Coal Creek Golf Resort, Ryley, AB

The current site of Coal Creek Golf Resort has had coal mining activity since the turn of the 19th century. This activity has left “scars” from the early mining practices. In 1956, Mr. & Mrs. Nordby became owners of Dodds Coal Mining Company. Their family still owns and operates the current mine operation and are also the one’s responsible for the reclamation project of the original mine site into Coal Creek Golf Resort.

In the early 50s, coal mines were prevalent with 7-8 active coal mines in the area. During the 60’s, natural gas became a more convenient heating alternative. As a result of this change in heating preferences, coal mines started to close thoughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. This pattern resulted in Dodds Coal Mining Company being one of the only domestic coal mines still in operation in all of Western Canada, that being the same coal mine that James & Kathyrn Nordby’s family have operated since 1956.