It’s very clear which side of the Ajax debate has more passion

THE ARMCHAIR MAYOR COLUMN — Though many questions remain about the proposed Ajax open-pit mine, one thing is certain – its opponents are substantial in number and strong in their determination to stop it.

TRU’s Faculty Association human rights committee attracted another full house Sunday at the Clocktower Theatre for a presentation about Ajax.

This time it was Dr. Jill Calder of the Kamloops Physicians for a Healthy Environment.

Calder focussed heavily on the potential impact to air quality of the mine, which would be located just south of the Aberdeen area. She explained the science behind air pollution, noting that it’s now accepted that an increase in particulates can result in fatal health conditions.

The standing ovation at the end of her presentation was a pretty clear indication that the crowd was almost unanimously against the development of the mine.

That’s typical of these Sunday-afternoon presentations about Ajax, and some say it’s unfortunate the pro side of the issue doesn’t get an equal chance to stand on a soap box and sing the praises of the mine.

As informative and helpful as a head-to-head forum would be, there’s nothing stopping Ajax supporters from being heard. Thus far, though, they’ve limited themselves to a few trades students showing up a pro-Ajax rally, a bit of heckling at another pro-Ajax rally, some bumper stickers and blog comments.

As has been indicated previously in this space, public-opinion surveys appear to indicate a public that is very divided on the mine. But could it be that the anti-Ajax side is the one with the passion, the one that feels much stronger about it?

They’re the ones who attend rallies or are willing to leave the comfort of their living rooms on a Sunday afternoon to go to a presentation to listen and learn, whether it be one of the Clocktower presentations or one like the Kamloops Moms for Clean Air hosted several months ago.

Indeed, the only organizing on the mine debate is being done by those who oppose it. The Kamloops Physicians for a Healthy Environment, the Kamloops Moms for Clean Air, the Kamloops Area Preservation Association, the Kamloops & District Labour Council and Richard Boyce of the United Steelworkers are among those who have come out in opposition.

Those in favour of the mine — like the Mining Association of Canada — tend to be focussed on jobs and economic development.

But, as Calder pointed out Sunday, “The jobs are going to be temporary. The impact will be there long after they shut down.”

It would seem the view she represents is, by far, generating the most concern and determination. While Calder urged that opponents put their energy into arguing with facts rather than emotion, surely the magnitude of their concerns for health, environment and lifestyle has to be taken into consideration by bureaucrats and politicians who have the ultimate decision-making power on Ajax.