I worked in Kitsault in 1980 for about 4 months and as an engineer I was tasked with putting up an explosives manufacturing facility to service the mine which was about 4 or 5 km back into the mountains behind the town. There was already a very small town there at the time I worked there as the mine had previously operated, then closed, and re-opened again. At the time I was there' contractors lived in a temporary construction camp - not the former town itself. There was no road into the site - one had to fly north from Prince Rupert into the base of the Alice Arm fiord on old Grumman Goose small float planes. There was a logging operation close by, across from the town - known as Silver Grizzly, I think. In anycase, Kitsault was a thriving and lively mining community in a beautiful part of the country. For me this place had a lot of fantastic memories. Over time, long after I moved on to other mine sites, a road was built into the community and the town was further developed to what you see in this video. Indeed it is in a remote part of BC and no doubt the town has a caretaker looking after it now.
I work for a company also owned by the man who bought Kitsault. It is well cared for, and there is staff that maintains the property and buildings. It is closed to the public, but there are limited boat tours to the town. The owner still has hopes to establish a business that will allow for opening this up again to residents.
I suggest a 1980s themed park. Think about it they have parks for the 1800s, the 1700s, 1950s. Why not a 1980s theme park/resort? Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for joining us. All the best!
I lived in kitsault for two years and loved it. After the mine shut down I helped people pack up and move, and was one of the last to leave this town. It would make a good retirement community. In Prince Rupert now.
I lived and worked in Kitsault but had to leave when they decided to close the mine. There was no road into the town but the road was being built and before it was passable by any of the residences a friend of mine and myself went threw what was partially built on a motorcycle. We forded all the creeks and made it to Terrace to by some take out chicken and return on the same day. Even if there is no mine the town could be opened to the public so the houses could be purchased and businesses opened. Beautiful place, it just needs people. All the necessary service buildings are there ready to go. The person who bought it should get something going there.
Thank you so very much for sharing your experiences and memories of Kitsault. It was fascinating to have some more context about the town. I couldn't agree more, that something needs to be done with this town. Thanks again for sharing and all the best!
You all probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me
@Cairo Coleman i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im trying it out now. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
With the price of housing on Vancouver island and the lower mainland, I wouldn’t be surprised if many younger families up and moved there. Of course it would need the proper infrastructure to sustain day to day living, but wow what an opportunity if it comes to be.
This is a shame but it goes to show that people today do not have the strength and the courage and tenacity to try to make something work. The people who worked hard to build this town have probably forgotten and that too is a shame . Wastefulness- that’s what the people now are well known for and this is a perfect example ! Thank you for sharing this beautiful said video.
I am so very glad that you are appreciating my videos and thanks again for another well-put comment. We tend to be wasteful, but I always believe in our ability to improve. Stay safe and all the best!
@@DerelictDoug I too believe that people can improve - when they want to . Your videos are perfect for pointing out the history and the beauty of these ghost.towns - you bring these towns to life again as you share the history of the people who built these towns and worked hard to make a living - they should not be forgotten but should be honored for legacy they left behind . The best honor would be to rebuild each town as best can be and open them all to the public- some people will appreciate the information and learn something- it could motivate some to improve their lives in some way - keep making these awesome videos / history must be told and remembered 😊👍💕
I’m really glad to hear that. A few people are saying that it’s starting to show signs of renovation. I hope it gets used in some fashion. Thanks for watching and all the best!
That is so cool that you've been able to experience the town first hand. Thank you for joining us and for sharing your experiences. Stay safe and all the best!
@@lyndagatlor5736 Well wonder no more. We drove there as we lived less than 2 hours away. A friend put in touch with one of the keepers there. He met us at the locked gate and let us wander around the town. It was a great experience.
Good thing it's so far from any town or city because usually anything left abandon anymore is destroyed by vandals. In Ontario there is a beautiful log cabin that was left abandoned and uncivilized vandals broke in and destroyed everything that could be destroyed it was sad to see a once beautiful place destroyed because kids or adults had to destroy everything
100% Agreed, I am glad that it has been spared by the vandals. I don’t understand why they do it and wish they would all wise up. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for joining us. Stay safe!
I love all the comments about people wanting to live there for free. Nothing is free. Logistics alone to maintain this place are not provided free. Buildings need constant maintenance especially in this type of climate, that means money, lots of money. Building supplies for maintenance, cleaning, sanitation, having contractors with licenses to do the work. I doubt Canada would just allow a bunch of people to live there and maintain the place where codes require certified contractors. And, are you skilled enough to maintain the place? General cleaning is one thing, but who pays or shovels the roads when it snows? Repairs electrical lines, generators, vehicle maintenance? Take what it costs you now, where you live, and multiply it by 1000 people. If it costs me $1000 a month in logistics, you now have to come up with $100,000 each month just to cover their expense, and that's with no emergency. And, a place this size better have a fire crew, especially in winter.
@@johnnyachillesjelinek6765 Yes, Canada so super and "the greatest country on earth" what a joke. Canada was a great country but ever since Canadians invented Liberal Party everything is slowly going to hell
From what I understand the new owner is looking to re-open the town and potentially a nearby mine. Thanks for your comment and for watching all the best!
I've been wanting to film a 1980's film in this town for years even reached out to the new owners and town manager of the properties. They were very friendly and open to the idea to bring some economic boom to the town but investors and investment are still needed to make that possible there.
