Submitted by Christine Meutzner, Nanaimo Community Archives
The remains of the Morden Mine Tipple and Headframe are located in the park, located approximately ten kilometres south of Nanaimo. An early example of the use of reinforced concrete in industrial construction, the headframe and tipple are the only such remains in Canada. They are one of only two concrete headframes still standing in North America. As such, they provide a unique, tangible reminder of the coal mining industry that predominated in the area for almost 100 years.
In early 2019, the remains were stabilized with a custom configuration of steel containers and wires, the first of its kind in British Columbia. During the fall and winter of 2019-20, the remains were being completely repaired. This work was funded by the BC Government after years of lobbying by the Friends of Morden Mine Society and is a stellar example of the power of community advocacy, tenacity and dedication to historic preservation.
