Kitsault, Canada’s $50M 1980s ghost town (justinmcelroy.com)

Article summary

Kitsault, a Canadian ghost town, was built in the 1980s for $50 million and abandoned a year later due to a decline in the price of molybdenum. The town has been preserved and maintained, with its buildings and infrastructure still intact. It is now possible to visit the town, which has become a time capsule of 1980s Canada. The town's future is uncertain, with various proposals for its use, including as a spiritual center or wellness retreat.

Main themes

• ghost town
• preservation
• coastal development
• climate change
• economic crisis
• social issues
• Canadian history
• urban planning

What commenters say

• The town's location on the coast of British Columbia makes it a potentially valuable asset due to its access to tide water and potential for shipping ports.
• The preservation of the town is notable, especially given the lack of financial return on investment.
• Some commenters speculate that the town could become desirable in the future due to climate change, with rising sea levels making coastal areas more valuable.
• Others discuss the challenges and controversies surrounding the development of coastal areas, including the risks of tanker traffic and the impact of pipelines.
• The comparison is made to other failed or abandoned projects, such as Google's Sidewalk Labs.
• There are differing opinions on the state of Vancouver and British Columbia, with some commenting on the negative impact of economic crises and money laundering on the region.
• The idea of repurposing the town to address social issues, such as homelessness, is also proposed.
• The town's history and the experiences of those who lived and worked there are also shared and discussed.