Kitsault should develope it as an 80s themed co op. For people nostalgic for the 80s. Add an arcade, roller rink, 80s radio station, etc etc. Residents have to drive 80s cars (or no later than 1986 cars) BMX bikes. Then encourage films to be shot there and hire locals as background
hey doug i just wanted to say that you have a great voice for these kinds of videos. keep it up and put even more time into your videos and i can almost guarantee success for your channel keep it up man.
I honesty appreciate the kind words. I am very flatter and glad that you appreciate my videos. I will be sure to put even more effort and time in to them. Thank you for watching and commenting. All the best!
Oh my God what a dream place to live. All it needs is people. This would be a thriving community. I could see crafters using that industrial complex. The houses would need new roofs and damage needing repairs but minor details. I think of all the people living on streets that need housing or even the refugees Canada is taking in. This needs sorting out. I hate to see it go to waste.
People in cities all over the world hate their jobs and wish they could live in a place where the air is clear and neighbors are kind. It makes no sense that this town is empty. It should, by now, have a population of 25 to 30 thousand people and growing. This points to what is wrong with our economic system. Most of us would love to live in a place like Kitsault. I pray it will come back for the people who might find sanctuary in such a place. Kitsault literally could save lives.
I don't remember where, but it was a short article that Mr. Suthanthiran is currently under investigation from Belgian, about possible misuse of company assets, concealing assets in insolvency and money laundering.. which may explain why he never did anything with it the Kitsault property....
I recall coming across that article as well. It was released not too long after this video. And I bet you’re right it’s likely the cause of the stagnation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching all the best!
How many homeless people in British Columbia? B.C. Government should be buying this place by CPO if necessary and turning the homes into low income housing and creating jobs there for people who are struggling, imagine how many people and families they could help.
I grew up in a coastal bc mill town of 1500 this is a time capsule it literally took me back in time so many little things l had forgoten in 40years. The sign out of town used to say 'last one out get the lghts' glad to see the lights on in kitsult stil
This was so very great to hear. I am glad I could help to bring back good memories. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for joining us. Stay safe!
@@privatcontractor251 Kitsault used to have a dock for large sea going barges. In the video it shows only the dock for smaller vessels. Kitsault was never a city, it was just a small village. The dock is in walking distance to the town. Everything in town is in walking distance. The closest city is Prince Rupert. It is quite a few hours away by boat.
@@frisbe9279 We allow foreigners to buy private property which is not intended to house employees of a business. MISTAKE. Worse.... we allow banks to own private property. And we wonder why things are triple the price they should be....or more.
The main reason is that the weather there is 24/7 rain. From late October till early March, the sun goes down earlier in the day. By December the sun goes down before 3pm. If this place had a sunny day, the whole town would celebrate.
It is actually abandoned, (ghost town classified) mostly and non government run. Good luck getting help if something goes wrong. It was for sale several years ago. Random drifters seek refuge here, i havent heard any good stories of anyone who ventured here to explore. Like the zone of death in Yellowstone but not torn down yet.
Dolly Varden Silver has found high grade silver a few miles up the valley and Goliath Rescources has found a rich gold vein a few miles west of the road to the Dolly Varden site. If precious metals come back into favor, life may be breathed into this town again.
Please, let people live there, they will fix houses and bring everything back to life. Btw, so good and responsive people live in Canada. Nothing was touched or damaged! Pripyat was also abundant 30 years ago, but people and police stole everything possible, even tho everything is contaminated with radiation.
That is so very true. We have entire towns in Colorado that were ransacked in the 80's and they have been fenced off ever since. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and please stay safe!
The entire town was sold years to some millionaire who wanted to make it into a conference center or something else. There are a few people that live there to take care of the grounds and properties. It is private property and I think the mine is open again as well...
Comparing a town near Chernoybl from a failed nation state that provides very limited services or none at all to a wealthy country like Canada who has services for destitute people is not a good analysis. If the residents lived under the same conditions you'll find under most former Soviet rule they would be doing the same thing. There's nothing special about Canadians over Ukrainians. It is simply economics.
Unlike a manufacturing plant, that you can put where you want, a mine is where it is! Molybdenum became several times more valuable, because of the Energy Crisis. It takes a lot of skilled workers to operate a mine. And they need to be comfortable with there families. I have personally lived in four similar towns.
There is still lots of good molybdenum ore in that mountain. Someday, if economic conditions are favorable, that town would be helpful to the mine. I believe the expensive, concentrating mill was removed. So, a great deal of investment would be required to build a new one.
That is really isolated. . There are essentially two ways to access Kitsault . One is from highway #37 north tot Stewart and turn off at Cranberry Junction and the other is from Terrace BC to Nass Camp with a turn off half way between Nass Camp and Cramberry Junction. I have driven the road between Nass Camp and Cranberry Junction twice and each time I was a bit concerned as it is a dirt road not that well maintained with no service for miles and few cars . I have never driven up to Kitsault, no doubt it is even worst and appears to be gated from the map no sure where the gate is located . Nice country in summer especially the lava fields and hot springs around Aiyansh where there are a few native reserves. If Kitshaw were to reopen i can see it being a fly in fly out mining camp as Prince Rupert & Kitimat took the lead for marine terminal services. Not sure if Kitsault would have a hydro electric power plant in the area, if the power has been left on for 30 years there may be something close by. The fishing is probably pretty good and in winter I suspect alot of snow to content with. A long way to go grocery shopping in Terrace or Smithers
Kinda cool to see the apts. still with the vertical blinds. Me and the boss came up here in Oct. of ‘81 or was it ‘80 and installed them. Took a float plane up the Alice arm from Port Hardy cuz the road wasn’t finished yet. Wish I still had the t-shirt. Molly-b-damn.
