Full text of motion approved by City council calling for a new public comment period on Ajax mine project

EDITOR’S NOTE — Following is the full text of a motion presented by Coun. Donovan Cavers Tuesday on the Ajax mine assessment process and approved unanimously by Kamloops City council.

July 15th — Councillor Donovan Cavers

Whereas; council has made public engagement a significant priority as emphasize in the 2012-2014 council strategic plan.

And Whereas; as city councillors it is our duty and responsibility to ensure members of our community are granted meaningful opportunities to voice concern on issues of any size that may affect them.

And Whereas; the proponent of the proposed Ajax mine recently announced significant changes to the project’s site design including, but not limited to, a new tailings storage methodology.

And Whereas; the majority of the mine’s infrastructure has been shifted south-east towards highway 5A which decreases the possibility for impact on some Kamloopsians while increasing the possibility for impact on others.

And Whereas; the mine’s infrastructure will no longer have detrimental impacts on Inks Lake but is now proposed to be located primarily within the Peterson Creek headwaters/ water shed.

And Whereas; the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) is charged with weighing the pros and cons of any proposed large scale industrial project in BC.

Therefore be it resolved; that Kamloops City Council officially support a new public comment period on the new Application Information Requirements document.

And further be it resolved; that a letter be sent to the BC EAO stating council’s position regarding a new public comment period.

And further be it resolved; that the Premier of British Columbia, our local MLAs, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Energy and Mines be sent letters regarding council’s position regarding a new public comment period.