Feature Article August 21, 2002
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Bedford Mining Alert AGMby Charlie StewartMore than 80 people sat in rapt attention on Saturday Aug. 17, as leaders of the Bedford Mining Alert reviewed the local mining issues, actions theyve taken and recommendations for landowners who wish to challenge mining claims on their lands. This was the annual meeting of that nascent organization, founded little more than two years ago. Mayor Leonard, Deputy Mayor David Hahn and Councilor Fran Willis, all from South Frontenac Township, also attended.
John McKillop, a landowner in Burridge, reviewed the recent history of mining claims and association actions. He noted that in the Bedford District of South Frontenac Township there are approximately 8,000 hectares of land on which the owner has only surface rights. The Province owns the mineral rights, and thus that land is open to prospecting and mineral exploitation. McKillop said that mining claims had been filed on approximately 2,000 hectares of land in the District, half of that in the last two years. The claims cover a wide swath running from Green Lake situated between Bobs and Wolfe Lakes, through Burridge, then in the vicinity of the Westport Road to property around Potspoon Lake.
McKillop reported that these claims had been processed on behalf of Graphite Mountain, Ltd., a subsidiary of a Utah mining corporation. He said the company had purchased land between Perth and Rideau Ferry for a processing plant. The raw materials would have to be transported along back roads near Bobs Lake or through Westport to get to the processing plant. McKillop then highlighted the adverse environmental impacts of mining. In addition, as it is a high-technology industry, it may not provide significant employment or economic infusion to the local economy. Further it may decrease property values and hurt tourism, both resulting in lower tax revenue at the local level.
McKillop also noted that the Ontario Mining Act dates from the mid-1800s, when the population density was very low. Its purpose was to regulate the mining industry, which was in a chaotic state, and settle disputes between prospectors. Since then competing priorities have emerged. These include other, less invasive economic ventures, the recreational use of land, and environmental concerns. He described the outmoded aspects of the current law. For example, the prospector does not have to comply with usual trespass restrictions and does not have to notify the landowner when a claim is staked, but the landowner has only a year to appeal the claim. In addition, certain existing improvements are supposed to be noted on the filing documents and protected from mining. However, the documents often failed to list these improvements.
Peter Griesbach, another local landowner and Director-at-Large for the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations, described FOCAs involvement in the mining issues. The Association represents approximately 900 cottage associations and about half a million cottagers throughout the province. Griesbach noted that mining has become a province-wide issue, not just in the local area. Among other things, FOCA is participating on a mining advisory committee established by the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. The Minister has asked the committee to recommend essential changes to the current mining law. Griesbach suggested that individuals write to the Minister, other ministries and members of the legislature to highlight the changes that are needed. He noted that there are articles on the mining issue in the July/August issue of Cottage Life and the current edition of Canadian Geographic.
Marilyn Crawford, a resident of Green Lake, outlined specific actions that property owners should take to protect their interests. She noted that there are currently 51 mineral claims filed in the Bedford District alone. About 15 people in the audience had claims filed on their properties, and half of those have filed formal disputes challenging the claims.
Finally, the speakers encouraged the attendees to continue their active involvement. They concluded by emphasizing that essential changes, which balanced mining with other local and environmental considerations, would only result from widespread public attention.