If you are serious, I would be more than happy to do an interview. Please let me know if you're interested: doug@derelictdoug.net Thanks again for watching!
@@DerelictDoug are all the people that were there in 1968 ? All my friends from school ? I hope they see your video and connect. We explored all over my brother and I , so many memories . There was a huge land slide one day and many brand new trailers ended up floating out to sea. We arrived in the night on a Northland Freighter That was a rough trip. One day a helicopter landed near our house with 2 dead doll sheep. The guys shot them from the helicopter. It was a mash helicopter Many many more memories
I'm curious, why free because you create art or a craftsman? I'm both and would never expect such entitlement. Free things are taken advantage of, there's no stake in the person recieving the goods if the logistics are supplied by others who pay.
@@Praetoria113-zm3no No, because craftsmen and artisans have their own means of production. It would be a community that could become viable economically if there were those willing to put the effort into it. It would be people who would be able to go to a location where there is no current economic infrastructure to rely on. They don’t need to necessarily have to get a job. Given a location, and with some of their own resources and effort, they would soon build a community. It could also be offered to retirees that have a small income. Again, give them a place to live, a community could develop around them. With a small population, soon there would be a need and a local market for goods and services. There are communities like that all over the world. In the Hebrides there is a community of knitters. They produce and sell knitted clothing. When they have a vacancy, they advertise for someone with the skill. Housing is provided, and that person contributes their skill to the collective industry. It is not entitlement. It is taking something discarded and offering it to someone who could build it into something viable through their own efforts. There are many artists colonies in the US. Small towns that artists and crafters are attracted to because of low housing costs. They move in and before long, the entire location becomes more valuable because of the investment of time and creativity of the residents. It is also being done in parts of Europe. Abandoned homes offered for free to those willing to move into them and help create a community. It is a better solution than letting housing rot while able bodied people go homeless, or struggle for mere subsistence. Give people a chance to earn through sweat equity. In the early days of America, land was granted to those willing to work it. I said artists and craftspeople because historically there have been many example of them using their skill to build and develop a location. I used to live in San Francisco years ago. Artists were attracted to South of Market locations because of cheap rent. Over the years the entire area improved. Small restaurants and coffee shops thrived. There were events where customers interested in purchasing art could tour studios. What was a run down area became prime real estate. I say artists and craftsmen because they carry their own means of production. Right now, the logistics in this location are abandoned and deteriorating. It is trash. Why not give the opportunity to those willing to invest their effort into it? So, if you were given the opportunity to move there, and provided a creative space to set up, maybe a workshop and small storefront, would you consider it? If you produce something you could sell via the Internet, or through other locations, would you consider taking the opportunity? There would not be much there when you arrived, but as more people joined, soon it would grow into a community.
@Cailen Mckenna really not sure what the point is you’re trying to make. The coast of British Columbia is on its WESTERN side...the best you could do with regard to “splitting” it would be to say southern, central and northern. There is no North East coast.
@Cailen Mckenna Do not try and get sarcastic with me, sunshine, or you’ll soon be made to realize you picked the wrong person to try and be “clever” with. There is NO NORTH EASTERN COAST OF BC! You are only proving your own lack of awareness by trying to continue this “discussion”. The north eastern “coast” of BC is the Alberta border. Now, piss off and leave me alone!
Money. Insurance. Logistics. Codes. Services. It isn't just about sheltering people, you need money, lots of it to sustain this place. The town was funded by the mining company, therefore they paid for the upkeep, plus, the residents worked at the mine. What would you do with all these people sheltering with no jobs or repeat money to sustain it? The problem with housing the homeless are the costs are often prohibitive or simply not available.
@@Praetoria113-zm3no when I lived there everything including heating fuel, gas for vehicles, food, everything to the smallest item came in by barge. It took time. There were no shortages but barges did not come every day and you had to wait for stuff. The road did not exist at the beginning and was only completed in time for people to move out. There is so much snow up there in the winter that I doubt there is winter access by road. All people transportation, in and out, while I lived there was by small sea plane, sketchy in bad weather.
They should make a Retirement place will be in heaven for when you’re retired and no cop be free and relaxing for you last years to live fish with no licence and Hunt small game 😍👌
Yes that's a shame. Someone alluded to his possibly buying the town with the prospect of the mined element,molybdenum prices going up I posted a comment of a great use (imho) for the town. Btw great video! Nice seeing different images. You know, I'm surprised the government doesn't buy it for some purpose. The imagination soars...
Why state do not help owner to give houses to homles people and and they making money-tourisam,plants and vegatebles...any job?That is project!Sory for bad englesh...
I wonder who pays for the energy bill every month, since the lights are always on... imagine how expensive it should be to leave the power on for 30 yrs..
