ROTHENBURGER: Ajax could happen again if we don’t change some rules

Calls to modernize mining regulations have been going on for years. The Mineral Tenure Act is typically referred to as antiquated, a left-over from the gold rush days. As it stands, cities and regional districts can’t carry out effective planning in areas subject to mineral claims.

Mines the size of the one that was planned for the Ajax property shouldn’t even be considered close to populated areas anyway but, at the least, local governments should have a veto.

The City of Kamloops spent hundreds of thousands on studies and all it could do was offer an opinion.

During the Ajax process, nobody came out against mining. Nobody said they were against jobs. It was all about location, location, location.

A half dozen Kamloops organizations are among those who have asked for reform. Coun. Denis Walsh wants Kamloops City council to make a new push through the Union of B.C. Municipalities. His notice of motion to council asks the provincial government to develop “common sense restrictions on where mineral claims and mining leases are allowed” and to ensure local governments, First Nations, private landowners and the public have a “meaningful role in decisions about mineral tenure.”

It’s a mouthful, but it comes down to this. We dodged a bullet with Ajax. We might not be as lucky the next time.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

by Armchair Mayor

ROTHENBURGER: Ajax could happen again if we don’t change some rules

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