Disasters of the Century

In their quest to explore the natural wealth of their country, Canadians have braved the risks of their terrain. The residents of the Crowsnest Pass in Alberta have chosen to live amongst a valley of death, living on the edge of imminent disaster at every turn.

Canadians have always been at the mercy of Mother Nature and her varied weather patterns. Despite the level of preparation for impending dangers, many forces of nature still take us by surprise with tragic consequences.

Life is a journey of coming and goings that lead us to our many destinations. For some, the journey is tragically short. Plans are made, flights are booked, a pleasure cruise anticipated, but when fate is at the helm, the inevitable final destination is death.

In the early part of the 19th century, the world experienced 'The Industrial Revolution'. Fuelled by the perfection of the steam engine, everything from manufacturing to transportation on both land and sea became totally redefined. Yet this revolution also brought with it a darker side that emphasized progress at any cost, exacting from some the ultimate price.

With the completion of the transcontinental railway, Canada is truly one nation, linked from sea to sea. The story of the railroad is one of achievement, but also one of tragedy - part history, part headline.

Featuring disasters such as the Halifax Explosion and the Le Mans race car crash.