In reviewing my daily Ajax inflow of data a few current
points came to mind. There is a community of NO within our community, no matter
what is put forward they show up with predictable rhetoric that would have one
believe that this time the sky really was falling down. On the Ajax issue, they
are alive and engaged. There are people who have legitimate concerns, the Aberdeen
residents and other proximal residents have been active here as they perceive
the potential for negative impacts. There are the First Nation’s issues coming
to the fore. However, the community of no have once again ignited can’t do spirit and they seem to be gaining ground, like the political
negative campaign; it is very hard to counter.
The benefits of Ajax are there, however, they are held juxtaposed
to video of a mushroom cloud of red dust begging the observer to “imagine what’s
in there”, a fear campaign that makes astrology look credible. That image is in
no way indicative of would could be done at Ajax if proper mitigation were in
place.
When going to college I took a job putting in swimming
pools, in one instance the pool had to go where solid rock was – right beside a
house in a residential subdivision – the blaster drilled and blasted a hole
with no ill affect on surrounding homes. I know people who have spent their
entire lives working right in mines – in the mills that process the ore, who
have lived long and healthy lives. I’ve spent my life around the land and seen
nature manage most everything with time. Are there things to be concerned about
with Ajax yes, the key is to ensure they’re managed properly and they can be.
To Mel Rothenburger’s point with respect to the press
in his recent post, the press has been somewhat creditable I can grant him
that, with respect to the hyperbolic NO propaganda I have to give a thumbs
down. The NO community within a community, were effective here at curtailing what
could have been a regional draw in the form of a waterfront hotel and
conference center and now they are at work without reserve on Ajax. Thanks in
large measure to their efforts, until recently we were losing our young people
to other jurisdictions where opportunity exists. The out migration never slowed
because of efforts in Kamloops, it slowed because falling oil prices and more
folly elsewhere causing a general state of reduced opportunity. Mel’s right,
this issue is toxic, so much so I had to put it away for a while – then I
remembered, I believed if managed properly the mine can be net positive for
Kamloops, so someone has to say Yes, and resurrect the CAN DO SPIRIT.
I would encourage the First Nations people to look
closely here, as it is emblematic of a lot that is going on around the
province. Ask yourselves, is my life better than it was when the treaty process
started 20 odd years ago. Look around, are the First Nations people’s living
standards at par with the rest of the population. Exactly who has benefited
from 20 years of court battles, supreme court decisions that have cemented conflict
into First Nations’ interface with the non-native community. You know the
First Nations’ interest have yet to be served, you know the people who rely on
the land for a livelihood have been restricted or have lost opportunity. So who
is benefiting? If I were a member of the First Nations’ community, the next
time the environmental movement comes looking for an ally, I would ask them to
show me a living standard at par with the rest of the population or get lost,
but that’s just me I guess.
Ajax if done quickly, and under the direction of an
operating agreement that ensures the city’s interests are addressed with veto
rights on some operation imperatives, can result in a good outcome for us here.
If managed properly, in what amounts to a very short time in the context of the
city’s life; there can be a premium land development left there, with an enhanced
environmental circumstance. We should have an open mind, there could be a
better Goose Lake around the corner. We need all the opportunity we can get in
Kamloops. If Ajax happens properly in few years, the tourism industry will be
unscathed, TRU will be bigger and better financed and Kamloops will prosper –
one can only hope.
More Thinking on the Subject
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