I worked in Kitsault in 1980 for about 4 months and as an engineer I was tasked with putting up an explosives manufacturing facility to service the mine which was about 4 or 5 km back into the mountains behind the town. There was already a very small town there at the time I worked there as the mine had previously operated, then closed, and re-opened again. At the time I was there' contractors lived in a temporary construction camp - not the former town itself. There was no road into the site - one had to fly north from Prince Rupert into the base of the Alice Arm fiord on old Grumman Goose small float planes. There was a logging operation close by, across from the town - known as Silver Grizzly, I think. In anycase, Kitsault was a thriving and lively mining community in a beautiful part of the country. For me this place had a lot of fantastic memories. Over time, long after I moved on to other mine sites, a road was built into the community and the town was further developed to what you see in this video. Indeed it is in a remote part of BC and no doubt the town has a caretaker looking after it now.
How interesting!! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and knowledge about this place. It is greatly appreciated.
Are you the guy who left the power on
Hard to believe that Kitsault could not be revived what a nice place.
I hear they may be starting a new mine nearby. Hopefully this injects some life into the town.
Thanks for watching and all the best!
I work for a company also owned by the man who bought Kitsault. It is well cared for, and there is staff that maintains the property and buildings. It is closed to the public, but there are limited boat tours to the town. The owner still has hopes to establish a business that will allow for opening this up again to residents.
I suggest a 1980s themed park. Think about it they have parks for the 1800s, the 1700s, 1950s. Why not a 1980s theme park/resort?
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for joining us. All the best!
And now it’s becoming a musical. Cool. I hope it ends up in Broadway
😂 thanks for watching and all the best!
I lived in kitsault for two years and loved it. After the mine shut down I helped people pack up and move, and was one of the last to leave this town. It would make a good retirement community. In Prince Rupert now.
I plan to sail there from Sweden you do not know about near port to dock near the city
Thank you for watching and thank you for sharing your experience.
@@privatcontractor251 You could anchor in the bay in front of kitsault, but the nearest city would be Prince Rupert.
Prince Rupert is beautiful lived in Terrace in the early 70s worked at the canary one season love the native people there
I lived and worked in Kitsault but had to leave when they decided to close the mine. There was no road into the town but the road was being built and before it was passable by any of the residences a friend of mine and myself went threw what was partially built on a motorcycle. We forded all the creeks and made it to Terrace to by some take out chicken and return on the same day. Even if there is no mine the town could be opened to the public so the houses could be purchased and businesses opened. Beautiful place, it just needs people. All the necessary service buildings are there ready to go. The person who bought it should get something going there.
Thank you so very much for sharing your experiences and memories of Kitsault. It was fascinating to have some more context about the town. I couldn't agree more, that something needs to be done with this town.
Thanks again for sharing and all the best!
You all probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account..?
I somehow lost the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me
@Andrew Randall Instablaster =)
@Cairo Coleman i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im trying it out now.
Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Cairo Coleman it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thanks so much, you really help me out!
Great location for any Hollywood producer wanting to shoot a late 70's movie
Right? Perfect spot.
Or a zombie apocollups
I wouldnt mind moving there. Seems like a nice place to get away the fast pace of life.
@Basket Weaver you have always been the caretaker mister Torrance.
Cult time meet ya there
I'm with you, I like to get away from the fast pace too.
“Johnny’s Home”!
With the price of housing on Vancouver island and the lower mainland, I wouldn’t be surprised if many younger families up and moved there. Of course it would need the proper infrastructure to sustain day to day living, but wow what an opportunity if it comes to be.
So many people need a place to live what a shame it's still not lived in thank you for sharing 👍
100% Agreed! I am glad that you enjoyed the video and please stay safe!
👻 might be there
It’s in the middle of but fuck nowhere , unsustainable
It’s also completely derelect now
people dont need a house. they need a place to live. this isnt a living solution. its just a shelter solution.
How could a town be in such good shape for 30 years? How were the roads not overgrown?
What a naturally beautiful landscape! To this day the town remains... as litter.
This would be an ideal place for Hollywood to film movies and tv shows.
Wonderful people make a great community!
It was amazing there as a child !
So many memories there , so many lovely people.
I bet, it looks like it was quaint and warm. Thanks for sharing and all the best!
I like to take care of this town love the place clean and repainted the houses and cut the grass dream place and dream life
That would be so very good of you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and all the best!
The ghost of Kitsault keeps the grass well cut!
Haha! Good point ;-)
I see a fresh cut grass - someone maintains the place.
Fortunately, yes. Thanks for joining us and all the best!
The government
@@RoxanneRoxanne760 No me.....
in another video there is a maintence guy who keeps the grass cut.
@@DerelictDoug Yeah, you sounded like a F---ing Fraudulent, Sir!
Ya I was one of the 1200 who lived there. Excellent working, living conditions. Lotsa overtime if you wanted. I lived in an apartment.
It is so very cool that you got to be a part of this! Thank you for sharing your experiences and for joining us. Stay safe!
I was there too. lived in a private house overlooking the water
I was there too. lived in a private house overlooking the water
This is a shame but it goes to show that people today do not have the strength and the courage and tenacity to try to make something work. The people who worked hard to build this town have probably forgotten and that too is a shame .
Wastefulness- that’s what the people now are well known for and this is a perfect example !
Thank you for sharing this beautiful said video.
I am so very glad that you are appreciating my videos and thanks again for another well-put comment. We tend to be wasteful, but I always believe in our ability to improve. Stay safe and all the best!
@@DerelictDoug
I too believe that people can improve - when they want to .
