History:
Copper showings were discovered around Phoenix in the 1880’s but it was not until the arrival of the railway into the Boundary area that development began to take place. In 1898, several companies began serious development work and the findings were so impressive that the railroad was built into Phoenix in 1899.

This led to the Smelter being built in Grand Forks, as mining was getting big in the boundary area. The first ore car from Phoenix reached the Smelter in July 1900, and by 1905, twenty-six mines were shipping ore in the Boundary Country.

Phoenix was soon a spirited, thriving community- with many first class hotels, livery stables, schools, fire department and a hospital. Gambling was a 24 hour business and the 17 saloons never closed. At its peak, Phoenix had some 2500 persons living there.

In 1919, Phoenix came to a premature death when the mines, which had produced over 13, 678, 900 tons of ore, closed down due to a decline in the price of copper and the difficulty of obtaining coke from the strike bound Crow’s Nest coal mines.

The mines were reopened during the 1930’s but closed again with the Second World War. The Granby Mining Company operated an open pit mine at Phoenix from 1956 until 1979 but all that remains now is a large crater on the top of the mountain and the Cenotaph that was erected after the great war of 1914-1918.

Recreational Opportunities:
The area around the Phoenix town site, called the Phoenix Interpretive Forest (PIF), is home to many exciting hiking trails for all ages and abilities. Trail maps can be obtained from the Boundary Museum, the Greenwood Museum, or the local Visitor Information Centre.

Intriguing signs of the past are still to be found, even though the town of Phoenix is long gone. At the Oro Denoro Junction / Coltern there are the spectacular remains of a mine shaft. Warning: Please do not enter the mine shaft. It is very dangerous. Further along the trail is the Glenside Creek Trestle, once the largest trestle site in the Phoenix area. It was 200m long and 60m high. Please do not climb the trestle. Continuing your hike, you will find the Rock Oven Camp. Rock ovens were widely used by people living in the bush in the railroad era, especially railroad workers. Near the Phoenix town site is the Cenotaph, erected in memory of the area soldiers killed during WWI. Also nearby is the Phoenix Cemetery, cared for by the Boundary Historical Society. Phoenix residents lived a hazardous life, with many mining accidents, disease and the rigors of frontier life. Many people came to seek their fortune, but only a few made it.

For further information: Contact the Chamber of Commerce of the City of Grand Forks for more info: gfchambe@sunshinecable.com
1-866-442 2833
Websites to visit:
www.grandforkschamber.com - www.city.grandforks.bc.ca - www.boundarycf.com - www.boundary.bc.ca