Perhaps the biggest tragedy of the relocation of Michel-Natal is what has been lost forever. The demolition crews who annihilated the towns did so in a manner that still makes many former residents cringe whenever they reminisce about the event. Unfortunately, preserving any sort of heritage from Michel-Natal was the farthest thing on the minds of the people instrumental in tearing down the twin communities.

The notorious "Xs and Os" spray-painted on the homes provide bitter last memories for those whose whole lives had been spent in the twin communities. An "X" placed on a building signified that it was to be torn down, while the "O" provided the building with "a second life" - it could be transported to Sparwood - albeit at a rather high cost to the owner.