Your videos are perfect for pointing out the history and the beauty of these ghost.towns - you bring these towns to life again as you share the history of the people who built these towns and worked hard to make a living - they should not be forgotten but should be honored for legacy they left behind . The best honor would be to rebuild each town as best can be and open them all to the public- some people will appreciate the information and learn something- it could motivate some to improve their lives in some way - keep making these awesome videos / history must be told and remembered 😊👍💕
I just love ghost towns and the stories they can tell. 😊👍
I am so very glad that you enjoy! Thank you for watching!
A handful of caretakers do live in the town, keeping up with a maintenance and modernization plan. It's not quite empty, but pretty close.
I’m really glad to hear that. A few people are saying that it’s starting to show signs of renovation. I hope it gets used in some fashion. Thanks for watching and all the best!
I’ve been there twice in the mid 90’s. It’s a very nice place. Too bad it isn’t being used the way it should.🇨🇦
That is so cool that you've been able to experience the town first hand. Thank you for joining us and for sharing your experiences. Stay safe and all the best!
I wonder how you went there ...did you drive or fly in?
@@lyndagatlor5736 Well wonder no more. We drove there as we lived less than 2 hours away. A friend put in touch with one of the keepers there. He met us at the locked gate and let us wander around the town. It was a great experience.
@@cleanasdirt6832 thanks
It's funny how so many of these are in British Columbia and the homeless population continues to grow
So true
It's nice to see all the houses in good shape no broken window's or graffiti .
100% Agreed! Thanks for joining us and please stay safe!
Someone owns it so I bet there is security
Good thing it's so far from any town or city because usually anything left abandon anymore is destroyed by vandals. In Ontario there is a beautiful log cabin that was left abandoned and uncivilized vandals broke in and destroyed everything that could be destroyed it was sad to see a once beautiful place destroyed because kids or adults had to destroy everything
100% Agreed, I am glad that it has been spared by the vandals. I don’t understand why they do it and wish they would all wise up. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for joining us. Stay safe!
I love all the comments about people wanting to live there for free. Nothing is free. Logistics alone to maintain this place are not provided free. Buildings need constant maintenance especially in this type of climate, that means money, lots of money. Building supplies for maintenance, cleaning, sanitation, having contractors with licenses to do the work. I doubt Canada would just allow a bunch of people to live there and maintain the place where codes require certified contractors. And, are you skilled enough to maintain the place? General cleaning is one thing, but who pays or shovels the roads when it snows? Repairs electrical lines, generators, vehicle maintenance? Take what it costs you now, where you live, and multiply it by 1000 people. If it costs me $1000 a month in logistics, you now have to come up with $100,000 each month just to cover their expense, and that's with no emergency. And, a place this size better have a fire crew, especially in winter.
I used to live up there and it was hard to be up there so far away from family. it would be easier today with technology. Are you still up there sir?
Thank you for your input and thanks for watching!
@@DerelictDoug So glad for the video tour as not able to make the physical trip there
A beautiful place for a retirement people for relax and peace
100% agreed and thanks for joining us!
This is so Canadian : even a ghost town is clean and orderly. If it could talk, it would apologize.
@@johnnyachillesjelinek6765 Yes, Canada so super and "the greatest country on earth" what a joke. Canada was a great country but ever since Canadians invented Liberal Party everything is slowly going to hell
That literally made me laugh out loud!
I would love to live there now
Honestly
Why isn't the new owner doing something with this town? Is the land contaminated or something? This is truly a beautiful peace of nature!
From what I understand the new owner is looking to re-open the town and potentially a nearby mine. Thanks for your comment and for watching all the best!
I've been wanting to film a 1980's film in this town for years even reached out to the new owners and town manager of the properties. They were very friendly and open to the idea to bring some economic boom to the town but investors and investment are still needed to make that possible there.
The owner and his team are very good people. Thanks for sharing your experience and all the best!
Kitsault should develope it as an 80s themed co op. For people nostalgic for the 80s. Add an arcade, roller rink, 80s radio station, etc etc. Residents have to drive 80s cars (or no later than 1986 cars) BMX bikes. Then encourage films to be shot there and hire locals as background
👍🏼 awesome
hey doug i just wanted to say that you have a great voice for these kinds of videos. keep it up and put even more time into your videos and i can almost guarantee success for your channel keep it up man.
I honesty appreciate the kind words. I am very flatter and glad that you appreciate my videos. I will be sure to put even more effort and time in to them. Thank you for watching and commenting. All the best!
@@DerelictDoug np and cheers :)
I've heard about this town...I'd love to go there someday. If they ever allow people to move back in, I'd love to retire there!
I need to leave the island and go exploring
I live just south of here and have still yet to visit this place!
I plan to sail there from Sweden you do not know about near port to dock near the city
If you can, I would check it out. Thanks for joining us and all the best!
Doug, cool video but what’s up with the mess of sound you’ve got on this video? Thanks
This was a very early cut and a lot has improved since then. But I appreciate the feedback. All the best.
I visited there in 2011 . It’s a beautiful place
I plan to sail there from Sweden you do not know about near port to dock near the city
Sounds like an epic-time and thanks for stopping by.
Oh my God what a dream place to live. All it needs is people. This would be a thriving community. I could see crafters using that industrial complex. The houses would need new roofs and damage needing repairs but minor details. I think of all the people living on streets that need housing or even the refugees Canada is taking in. This needs sorting out. I hate to see it go to waste.
People are the problem, but interestingly, buildings pretty much start to rot right away when disused.
It's amazing this made it 40+ years.
That's mental....I'd like to buy this area
I dont see much dust? How is this if its been empty for so long?
