In response to a proposed 21 year mining claim lease by an aggregate extraction development, Friends of La Vase Portages have formally requested the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines & Forest review the proponent application.

 La Vase Portages supporters are concerned that the mining claim is intended to tie up the property for 21 years without public input and full consideration of proposed conservation plans for the historic canoe route area.

 The claim area in question is the last remaining undeveloped section of the historic La Vase Portages canoe route. We believe this heritage site deserves strong public protection and conservation rather than the destruction of a cultural landscape that increased quarrying activity would bring to the area.

For more information:  http://www.lavaseportages.com/index.html

Friends of Temagami responds to this important issue today with a letter to Minister Gravelle.

Minister Michael Gravelle

Ministry of Northern Development, Mines & Forestry

Whitney Block

5630 - 99 Wellesley St W
Toronto, Ontario

M7A 1W3 

Re:  proposed mining / aggregate extraction along La Vase Portages, North Bay

Dear Minster Gravelle,

Friends of Temagami (FOT) is a northeastern Ontario-based, not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 by citizens concerned about the natural, cultural and recreational values of the greater Temagami area.

FOT is concerned to hear that increased mining and aggregate extraction that is being proposed along the historic La Vase Portages voyageur canoe route in North Bay will permanently mar and distract from this national landmark.  To this end, I would like to share a unique and successful solution that was developed when the Lake Temagami area faced similar concerns:

Establishment of the Lake Temagami Skyline Reserve, a mutually developed policy by industry and private property owners whereby anyone using or travelling on Lake Temagami and its portage trails would be spared the sight of any development below the ridgeline of the mainland shoreline.

This agreement that was recognized and strengthened by Government in the 70’s and 90’s  allowed for the natural beauty of the area to be preserved for future generations while still allowing controlled access to the area for mining and forestry.

La Vase Portages are regarded by canoeing organizations across the country as one of the most historic and significant height of land portages in Canada and it deserves strong and significant protection by the Province of Ontario for future benefit of all of the people of Ontario.

We expect you have already heard of the importance First Nation people of the area have placed to a route called joschkeewanicamingue; one of the first points of contact when Europeans entered Northern Ontario.  Places like La Vase Portages offer a unique and special opportunity to recognize and protect a shared history between First Nation and European communities and how they built Canada from the backbone of the Voyageur route and the fur trade industry.   

Although this specific issue is outside our area of concern, the implications of the decisions and actions taken are of great concern to us.     FOT strongly support the goals of increased protection and waterway park designation for La Vase Portages and encourage the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry to take a leadership role in conserving this historical canoe route rather than seeing it lost to compromise.

Regards,

Sincerely,

Alex Broadbent, President

Friends of Temagami

CC:

Minister Gravelle               This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Minister Smith                  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Chris Mayne                    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it