‘Too big, too close’ – Ajax mine opponents line Overlanders Bridge to protest open-pit plan
Ann-Marie Hunter waves to motorists on Overlanders Bridge.
NEWS — Hundreds of morning commuters, some honking their horns in support, encountered a string of Ajax mine opponents lining the southbound lanes of Overlanders Bridge this morning (Friday).
Organized by the Stop Ajax Mine group, the hour-long demonstration was intended to keep the controversial proposal prominent in the public’s mind. About 40 protesters of all ages waved to motorists as they held up placards that read, “Too Big, Too Close,” “Toxic Tournament Capital” and “Open Pit Capital.”
Some of the protesters have been actively opposing the project since Day One while others said they’ve joined in as their concerns grew over time. Several said their main objective is to encourage others to inform themselves.
“I’m a veteran,” said Neil Campbell, 82. “I’m retired, I’m back home and it’s safe, and I’m going to stop this mine.”
Ann Marie Hunter described herself as simply a concerned citizen.
“It’s way too close and there are too many risks we just can’t take,” she said, adding that she is not opposed to mining in general.
The close proximity of the proposed mine site, within city boundaries and just two kilometres from residential neighbourhoods, remains a paramount concern.
“The amount of pollution this will put into an already fragile airshed is quite unthinkable,” said Diane Kerr. “I think it will be the death of the community. I think we can generate jobs from a lot of other sources.”
In his 80s and a Kamloops resident for more than 40 years, Jack Jones said his wife is asthmatic, which elevates their health concern. They plan to move to Salmon Arm if the project proceeds.
“The mine’s too close,” said the retired teacher, echoing fellow protesters. “It boggles me because it would change the whole nature of the place.
“When the health (professionals) speak, you have to listen,” he added, alluding to the concerns raised by those in the health-care field.
Lisa Puharich said she is afraid for her granddaughter’s future in a town with an open-pit mine.
“It scares the hell out of me,” she said. “So many people don’t know the risks. There will be fewer jobs in the long run, I think, because people won’t come here.”
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Well done, Ajax protesters! We hope more people will not decide to leave Kamloops, as we have done. However, we’re getting on in years and didn’t want to spend the next five years in Kamloops, living with the uncertainty of having a mine at our front door! Keep up the good work! Ivan & Donna Sambolec
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Thanks for bailing on the fight! Us opponents need more people to leave during the middle of a fight. Hope you got fair market value for your house.
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The small groups of people who show up to demonstrate are the backbone of this community. The folks who show up with cardboard signs at 7:30 in morning to vent their consciences are the ones with real courage and conviction. No invitations to the ‘royal ball’ were sent to them. These demonstrations are mostly about pride, the pride we have in where we live.
I prefer Kamloops. Period.
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I was in the group at the south approach to the bridge near Mission Flats Road. We were pleasantly surprised at the hundreds of friendly honks and waves from passing motorists. I counted six thumbs down and one who yelled “We need jobs”. There was certainly huge support for the Stop Ajax campaign.
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Regardless of how people feel about the mine, I object to people standing on the bridge, waving signs, especially at rush hour. I was driving by at the time. It slowed traffic down while people were trying to read what they said. And distracted drivers is the latest thing in the news? They don’t need to be on cell phones to be distracted.
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It was heartening to have so many people honk and wave and indicate support. And what I actually said was that there will be less physicians coming to a city that is already dangerously short on this kind of support.
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