By Regional Director Mark Vonesch
As many of you are aware, 2385425 Alberta Ltd. (Island United) has applied to increase the size of the tenure of their quarry on Cortes Island from 1.25ha to 5.16ha.
Applications have been submitted to the Ministry of Forests and the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to increase the footprint, approve washing as a permitted activity, introduce a concrete plant, and increase the annual extraction rate to a maximum of 39,999 tonnes per year (up from approximately 5,000 tonnes per year).
These applications impact public land and our community and there is now opportunity for us, the public, to provide input into the decision.
I attended the public meeting last week where 100+ Cortes Islanders showed up to better understand the applications, share information, and voice their thoughts. I appreciated the respectful discussion and our ability to come together and connect in a good way.
Details of what was shared at that meeting can be found here:
https://cortescurrents.ca/gleanings-from-the-may7-community-meeting-island-uniteds-proposed-quarry-expansion/
Most folks I have spoken with agree that it makes a lot of sense for the concrete and gravel that we need to come from Cortes rather than ferried in from off island. It also provides local jobs, has less environmental footprint than shipping from off island, and there is an ease of access for builders on the island.
On the other hand, I have also heard a lot of concerns about the increase in size, water use, impact on the environment and watershed, including the nearby fish bearing streams, and large errors in the report provided to the Ministry of Forests.
Your voice matters and I hope you will consider providing input, no matter where you stand.
Note, each ministry has different focuses, so email them regarding the focus areas below:
1) Ministry of Forests
- Deadline: May 14th, Midnight (tomorrow!)
- Focus Areas: Do you think it will impact our roads, ferries, tourism, quality of life? Was there adequate community engagement?
- Public Portal: Click Here
- Email: [email protected]
2) Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals
- Deadline: Extended to May 22nd, Midnight
- Focus Areas: environmental, watershed, water use impacts, noise, and fish presence.
- Public Portal: Click Here
- Email: [email protected]
- Note: Include “Formal Objection (or Support), Mine File 1610613” in the body of the email.
Thanks for reading and please reach out if you have questions. Stay tuned for another newsletter next week with more updates from the SRD and all things Cortes!
In service,
Mark
PS: Although most of the discussion around this issue has been respectful, I have heard of reports of Island United staff feeling threatened and intimidated, which is unfortunate and inappropriate. It’s okay to be passionate, but please engage with each other kindly!
Mark Vonesch
Cortes Island Regional Director
ph/txt: 250-202-4422
Top photo: courtesy Roy L Hales; image below: courtesy Christine Robinson
