Gagnon Quebec - Why it was destroyed?

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The ore that was mined at Gagnon no longer produced the grade of crude that was the preference of smelters; therefore, the company quit turning a profit. The Quebec Cartier Mining (subsidiary of U.S. Steel) had a 100 year lease on the land. From what we've heard, they destroyed the buildings so competition would have a difficult time reestablishing the mine upon their desertion of it. It was more economical to destroy the town than to dismantle and move it. When IOCC (where Gary works) abandoned their mine at Shefferville, they either gave or sold the town to the province for housing for indigenous peoples. Rumor says the large mine at IOCC, Humphrey Mine, will no longer be worked after 2002. Although there are other iron deposits which are predicted to be productive for 50 more years, we often wonder if Labrador City's future fate will be destruction like Gagnon or recycling like Shefferville. But we feel blessed because Labrador City is over four decades old and still prospering; whereas, the normal life of most mining towns is 25 years.

Jennifer and Karen Imbeault's web page contains information and many photos of Gagnon. We've selected links to three of their photos showing the destruction of the Catholic Church (105K), Barbel Lake Hotel (61K), and an apartment complex (112K). The above photos and web pages open in a new browser. For more information on Gagnon, please go to "Site Info" and "Links" at the links to the left.

Click on Photo for larger view.

A sign in the center of the town states: "Do not throw your garbage in my yard."