The proposed area for…

The proposed area for exploration has many cottages and lakes in the surrounding area. The lakes closest to the site also drain into other lakes that are lined with cottages. The area is prime cottage country. Exploration at this site would be analogous to doing the same in the Muskokas. What would the consequences and political action be there if exploration was proposed? We know it would not happen – the political cost would be too great.
While there are no surface right owners within the proposed exploration area of this project, there are an abundant of property owners adjacent and nearby the area. While exploration alone as an activity has minimal impact on the environment, it is the intention to mine and the implications of successful exploration results that is alarming. The mining of gold, platinum and other metals are associated with high environmental impact. The proposed area is surrounded by lakes that are at risk of contamination, as metal mining effluent can have lethal acute and chronic impacts on fish, wildlife, and human health.
There are many examples around the world of the devastating impacts of gold mining, one of the metals that will be explored should the permit be issued. Human and environmental health is more precious than these metals. Those reaping the largest benefit of mining precious metals are executive officers. When do we begin to heal the environment and stop the capitalist frenzy to make a profit at any cost? The cost to animal, human, and environmental health is too great to begin exploring for more resource extraction. As a resident of Thunder Bay, a property owner on Hawkeye Lake and an individual greatly concerned about the environment and climate change, I strongly oppose this request for a permit to conduct the proposed activities. The implications of successful exploration results have great potential impact on my and my neighbours’ health and wellbeing.
What is most alarming is the way in which government ministries provide community members their opportunity to comment – on a website. Have the landowners close to the proposed exploration site been notified of the permit request? This process does not suggest meaningful public and owner surface rights engagement. It is jumping through political hoops so that the appropriate boxes can be checked. We are not a checkbox – we are a community of people whose health and wellbeing are at risk with this exploration. Allowing exploration sends mining companies a very strong message that this area is open to mining and “open for business”. Most community members in the surrounding cottage country would argue that we are not open for business, given meaningful engagement opportunities.