Faro, a quaint town nestled in the heart of Yukon, Canada, is a place of historical significance and natural allure. Once the site of the world-renowned Faro Mine, the town now seeks to reinvent itself as an ecotourism hub, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region's rich biodiversity.
Faro's history is deeply intertwined with the mining industry. The town was home to the Faro Mine, the world's largest open-pit lead-zinc mine, and a significant producer of silver and other natural resources. The mine was constructed by the Ralph M. Parsons Construction Company of the United States, with General Enterprises Ltd. of Whitehorse as the main subcontractor.
The area was prospected in the 1950s and 1960s by Al Kulan, who is credited with discovering several significant deposits of lead and zinc ore. His efforts led to the establishment of the Faro Mine, which became Canada's largest lead-zinc mine. The Cyprus Anvil Mining Corporation established the first operations to mine the deposits and established the town of Faro. A new highway, initially numbered Highway 9 and now part of the Robert Campbell Highway, Yukon Highway 4, was built between Carmacks and Ross River to serve the Faro area.
However, Faro's history is not without tragedy. On October 26, 2021, an active shooter situation resulted in two fatalities and one critical injury. The suspect, a local resident, was taken into custody and charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault.
As of the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Faro had a population of 440, a significant decrease from its peak population of 1,652 in 1981. The town comprises 210 of its 423 total private dwellings, spread over a land area of 199.89 km2 (77.18 sq mi), resulting in a population density of 2.2/km2 (5.7/sq mi) in 2021.
Faro is well-connected, with the Robert Campbell Highway passing just south of the town. The town is also served by the Faro Airport, ensuring easy accessibility for visitors.
Faro's natural beauty is one of its most compelling attractions. The town is making concerted efforts to attract ecotourism, offering visitors the chance to view such unique species as Dall and Stone sheep, which are almost unique to the surrounding area. Several viewing platforms have been constructed in and around the town to facilitate this.
One of Faro's most unusual features is a golf course running through the main part of town, adding to its charm.
Faro experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) characterized by mild summers and severely cold winters. Extreme seasonal swings are common, although less severe than farther east in Canada due to the warm spells in summers and occasional mild spells in winter.
In conclusion, Faro, Yukon, is a town of historical significance and natural beauty. Its rich mining history, unique wildlife, and scenic landscapes make it a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
