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THURSDAY, July 25, 2013
Proudly serving Williams Lake and the Cariboo-Chilcotin since 1930
Wildfire danger extreme
VOL. 83. No. 60
movie night in the park a big hit
Cariboo Fire Centre (CFC) and Wildfire Management Branch (WMB) weather stations reported Wednesday that the fire danger rating is extreme for the following areas: Middle Lake, Riske Creek and Tatla Lake in the Chilcotin, as well as the Likely region. The fire danger rating is forecast to continue to rise this week throughout the entire CaribooChilcotin region due to warm, dry weather and low relative humidity. There is also a good possibility of lightning storms on the weekend. There is an open burning prohibition in place for the entire Cariboo-Chilcotin region, banning any backyard and industrial waste, slash or grass fires.
A2
SPORTS A9 Alexis Creek Daze international. COMMUNITY A11 Good year for wild berries. Weather outlook: 30C today, 26C Friday, rain on the weekend.
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Tara Sprickerhoff photo
A huge crowd turned up to see the heartwarming movie The Croods presented by FreshAirCinema and sponsored by Fortis BC in Boitanio Park last Tuesday evening. FreshAirCinema will be back in town August 15 for a showing of Epic.
Inside the Tribune NEWS Firefighters go to Quebec.
$1.30 inc. Tax
Panel hears diverse, passionate opinions Monica Lamb-Yorski Tribune Staff Writer By the end of Wednesday more than 30 presenters, some of them very passionate, appeared before the New Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine Project federal review panel in Williams Lake. On Tuesday the panel heard from Amnesty International campaigner Craig Benjamin. “I urge the panel to look at International Human Rights law as a crucial source of document to the task you have before you of assessing the significance of the proposed project’s impacts and determining whether such impact is justified,” Benjamin said. Amnesty International is not against mining, but has seen some of the most tragic human rights violations associated with resources development around the world take place when projects are imposed against the wishes of the affected indigenous nations and communities, he said. Faltering at the microphone,
Monica Lamb-Yorski photo
Federal Review Panel members George Kupfer, chair Bill Ross and Ron Smyth Tuesday.
and admitting it was emotional for him to make a presentation, Len Doucette of 100 Mile House described a town suffering from the economic downturn of the Cariboo region. “We’re starving in 100 Mile House,” Doucette said, adding the mine will help sustain the economy. Presenting on behalf of the Tailhqot’in National Government, Joan Kuyek said the New Prosperity Mine will not save the region “I lived in a mining community,
Sudbury, for 30 years and my kids left home to find work elsewhere too,” she told Doucette. “I would remind you there are already two mines in this area that don’t seem to have stopped the young people from leaving the communities.” Part of Kuyek’s presentation covered taxation considerations and public costs associated with the mine project. “Taxes from metal mines are less than one percent of all revenues in the province of B.C.,” she said, adding tax subsidies often exceed taxes paid. During a presentation on behalf of the city, Mayor Kerry Cook said the project has garnered more attention than any other project in the region. “From the city’s perspective the project presents an opportunity to develop the region’s economy.” There are currently two mines operating near Williams Lake and a third mine could enhance the city’s ability to be a mine training and servicing centre, Cook said.
Local author Sage Birchwater challenged Cook to address the “cultural genocide” that would occur if the mine landed in the middle of the Xeni Gwet’in people’s community. “I think that as a city and mayor I’ve demonstrated the importance of working in relationship with First Nations and will continue to do that going forward,” Cook said. “I respect their position and I just hope they respect the city’s position as well.” Speaking in her traditional language, Tsilhqot’in elder Fanny Stump said the First Nations do not need Williams Lake. Cook responded it was an unfortunate statement. “As neighbours, the city has appreciated the economic benefits of all First Nations communities,” Cook said. General hearing sessions wrap up Thursday, July 25, and topspecific hearings begin Thursday evening and run through to Thursday, Aug. 1.