I'm surprised that the ceilings didn't collapse. I know buildings don't do well when vacant. The rot starts immediately.
I would love to be there; ready with bags packed....
yeah its ridiculous people would of purchased those for cheap housing maybe 2nd home nice quite place.
People in cities all over the world hate their jobs and wish they could live in a place where the air is clear and neighbors are kind. It makes no sense that this town is empty. It should, by now, have a population of 25 to 30 thousand people and growing. This points to what is wrong with our economic system. Most of us would love to live in a place like Kitsault. I pray it will come back for the people who might find sanctuary in such a place. Kitsault literally could save lives.
Well put. Thank you for watching and commenting. ✌️💙
I don't remember where, but it was a short article that Mr. Suthanthiran is currently under investigation from Belgian, about possible misuse of company assets, concealing assets in insolvency and money laundering.. which may explain why he never did anything with it the Kitsault property....
I recall coming across that article as well. It was released not too long after this video. And I bet you’re right it’s likely the cause of the stagnation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching all the best!
How many homeless people in British Columbia? B.C. Government should be buying this place by CPO if necessary and turning the homes into low income housing and creating jobs there for people who are struggling, imagine how many people and families they could help.
You have a very good point. This could go to such better use, and it’s a shame to see it go to waste. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.
Very interesting! I would like to wander there ..:)😎
It really is. Thank you for watching and all the best!
I grew up in a coastal bc mill town of 1500 this is a time capsule it literally took me back in time so many little things l had forgoten in 40years. The sign out of town used to say 'last one out get the lghts' glad to see the lights on in kitsult stil
This was so very great to hear. I am glad I could help to bring back good memories. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for joining us. Stay safe!
I plan to sail there from Sweden you do not know about near port to dock near the city
@@privatcontractor251 Kitsault used to have a dock for large sea going barges. In the video it shows only the dock for smaller vessels. Kitsault was never a city, it was just a small village. The dock is in walking distance to the town. Everything in town is in walking distance. The closest city is Prince Rupert. It is quite a few hours away by boat.
And BC has a housing crisis
Poor people need to learn how to move to other provinces.
100% agreed. Folks need a leg-up sometimes.
Cause Chinamen buy all the houses and don't live in them
@@frisbe9279 We allow foreigners to buy private property which is not intended to house employees of a business. MISTAKE. Worse.... we allow banks to own private property. And we wonder why things are triple the price they should be....or more.
Love your videos thank you so much.
Thank you for this kind comment. I really appreciate it.
What is amazing is that the power is still on.
The main reason is that the weather there is 24/7 rain. From late October till early March, the sun goes down earlier in the day. By December the sun goes down before 3pm. If this place had a sunny day, the whole town would celebrate.
Hah! Good to know
It is actually abandoned, (ghost town classified) mostly and non government run. Good luck getting help if something goes wrong. It was for sale several years ago. Random drifters seek refuge here, i havent heard any good stories of anyone who ventured here to explore. Like the zone of death in Yellowstone but not torn down yet.
How do you mean...?
Dolly Varden Silver has found high grade silver a few miles up the valley and Goliath Rescources has found a rich gold vein a few miles west of the road to the Dolly Varden site. If precious metals come back into favor, life may be breathed into this town again.
This is very good to hear! Thanks!
Please, let people live there, they will fix houses and bring everything back to life. Btw, so good and responsive people live in Canada. Nothing was touched or damaged! Pripyat was also abundant 30 years ago, but people and police stole everything possible, even tho everything is contaminated with radiation.
That is so very true. We have entire towns in Colorado that were ransacked in the 80's and they have been fenced off ever since. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and please stay safe!
The entire town was sold years to some millionaire who wanted to make it into a conference center or something else. There are a few people that live there to take care of the grounds and properties. It is private property and I think the mine is open again as well...
Comparing a town near Chernoybl from a failed nation state that provides very limited services or none at all to a wealthy country like Canada who has services for destitute people is not a good analysis. If the residents lived under the same conditions you'll find under most former Soviet rule they would be doing the same thing. There's nothing special about Canadians over Ukrainians. It is simply economics.
@@Praetoria113-zm3no I'm glad you thinking like that.
I would like to live in it too
Would be nice. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. All the best!
Would be nice. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. All the best!
I worked here on the Dolly Varden silver project in 2012.. man what a place
I bet... Thanks for wathing :0)
THATS CRAZY..YOU WOULD THINK SOMEONE WOULD TAKE IT OVER.🤔
Right!? It is owned, but they are simply not doing anything with the land. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
It was bought as an investment property for LNG
not even the background music could liven up the town
Some truth there. Thanks for watching and best wishes!
Unlike a manufacturing plant, that you can put where you want, a mine is where it is! Molybdenum became several times more valuable, because of the Energy Crisis. It takes a lot of skilled workers to operate a mine. And they need to be comfortable with there families. I have personally lived in four similar towns.
Can’t
So true
There is still lots of good molybdenum ore in that mountain. Someday, if economic conditions are favorable, that town would be helpful to the mine. I believe the expensive, concentrating mill was removed. So, a great deal of investment would be required to build a new one.
