Rolphton (ghost town)

Due to the isolation of Rolphton, Ontario Hydro created the Rolphton Hydro Colony. This community would provide homes for the staff of the generating plant.

The area was originally a townsite for the dam construction workers. The water supply system for the construction camps later became part of the workers townsite water supply. In addition to providing homes, a church, recreation centre, 30 bed hospital and tennis court facilities were built.

As the need for workers decreased with advancing technology, and more homes became available outside of the once isolated Rolphton, Ontario Hydro decided to close the town. On October 21, 1988 a tender went out for the sale and removal of the remaining homes. They were moved to the Ottawa Valley.

To the nuclear demonstration plant: Drive past Rolphton on Hwy 17 East for about 3 km, a paved road with a gate bars the entrance. The plant and foundations of adjoining buildings lie 1/3 km away.

Location: 19km west of Deep River, on highway 17, at the highway 635 turnoff. As you turn onto 635 you will see the crumbly paved road (and stop sign) just paces from highway 17. If you were to continue on down the main road and go right, you would end up at the power station.