Uncertain times might lay ahead for Coronach and the RM of Hart Butte after the Poplar Mine begins to close operations in 2030, but the entire picture might be brighter than at first glance. But make no mistake 鈥� after the mine鈥檚 termination, dramatic adjustments will come.
After the closure, a study by MDB Insight suggests nearly 300 workers in the area will be affected by this transformation. Businesses existing in 21 communities within a 100-kilometre radius of Coronach will undergo drastic changes when the Poplar Mine disappears.
A 2016 census indicated 7,785 people live within this area, with employees providing 3,680 jobs. According to estimates, the population in the affected region might be reduced by as much as 67 per cent, with a loss of 388 jobs, a $390 million decrease in GDP and a household income cutback of $36 million. But depending on the town鈥檚 future direction, Coronach鈥檚 conversion to a coal-less future could either have positive or negative implications in the long term.聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽
The Town of Coronach has shown its mettle by stepping-up to address the complex situations arising after the mine鈥檚 permanently shuttered. By November 2019, the Town of Coronach received two grants to assist those who will be influenced the most after the mine鈥檚 termination. Western Diversification through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative provided a grant of $320,000 to support funding for Coronach鈥檚 Economic Transition Project. A second grant of $60,000 was granted for a Coal Interpretive Centre feasibility study. Moreover, the Town of Coronach has been talking with the provincial government regarding their speech from the throne promising $10 million for the communities who鈥檇 be impacted by closure of coal mines in Saskatchewan, including Estevan. 聽聽聽聽聽聽
Despite ambiguities in the future, the Town of Coronach is upbeat and resilient. 鈥淭he Town of Coronach shall strive to maintain a safe, viable community while strengthening resident engagement and community spirit,鈥� stated the council in the MDB Insight report.
The forward move for Coronach in a Post-Poplar Mine era should be multifaceted by design, since there aren鈥檛 any silver bullet remedies to address the loss of this industrial hub 鈥� a mine which bolstered Coronach鈥檚 economy and several other neighbouring communities since 1974, when construction for the facility owned by Westmoreland began. Luckily, the Town of Coronach has considered many possible avenues to travel along well in advance of 2030.
The development of a regional tourist industry is one of Coronach鈥檚 first considerations to revitalize the local economy. The area is blessed with gorgeous Badlands and meandering semideserts set in rolling headlands overlooking spectacular, intersecting valleys. Coronach, surrounded with awesome western movie scenery, enjoys connections with some infamous villains of the Old West, such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Also, there鈥檚 First Nations attractions with deep historical and spiritual significance in the Coronach area. Coronach鈥檚 weather is generally pleasant throughout the year, so there鈥檚 been suggestions about promoting Coronach and region as a retirement destination.
The repurposing of lignite coal for fertilizer could be another impending source of income for Coronach. Agribusiness developments, or the secondary processing of agricultural products for consumers, is another notation on Coronach鈥檚 list of possibilities. Ag producers and horticulturists might contemplate developing their entrepreneurship skills in several facets involving direct to consumer sales, farmers markets, organic products, vertical farming and greenhouses. Besides, another stimulating proposition might involve the repurposing of the power plant鈥檚 existing infrastructure 鈥� specifically the transmission lines 鈥� for power generation. Also, the Town of Coronach is deliberating over ways to attract new businesses into the area. The best way for Coronach to succeed is to keep moving forwards after 2030 and continue finding ways to encourage both creativity and diversification in their business model.聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽聽
