On what was described as a "historic day for Canada," mining giant Vale
announced it has formally ceded Willisville Mountain and other sensitive parcels
of land surrounding it from an aggregate license associated with the company's
nearby Lawson Quarry.
The announcement, attended by Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Linda
Jeffrey, comes less than a year after local resident and preservationist Jon
Butler raised the alarm that the mining company's aggregate license for the
quartz quarry extended from the current area of operations on Highway 6 to
include the mountain and land surrounding nearby Lang and Charlton Lakes.
"This is a historic day for Canada, the La Cloche area, Willisville Mountain and
the village of Willisville," Butler, president of the Willisville & LaCloche
Mountains Preservation Society said. "Vale must be sincerely congratulated for
their move to preserve the Willisville Mountain area for our future
generations."
The announcement was made at the community centre in Whitefish Falls on Friday,
April 15, 2011.
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Jon Butler, MPP Mike Brown, Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey before the announcement. April 15, 2011 |
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The meeting is about to begin. April 15, 2011 |
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La Cloche Mountains Preservation Society board members Ian Tamblyn and Kris Puhvel. April 15, 2011 |
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Willisville residents Harold Golden, Mike & Linda Charman. April 15, 2011 |
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Jon Butler & Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey. April 15, 2011 |
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Angie Robson, Vale Corporate Affairs Manager opens the meeting. April 15, 2011
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Canada's premier folk artist, Ian Tamblyn, captures the audience with 'Footsteps on the Mountain' from his 'Willisville Mountain' CD. April 15, 2011 |
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Jon Treen, General Manager of Vale’s Ontario operations, makes the announcement. April 15, 2011 |
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The capacity crowd erupts into applause after Jon Treen's announcement. April 15, 2011 |
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A very happy Jon Butler thanks Vale and the many supporters of Willisville Mountain. April 15, 2011 |
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MPP Mike Brown congratulates all involved and brings greetings from the government. April 15, 2011 |
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Minister of Natural Resources, Linda Jeffrey, praises Vale and the La Cloche Mountains Preservation Society. April 15, 2011 |
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Angie Robson, Vale Corporate Affairs Manager closes the meeting with congratulations. April 15, 2011
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Joel & Brian Montgomery, cottage owners on Frood and Charlton Lakes. April 15, 2011 |
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David Cole, Peg Hewson, Laura & Ken Lindsay cottage owners in Whitefish Falls and the Willisville area.April 15, 2011 |
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Celebrating the announcement. April 15, 2011 |
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Jon Treen and Jon Butler finalize the petition acceptance. April 15, 2011 |
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Jon Butler and Angie Robson celebrate Willisville Mountain. April 15, 2011 |
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Friday night Ian Tamblyn performed to a packed house. April 15, 2011 |
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Kerry Butler prepared the concession area for concert sales. April 15, 2011 |
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Kalila Bachiu, Ian Tamblyn & Chandyn Bachiu at intermission. April 15, 2011 |
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