Project History

Kitimat was the place to be in North America in the 1950s. The massive Alcan Project in northwest British Columbia was completed in just five years – dam, tunnel, powerhouse, Kemano, transmission line, smelter, and Kitimat. In the post-war industrial boom worldwide, the Project was the largest construction job for the time with thousands participating in its feverish work pace. Records were set, innovation was at every turn, and the result was the largest smelter in the world and the premier community to go with it.

Browse through Kitimat history with these Project images - a B.C. Digital Collection.  The Project was one of the most photographed and filmed construction jobs in BC history.  Photographic collections created by Alcan, The Northern Sentinel Press, and those who took part in the construction, are featured.  Most were professionally shot.  Also featured are artifacts and Project memorabilia from the Museum's collections.

These photographic images are available for personal reflection and use.  If seeking Permission to Publish, the user is responsible for contacting the appropriate copyright holder.  Please contact Museum staff for assistance.