In 1901 Jules Fleutot and C. Remy of 'British Columbia Gold Fields Limited' came to the Crowsnest Pass to prospect for coal. Rich coal deposits were found at the present site of Bellevue and on April 2, 1903, West Canadian Collieries was incorporated. The company purchased 20,000 acres of land that encompassed Lille to the north, Blairmore to the west and Byron Creek to the south. Under the direction of Mr. Fleutot, active development on the Bellevue Mine began in 1903, and by December 2nd of that year, the mine loaded its first CPR box car. more... See more text