Today, the town forms one of Crowsnest Pass’s vibrant community groups for a town deeply connected to its past and its fellow townships.
In June of 1914, Hillcrest saw the worst coal mining disaster in Canadian history. Half of the Hillcrest Mine’s total workforce perished in an explosion that collapsed the entrances to the mine.
The tragedy was so substantial that King George V of England sent condolences to the town on behalf of the British Royal Family. The towns of Blairmore, Frank and Coleman rushed to the aid of the community, banding The Pass together to rescue survivors and console over 130 widows and their children.
