Granisle

Granisle, BC, incorporated as a village in 1971, population 303 (2011c), 364 (2006c). The Village of Granisle is located in central British Columbia on the west shore of Babine Lake, the longest natural lake in the province (at 177 km). The village was founded in 1965 by the Granby Mining Co Ltd when it opened the Granisle open-pit copper mine on McDonald Island (now considered part of Sterrett Island because the accumulation of mine tailings linked the 2 islands) in Babine Lake. In 1972 NORANDA INC opened the Bell Mine on the nearby Newman Peninsula. Noranda took over the original Granisle Mine in 1981 but suspended operations in 1982. By 1992 both mines were closed and tourism had become a growing industry. The Babine River, which drains the lake to the northeast, is one of the world's great steelhead (see TROUT) rivers, and it is also a favourite of rafters and kayakers. The major SKEENA RIVER salmon run is aided by the salmon hatcheries near Granisle.