That is really isolated. . There are essentially two ways to access Kitsault . One is from highway #37 north tot Stewart and turn off at Cranberry Junction and the other is from Terrace BC to Nass Camp with a turn off half way between Nass Camp and Cramberry Junction. I have driven the road between Nass Camp and Cranberry Junction twice and each time I was a bit concerned as it is a dirt road not that well maintained with no service for miles and few cars . I have never driven up to Kitsault, no doubt it is even worst and appears to be gated from the map no sure where the gate is located . Nice country in summer especially the lava fields and hot springs around Aiyansh where there are a few native reserves. If Kitshaw were to reopen i can see it being a fly in fly out mining camp as Prince Rupert & Kitimat took the lead for marine terminal services. Not sure if Kitsault would have a hydro electric power plant in the area, if the power has been left on for 30 years there may be something close by. The fishing is probably pretty good and in winter I suspect alot of snow to content with. A long way to go grocery shopping in Terrace or Smithers
Thank you for sharing this. Very interesting. :0)
My God, somebody remembers nass camp. Are the peeing trees still there?
The gate is about 1 km from the town.
This looks like an awesome place to live
I agree. Thanks for watching!
Those empty places are filled with bitcoin mining operations with free electricity
That would certainly be an interesting use. Thanks for joining us and all the best!
I am intersting this idea, how much power over there?
@@Jonathanwca it's connected to the grid so however much you want
Kinda cool to see the apts. still with the vertical blinds. Me and the boss came up here in Oct. of ‘81 or was it ‘80 and installed them. Took a float plane up the Alice arm from Port Hardy cuz the road wasn’t finished yet. Wish I still had the t-shirt. Molly-b-damn.
* Prince Rupert
That's awesome!
imagine living there alone
Spooky stuff ☠️thanks for watching
I won’t mind
Sounds like a good spot for a retirement community
I lived in Kitsault for 1 1/2 years and was there when the mine closed.
Wow! I bet you could really tell us some tales. I am fascinated by places like this. Thanks for watching! ✌️💙
A lot of good memories and I could certainly tell you a few good tales.
If you are serious, I would be more than happy to do an interview. Please let me know if you're interested: doug@derelictdoug.net Thanks again for watching!
Derelict Doug Can anyone just drive over there and walk around? Or is there guards or security or a crime to go?
@Darren Lodge Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for watching. Best wishes.
This would make an awesome movie set
It really would!
Great place for movie shoots of the era.
That is a really good idea! Given the opportunity, I would vote for a goonies remake; made in Kitsault. Thanks for watching and stay safe.
that would be a blast to live there
Wouldn't it be a dream!? Thanks so much for joining us and please stay safe!
I remember it well in 1968 !
Wow! You're lucky to have experienced it (in my opinion). Thanks for watching and all the best!
@@DerelictDoug are all the people that were there in 1968 ?
All my friends from school ?
I hope they see your video and connect.
We explored all over my brother and I , so many memories .
There was a huge land slide one day and many brand new trailers ended up floating out to sea.
We arrived in the night on a Northland Freighter
That was a rough trip.
One day a helicopter landed near our house with 2 dead doll sheep.
The guys shot them from the helicopter.
It was a mash helicopter
Many many more memories
@@brianbennett5887 Was that when there was logging at Alice Arm before they built the town of Kitsault?
Great location for The Shining Part II
WOW. Love it !!
I am very glad that you enjoyed and thanks for watching. All the best!
Also, with the electricity on, what's to stop squatters from moving in?
It’s my understanding they have some security today
3 hours away from Kitimat BC, its beautiful out there.
It looks amazing.
My cousin lives in kitimat. Beautiful area.
I'd love to live there.
That would be kind of cool.
It's easy to bring this town to life
It really would be...
It be cool to take over one of the houses for a cabin and live there for the summer. Have use of the full town for free be awesome
That would be cool. I hear they are starting to work on the property again.
How's everything so clean? There has to some one
Yes, a businessman owns and maintains it at this point
I will care about buildings and road s as long I will be able to life there for free
You edited this comment but still is spelled wrong lool
@@Hhn945 ok, Mike. Thanks for watching
Well they do have a grounds maintenance worker. See all the cut grass?
Great sentence and spelling.
Dont see much dust for sitting 30 years.
That would solve the problem of over crowded cities
I suppose it could help. Thanks for joining us and all the best!
The town had a mall for 1200 people ?
Crazy right?
It's been bought and to be developed by an Indian/Canadian investor, therefore the power.
Thats true!
True, but the "developing" has taken nearly a decade. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and all the best!
My dream is to bring Kitsault back! I would use 50,000,000 just for this town!
I liked..
I really would like to see that too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and best wishes!
I want to move there, who do I contact ?
These homes should be offered to those who will take care of them. Offer homes for free to artists and craftspeople.
That’s a good idea. I bet it would make for some interesting architectural improvements. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and please stay safe!
I'm curious, why free because you create art or a craftsman? I'm both and would never expect such entitlement. Free things are taken advantage of, there's no stake in the person recieving the goods if the logistics are supplied by others who pay.
@@Praetoria113-zm3no No, because craftsmen and artisans have their own means of production. It would be a community that could become viable economically if there were those willing to put the effort into it. It would be people who would be able to go to a location where there is no current economic infrastructure to rely on. They don’t need to necessarily have to get a job. Given a location, and with some of their own resources and effort, they would soon build a community.
It could also be offered to retirees that have a small income. Again, give them a place to live, a community could develop around them. With a small population, soon there would be a need and a local market for goods and services.
There are communities like that all over the world. In the Hebrides there is a community of knitters. They produce and sell knitted clothing. When they have a vacancy, they advertise for someone with the skill. Housing is provided, and that person contributes their skill to the collective industry.
