Located Located on Nickel Plate Mountain near Hedley in the Similkameen region of southern British Columbia, this conservation project focused on restoring key site elements to support safe tourism access while protecting the structure from ongoing exposure. Working in an extreme remote environment, our team applied rigorous planning and disciplined execution to deliver durable, site-appropriate upgrades.
Timeline
Apr - Sep 2025
Location
Nickel Plate Mtn
Project Type
Conservation
The site is positioned on the side of a sheer mountain and includes approximately 702 steps. Prior to restoration, there were no windows remaining in the lower bunkhouse, and a significant amount of material was badly damaged. The project’s intent was to stabilize and restore critical components so the site could be safely experienced as part of a tourism setting, while respecting its historical significance.
Goals
- Improve site safety to support tourism access and public experience
- Protect vulnerable openings and key elements ahead of winter conditions
Unique Challenges
Remote Access and Logistics
With no road access to the site, materials were flown in by helicopter. The location is miles from services, requiring the crew to camp on site to maintain continuity, safety, and efficiency.
Site Conditions
The steep mountainside setting and extensive stair access required careful coordination of movement, staging, and installation across the site.
Technical Approach
Our work prioritized durable restoration outcomes suited to an exposed mountain environment, delivered with careful sequencing given the logistics of helicopter-supported access.
Key work completed included:
- Installation of windows across the site to secure openings and improve readiness for winter
- Construction of a new access bridge
- Site cleanup and restoration to improve overall condition and usability
- Installation of a new portal door at the mine
Collaboration & Coordination
Approvals were coordinated with the Similkameen Band. The project also involved collaboration with HeritageWorks and HeritageBC to support conservation objectives.
Before & After
Before
- No windows remained in the bunkhouse; extensive material damage was present across the site
- Exposed conditions and access limitations increased vulnerability and complexity
After
- Windows installed and the site positioned for winter readiness
- New access bridge constructed
- Portal door installed at the mine
- Site cleaned and restored to support safer public experience
Results
Despite the constraints of a remote mountaintop location with no road access, the project delivered meaningful conservation upgrades that improved safety, protected key openings, and restored essential site elements to support tourism use.
Services Used
- Conservation project execution in remote conditions
- Access and safety upgrades
- Installation and site restoration support
Preserving historic places requires precision, planning, and respect for materials. If you’re planning a conservation project with complex access or stakeholder coordination, connect with Heritage Masonry to discuss scope and approach.
