Mural Routes Member(s): Chemainus Festival of Murals Society
Artist(s): Peter Bresnen
Producer: Chemainus Festival of Murals Society
Category: Heritage
Completed: 1988
Dimensions: 6m x 6.6m (20’ x 22’)
Best Viewed: Around the corner from Doc The Barber on Victoria Street.
“Historical Series #22: Lenora Mines At Mt. Sicker”
On May 16, 1897, Harry Smith and a partner staked the famous Lenora claim, named after Smith’s only daughter. That began the development of Mt. Sicker as a copper mining centre. The price of copper was high, and two other companies opened mines in the area
The community of Mt. Sicker grew to a population of 400, and enjoyed such facilities as a school, an interdenominational church and an opera house. The Lenora Mine continued in operation until 1907, when copper prices plummeted, and a number of smelters closed down.
Less than a year later, the mine’s assets were seized by the sheriff. By November of 1908, Mt. Sicker was all but a ghost town. Virtually nothing remains of the townsite today
It is pictured here, in three panels, in its heyday, when labour was deserting more stable communities like Chemainus for the possibility of a fast fortune in the growing mining industry.
(Please drop by the Chemainus Visitors Centre to buy your Official Mural Guide. Proceeds from the sale go to the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society).
For More Information: More about this project
Where to Find This Mural
Location: 9739 Willow Street, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 | Get Directions
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