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By Canadian Press

Crowsnest Pass residents oppose twinning affecting Highway 3 at Frank Slide site

May 8, 2023 | 12:47 PM

FRANK, AB – Some Crowsnest Pass residents say a planned twinning of Highway 3 through southwestern Alberta community would amount to a desecration of the site of Canada’s deadliest rock slide.

It was 120 years ago that 82 million tonnes of rock fell from the summit of Turtle Mountain into the Crowsnest River valley below.

The slide lasted just 90 seconds but in that short time, at least 92 people were killed and the southeastern corner of the coal-mining town of Frank disappeared.

But plans to twin the highway, which connects Alberta with southeastern B.C., has raised the ire of some residents because it would involve putting an connector road through part of the slide.

Dave McIntyre says the area is basically a graveyard and it’s disrespectful

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Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter agrees it’s a concern, but says it’s a done deal and the most he can hope for is to make some tweaks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2023.

The Canadian Press