Cadomin was the largest community on the Alberta Coal Branch, boasting approximately 2500 residents at its peak.
The Cadomin Mine began operation in 1917, bringing prosperity to the area as it was the primary source of employment in the community.
Although it was looking like the town was threatening to outpace Edson, the Cadomin mine closed in 1952 due to a devastating flash flood two years prior and the railways’ increasing movement from coal to diesel.
Once a bustling community, today the population of Cadomin is less than 50 full-time residents.
You can still see some of Cadomin’s original buildings in the townsite, including Flash Shewchuk’s home (4923-50th Street), the Kemble Cabin (4919-51st Avenue), Vass Cabin (5107-48th Avenue) and the Barbershop (50th Avenue). You can also visit the remnants of the coal mine, located just south of Cadomin along Range Road 235A. The mine entrance is located to the west of the road, half buried in the ground, and the concrete foundations of the railway trestle are located in the creek to the east.
Visit yhcounty.ca/explore/heritage-program-splash/heritage-inventory-map-videos/ for exact locations to Cadomin’s historic spots.
For a virtual tour of Cadomin and other communities of the Coal Branch, visit www.gallowaystationmuseum.com/yellowhead-county-virtual-heritage-tour.
