Clinton Creek, Yukon

a
Fa

Clinton Creek, located fifty miles northwest of Dawson City in the heart of the
Yukon’s Klondike district, has the distinction of being Canada’s most northerly open
pit mine. Since it opened in the fall of 1967 it has produced over 861,000 tons of
asbestos valued at over $219,000,000. In addition, through local purchases, taxes
and payroll, the mine and its community have made a major contribution to the
economic and social development of the Yukon.

Clinton Creek mine reached full production in April, 1968, although its first load
of fibre was delivered by truck to railhead at Whitehorse late in the previous year.

The community of Clinton Creek, partly by virtue of its location, has developeda
distinct character of its own. Itis a Yukon community, and it is composed of people
who regard themselves as Yukoners — and so they are. Perhaps the mine’s
proximity to the Klondike has something to do with it. Certainly the area's history is
colourful and boisterous. Just a few miles downstream from Clinton Creek are the
remains of Fortymile — an historic old town that had a gold rush of its own well
before the Klondike rush of 1898. Something of Fortymile’s magic and the romance
of the Klondike epic permeates the whole district and seems to touch everyone
who passes by. Certainly many citizens of Clinton Creek have taken the Yukon's
gold rush history to their hearts and actively work to preserve it.

Ever since its inception ten years ago Clinton mine has been a leader in
production efficiency, and subsequently, the improvement of environmental stan-
dards. This quality of energy and creativity is also reflected in the community's
activities and institutions. When Clinton people decide to do something they do it
well — be it launching the community's current ‘Kick the Smoking Habit’ campaign
or organizing the winter bonspiel. They also know the meaning of isolation and the
need for personal interdependence. As a consequence, Clinton Creek’s community
life is widely recognized for its warm hospitality, its sense of fun, and its high
standard of community responsibility.