There needs to be better…

There needs to be better mapping included with the proposal. The maps at the bottom of the applications are hard to figure exact locations, but they are both right at the edge of the Chiniguchi Park. This park boundary needs to be included on the maps at the proposal stage.

Provincial policy allows commercial activities, and also requires consideration and accommodation for other values on the land. In this case, remote recreation values must be protected. The logging industry honoured the remote character of the land by decommissioning the road when operations were complete. If Inventus chooses to reopen this road, there must be a closure plan to prevent new motorized access.

There is a very strong concern about impacts on canoe routes and especially the portage between Doon and Matagamasi Lake, which is within a remote Enhanced Management Area as described in the Crown Land Use Policy.
The portage between Doon Lake and Matagamasi Lake is indicated on the map. However, it is a simple footpath, totally unsuitable for developing for access to the work site. The logging industry honours these ancient trails with a 60 meter buffer. Had they chosen to travel on the trail for any distance, they would have been required to do a Stage 2 archeological study.
There is no benefit to Inventus to use or disturb this trail. Large machinery will be required to do the work required. Any new road must stay at least 60 meters from the trail.

It is understood that MNRF bears responsibility for roads and trails. However, they do not review mining applications. As was the case for work Inventus did in MacKelcan Township in 2018, MNRF was not consulted before the road was created. It was only after the work was complete that they chanced upon the road.

The application suggests the area will be accessed by trails, yet also indicates that bulldozer, skidder and excavators will be used in addition to access by truck. These will require a road, not a trail. The application must be amended to indicate construction of a road. Inventus will need to be proactive this time, and request the road permit from MNRF.

Again, the company needs to become familiar with the EMA requirements for this area. The application needs to acknowledge that CLUP will be honoured.

This area is just one of five where Inventus is proposing to work. There needs to be ‘big picture’ review before this application is approved.