminder to us all of what we cannot undo. This mill is responsible for contaminating the site of the once Muchalaht reservation, that resided next to the mill. I was told by locals that during it’s time in operation, people became ill and cancer developed. The reservation was moved to the top of a mountain. The Muchalaht people originally lived at Yuqot (Friendly Cove) – gateway to the open Pacific Ocean. The mill was the main economic force for Gold River, and after the permanent closure in 1999, the community never fully recovered from mass job loss.

There are discussions going on around the site being converted into a green energy plant, purchased by rock star Jules. I honestly don’t know much about this however am interested in researching this further.