Really, other than a actual government buyout of homes this has been happening in Alberta (across the prairies) for years now. People slowly leave resulting in reduction in required services. Elevators shutter and rail lines are abandoned. Eventually the local hospital and school are closed which is the final nail in the coffin for any town. They just naturally shrink as people leave. There used to be towns every 7 miles or so along the railroad. Not any more.
|