Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
The City of Williams Lake is currently reviewing the federal review panel’s report on the new Prosperity mine proposal, released Oct. 31.
The executive summary concludes that the project would have significant adverse effects on the water quality of Fish Lake, on fish habitat in Fish Lake, on current use of the lands and resources for traditional purposes of some Aboriginal groups, and on their cultural heritage. The Panel also concluded there would be a significant adverse cumulative effect on the South Chilcotin grizzly bear population, unless necessary cumulative effects mitigation measures are effectively implemented.
“The City’s position has always been that we support the mine project as long as provincial and federal environmental standards are met, and First Nations are adequately consulted,” says Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. “It’s important to remember that we are still in a process. The panel report outlines concerns and recommendations, including options for mitigating the environmental impacts. The federal government now has 120 days to review the report and consider other factors and decide whether or not the mine will go forward."
“Williams Lake is resilient, and we have endured economic challenges, such as those caused by the mountain pine beetle epidemic, and the global recession in 2008, which we are steadily recovering from,” Mayor Cook says. The Mayor also stresses that, while the mine would have a positive economic impact on Williams Lake, it is not a lifeline for the community, and co-operation amongst Cariboo Chilcotin communities will be the key to future prosperity.
“We all want opportunities for growth, jobs, and economic development, but we also want the project to be done right and to be an example of responsible mining,” Mayor Cook says. “The City of Williams Lake looks forward to the outcome of the (Federal) Minister of Environment’s findings."
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