Sample Letter

Hon. Greg Rickford
Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines
99 Wellesley St W, Whitney Block 5th Flr Rm 5630
Toronto, ON, M7A 1W3
email: greg.rickford@pc.ola.org

AND

Mr. Tony Scarr
Regional Supervisor Southern Ontario
Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines (MNDM)
933 Ramsey Lake Road, Floor 6
Sudbury ON P3E 6B5
Email: tony.scarr@ontario.ca

Dear Mr. Rickford (Mr. Scarr),

I strongly oppose heavy metal mining explorations for two main reasons: its environmental risks are unacceptable and uncontainable and the local and wide spread community will suffer as a result.

The exploration properties covers forested areas that includes unspoiled lakes and wetlands. This natural habitat supports a wide variety of wildlife, including endangered species. It also supports our way of life and our economy. Many local businesses depend on tourism and recreation, which in turn depend on the health and beauty of our lakes and woods.  This could irreparably  arm wildlife, and contaminate our lakes, wetlands, and drinking water. I do not believe it is possible to develop a mine in south eastern Ontario without causing serious and permanent harm.

There is a long history of mining in this area, but things have changed. The economy of our area is based on local services and trades, entrepreneurship, tourism, and recreation, while the traditional activities of hunting, fishing, trapping, small-scale logging and farming  continue. An industrial mining operation will have no value for most year-round and seasonal residents, will not generate a meaningful number of local jobs, and will reduce property values.

Our bedrock aquifers are sensitive to drought and vulnerable to contaminants. A mine in our area could create millions of tons of potentially acid generating mine waste. This waste would need to be contained indefinitely. Even exploratory drilling could release sulphur into wells. The contaminants introduced into ground water would pollute nearby lakes, streams, and springs and could travel as far as Lake Ontario.

The natural environment is our most valuable resource. These exploration projects potentially leading to a mine are harmful to the environment, water and livelihood of thousands of people in this location and cannot continue. Please do not approve any applications for further mining explorations or activities, and disallow any current heavy metal explorations in south eastern Ontario.

Sincerely,

 

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