Let’s not be lulled by complacency on Ajax mine
Editor:
This week, I picked up a book at the Kamloops Art Gallery.
It is called Blue River Dark Waters and it is a 2011 compilation of works by Interior authors of British Columbia.
Notable is this foreword by Mayor Peter Milobar: “The authors describe the distinctive qualities that make our region so unique — unlike any other area. What a great way to promote our piece of paradise to the rest of the world.”
Yet we actually question the necessity of protecting our unique piece of paradise from a belching mine like Ajax proposed for the rim of our city?
We question whether it should receive permission to bellow its noise and disruption down into our valley homes far into the distant future?
We question whether it be allowed to further contaminate our aquifers, rivers and air quality?
It surely doesn’t take an environmentalist to recognize the absurdity of this.
The last two Ajax-related letters to the editor in KTW should be posted on everyone’s fridge.
Fred Dwyer, a former director of the Steelhead Society of BC, gives compelling reasons why the proposed mine’s impact on the Thompson River should raise questions, considering the mighty Thompson is already in deep trouble, every year losing a higher number of baby fish that will never return to spawn.
Bronwen Scott, with knowledgeable reasoning — some shocking and some that should be obvious to us all —makes the plea to not trade our quality of life for the Ajax mine.
Scott makes the comment — and, oh, I do so hope she is wrong — that people here are calmly accepting the possibility.
We must become mine-aware in order not to be lulled by a complacency that says, “Oh, whatever — if a few people want to make some money, it won’t hurt us if we just ignore it . . .”
Check out all the likely repercussions online at stopajaxmine.ca.
It’s not the mine. It’s the proximity.
We were smart enough a few years ago to veto fluoride in our water supply and we can be smart again.
Can you imagine the distinctive qualities of Kamloops that would be described by Interior authors should the Ajax mine become the subject of choice?
Come on, Mayor Milobar make us proud and take a stand by promoting this piece of paradise.
Be our voice.
Colleen Carbol
Kamloops
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