Glace Bay, Nova Scotia was the birthplace of Canada’s underground coal mining industry. Immigrants from all over the world came to work in its 12 mines, which supported military operations during both world wars. With the rise of oil and electric heating, the demand for coal declined, and two fatal accidents in the ‘70s and ‘80s forced the operators to shut down the mine. Thousands of residents moved out of town, setting off a trend that continues today with the town still losing about 10 per cent of its population every five years. But Glace Bay is now focused on economic renewal through small business and tourism.