It is not entitlement. It is taking something discarded and offering it to someone who could build it into something viable through their own efforts.
There are many artists colonies in the US. Small towns that artists and crafters are attracted to because of low housing costs. They move in and before long, the entire location becomes more valuable because of the investment of time and creativity of the residents.
It is also being done in parts of Europe. Abandoned homes offered for free to those willing to move into them and help create a community.
It is a better solution than letting housing rot while able bodied people go homeless, or struggle for mere subsistence. Give people a chance to earn through sweat equity.
In the early days of America, land was granted to those willing to work it. I said artists and craftspeople because historically there have been many example of them using their skill to build and develop a location.
I used to live in San Francisco years ago. Artists were attracted to South of Market locations because of cheap rent. Over the years the entire area improved. Small restaurants and coffee shops thrived. There were events where customers interested in purchasing art could tour studios.
What was a run down area became prime real estate.
I say artists and craftsmen because they carry their own means of production.
Right now, the logistics in this location are abandoned and deteriorating. It is trash. Why not give the opportunity to those willing to invest their effort into it?
So, if you were given the opportunity to move there, and provided a creative space to set up, maybe a workshop and small storefront, would you consider it?
If you produce something you could sell via the Internet, or through other locations, would you consider taking the opportunity?
There would not be much there when you arrived, but as more people joined, soon it would grow into a community.
Is there running water ?
yes there was even a swimming pool in the rec center
It has the ability to have running water, but no pressure.
'ghost towns very good video🙊👀
I am glad you enjoyed! Stay safe!
Not to be picky, well right to be picky, but "North eastern coast"? The coast of BC is, by its geographical definition, on the western side.
@Cailen Mckenna really not sure what the point is you’re trying to make. The coast of British Columbia is on its WESTERN side...the best you could do with regard to “splitting” it would be to say southern, central and northern. There is no North East coast.
Thanks for taking the time to watch this video and offer your input.
@@DerelictDoug it was good. Never heard of the place. Makes you wonder how many more little places like that are out there.
@Cailen Mckenna Do not try and get sarcastic with me, sunshine, or you’ll soon be made to realize you picked the wrong person to try and be “clever” with. There is NO NORTH EASTERN COAST OF BC! You are only proving your own lack of awareness by trying to continue this “discussion”. The north eastern “coast” of BC is the Alberta border. Now, piss off and leave me alone!
People drain me mentally so this area would be PERFECT for an introvert such as myself.
Same!!
Who do I contact about going to see that place again?
PRE INTERNET HAVEN. Turn it into a cyber rehab camp! God I need it. I was 14 in 1980.
That’s a very cool and creative idea
I'm in 😂😂
We can use this to shelter people in need! Why are we letting places like these go to waste?
100% agreed
Money. Insurance. Logistics. Codes. Services. It isn't just about sheltering people, you need money, lots of it to sustain this place. The town was funded by the mining company, therefore they paid for the upkeep, plus, the residents worked at the mine. What would you do with all these people sheltering with no jobs or repeat money to sustain it? The problem with housing the homeless are the costs are often prohibitive or simply not available.
@@Praetoria113-zm3no when I lived there everything including
heating fuel, gas for vehicles, food, everything to the smallest item came in by barge. It took time. There were no shortages but barges did not come every day and you had to wait for stuff.
The road did not exist at the beginning and was only completed in time for people to move out. There is so much snow up there in the winter that I doubt there is winter access by road. All people transportation, in and out, while I lived there was by small sea plane, sketchy in bad weather.
This was recorded 3 years ago. Has anything changed since then?
id move there tomorrow if i could
It seems like it would be a nice place to live. Thanks for stopping by and all the best.
be a great summer retreat for families!
Agreed. I'd bring my family!
Seems like a great place for movie set. But the new owners seem like they were trying to make real life Eureka.
Thank so much for joining us and for sharing your thoughts. All the best!
the power remain on for over thirty years...who pls someone should shed more light here...how and what source of power they use
Would make a perfect town for the homeless
They should make a Retirement place will be in heaven for when you’re retired and no cop be free and relaxing for you last years to live fish with no licence and Hunt small game 😍👌
I hear ya. Thanks for taking the time to watch this :0)
FYI: you have pictures of Ocean Falls in your video. Good job though.
Thank you for the feedback, it's appreciated. Be safe and stay well!
What happened to the guy that bought this town and was fixing it up. He spent 7 million for it and it was suppose to be back up and running by 2011.
Golden VinylSpin I actually wrote him with questions while making this video. He had his PA get back to me. Sounds like the project is dead.
Derelict Doug that's alot of money waisted. 😮
Golden VinylSpin Right!? What a shame. Thanks for watching, much appreciated 🙏🏻
Yes that's a shame. Someone alluded to his possibly buying the town with the prospect of the mined element,molybdenum prices going up I posted a comment of a great use (imho) for the town. Btw great video! Nice seeing different images. You know, I'm surprised the government doesn't buy it for some purpose. The imagination soars...
Why state do not help owner to give houses to homles people and and they making money-tourisam,plants and vegatebles...any job?That is project!Sory for bad englesh...
I wonder who pays for the energy bill every month, since the lights are always on... imagine how expensive it should be to leave the power on for 30 yrs..
Very good point. To my understanding it's owned by an investor. Thanks for stopping by and all the best!
wow ,sure looks like ocean falls????
It does. Thanks for watching 🙏