A Short History of INCO, Vale, and Their Involvement with Lively

INCO and the Birth of Lively (1950s–1990s)

The story of Lively is inseparable from the story of INCO (International Nickel Company). In the early 1950s, INCO was expanding rapidly across the Sudbury Basin, opening new mines and processing facilities to meet global demand for nickel during the post‑war industrial boom. To support this growth, INCO developed Lively as a planned mining community, designed to house workers for the Creighton Mine, Copper Cliff operations, and other nearby sites.

Key contributions during the INCO era included:

• Housing and community development: INCO built many of the early homes, roads, and essential infrastructure that shaped Lively’s layout.
• Employment: Generations of Lively residents worked at Creighton Mine, Clarabelle Mill, Copper Cliff Smelter, and various INCO shops and support facilities.
• Recreation and culture: INCO invested heavily in community life—supporting local arenas, sports teams, playgrounds, and social clubs. Many of Lively’s early hockey, baseball, and figure skating programs thrived because of INCO sponsorship and employee volunteers.
• Environmental stewardship beginnings: By the 1970s–80s, INCO became a major participant in Sudbury’s internationally recognized re-greening efforts, which directly improved the Lively/Walden landscape.

Through these decades, INCO wasn’t just an employer—it was the economic and social backbone of the community.

Vale and the Modern Era (2006–Present)

In 2006, the Brazilian mining company Vale (CVRD) purchased INCO, marking one of the largest international mining acquisitions in Canadian history. For Lively and the broader Walden area, the transition brought modernization, new technologies, and a renewed focus on sustainability.

Vale’s involvement in Lively has included:

• Continued employment and modernization: Creighton Mine—one of the deepest and most advanced mines in the world – remains a major employer for Lively residents. Many families still have multi‑generational ties to the mine.
• Innovation and research: Vale’s investments in deep‑mining technology, safety systems, and automation have kept Sudbury at the forefront of global mining innovation.
• Community partnerships: Vale supports local sports, arts, and cultural initiatives, including contributions to Lively’s recreational facilities, community events, and youth programs.
• Environmental leadership: Building on INCO’s earlier re-greening work, Vale has expanded land restoration, emissions reduction, and biodiversity projects across the Basin—efforts that directly benefit the Walden region’s lakes, trails, and green spaces.

Why INCO and Vale Matter to Lively’s Identity

For 75 years, the mining industry—first through INCO and now through Vale—has shaped Lively’s:

• Population and settlement patterns
• Employment and economic stability
• Sports culture and community spirit
• Built environment and infrastructure
• Environmental transformation and stewardship

Lively exists because of INCO, and it continues to thrive in part because of Vale’s ongoing presence. The community’s resilience, pride, and strong sense of identity are deeply tied to this mining heritage.