There’s gold in them hills.
That’s what a Kelowna businessman is banking on as he proposes to re-open the Fairview gold mine in Oliver.
Mayor Ron Hovanes told council that he was approached by an entrepreneur who owns some of the Fairview properties west of town. He also has a mining operation in Hedley, the mayor noted.
The miner has asked the Town for a letter of support, but council resolved to wait until the businessman presents his plan in person. It also wants to involve the regional district.
Hovanes said he understands that the underground mining operation should have no impact on the town other than several dump trucks of ore leaving the area every day. But he indicated the operation will bring approximately 20 full-time jobs to the community.
The mayor said he understands the mining company would need a permit from the province, and would likely be obligated to engage local First Nations.
Water councillor Andre Miller said the only people who will be impacted by the mine will be those who live in that area.
Hovanes reiterated that it’s not an open pit mine, but an underground operation, and any blasting would occur underground.
Councillor Dave Mattes said he supports the idea of mining in Fairview and job creation.
Municipal Manager Tom Szalay cautioned council about publicly supporting such a proposal, referring to the “backlash” it received when it supported the national park concept.
Szalay said the approval process would come from the Ministry of Energy and Mines. He noted this issue is not in the Town’s jurisdiction, but in Area C (rural Oliver).
Area C director Allan Patton said he wasn’t privy to the proposal, so he couldn’t comment on it. “I’m always the last to know,” he joked.
Patton said he would like to see a report on the proposal and some form of public process where residents can have their say. He noted that some people could have concerns and want to know how they would be mitigated.
Patton said he would support the mining proposal if there were no negative impacts on local water bodies. He noted there is a creek that runs through that area.
He wants orchardists to have a say as well.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
