A belief that the adopted name was a later corruption of a First Nations word that meant Pirates Bay is baseless, but outsiders used the expression as a derogatory nickname.

In 1884, Robert Evan (Bob) Sproule sold an interest in the mine to Dr. Wilbur A. Hendryx.

After a further $100,000 investment in mine development, by 1890, the Galena transported the ore south for refining, returning north with coal to power the operation.

To increase the cargo value prior to shipment, a smelter was needed, and the flat ground at Pilot Bay was chosen.

In 1905 the Canadian Metals Company (CMC), unsuccessfully attempted to renovate the concentrator to process the zinc-rich ore from local mines.

[3] West of the main road, the twin rectangular brick chimneys, some machinery parts, and a giant sawdust pile are all that remain.