January 31, 2025
In a letter to Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, KAPA challenged the government’s move to a “one window permitting approach” for a quicker approval of wind energy projects. We pointed out the benefits of an environment assessment through the BC Environmental Assessment Office which already has experienced staff and expertise on conducting an environmental assessment efficiently. Removing the independent oversight of the BCEAO to “make the process go faster” looks politically motivated and risks removing the transparency and clarity that the environmental assessment process requires. In addition, KAPA questions the time savings that Province alludes to by moving the process to the Ministry. Read the letter and download the PDF here.
November 4, 2022
KAPA sent a letter to George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, regarding Ajax Mine contamination of Peterson Creek. The letter, sent via our lawyer, calls for an amendment to Effluent Permit PE-3904 to require KGHM Ajax Mining Inc. to perform improved and increased monitoring of the effluent it is discharging from the closed Ajax copper-gold mine to ensure the protection of the environment. Read the letter here to download the PDF.
October 28, 2021
We urged the BC Government to take immediate and decisive action on modernizing BC's Mineral Tenure Act. We have been asking for this revision since 2013 with no results. In our view, the revised Act MUST enshrine the rights of communities throughout BC to stop mining projects that will threaten citizens' health and their environment. Read the letter here to download the PDF.
February 28, 2021
The project, Tranquille on the Lake, applied to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to use its property for a 1500 unit housing development. KAPA urged the Land Use Planner with the ALC to deny this application to use Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) for non-farming purposes. We recognize that all ALR lands must remain with agriculture being the primary use for a healthy food supply now and for food security of future generations. Furthermore, climate change will make our agricultural productivity even more important in all parts of BC. Read the letter here to download the PDF.
November 5, 2020
Kevin Jardine, Deputy Minister of the Environment, responded to our letter and report on Peterson Creek Aquifer and Contamination. He said that Dr. Morin’s report, along with other materials like the ones identified in our letter, will be referenced by staff when they review the permit, noting that the Ajax mine is currently closed but retains monitoring obligations. Staff will consult with the compliance team to ensure the mine is meeting its current permit requirements.
October 4, 2020
KAPA report on Peterson Creek contamination from historic Ajax mine site. Read letter to Minister of Environment here to download the PDF.
The Peterson Creek Aquifer report is here.
September 29, 2019
KAPA submission to Reviewable Projects Regulation Intentions Paper, including recommendations with regards to effects thresholds, notification requirements, cumulative effects on existing project modifications, and protected areas such as First Nations declared sacred ground and ALR lands.
April 26, 2019
KAPA sent letters to provincial politicians calling for modernization of BC's Mineral Tenure Act (with 2 follow-up e-mails August 8 and November 15).
March, 2019
KAPA sent a draft resolution to Kamloops City Council asking them to support the UBCM resolution to modernize the Mineral Tenure Act with input from stakeholders, First Nations and the public (failed).
December 29, 2018
KAPA submission to the Proposed Professional Governance Act, recommending a triad of decision-makers, public involvement in regulatory bodies and pointing out important issues that were not addressed.
November 8, 2018
KAPA Submission to BC Mining Reclamation Security Policy public comment period.
July 14, 2018
KAPA submission to the Environmental Assessment Revitalization Discussion Paper focusing on building public trust, rigorous overseeing of decision-making by professionals, rigorous objective scientific assessment, establishing provincial equivalent of a federal panel review, improving public engagement process, active involvement of all levels of government, and improving transparency of the environmental assessment process.
April 19, 2018
KAPA Submission to ALR/ALC Revitalization Advisory Committee, including specific recommendations that non-farm uses of ALR lands must not be supported, making note of the mining activity in ALR land south of our city.
April 2, 2018
KAPA submission to Environmental Assessment Advisory committee, a critical review of a flawed assessment process.
March 8, 2018
KAPA submission to Mining Jobs Task Force composition, recommending that West Coast Environmental Law and the Fair Mining Collaborative be members of this task force in order to benefit from an informed BC viewpoint on mining and environmental sustainability.
January 12, 2018
KAPA submission to Professional Reliance Review with 4 recommendations, among them greater oversight role in value components, and engage independent 3rd party to ensure valid methods and appropriate data standards are employed by professionals during their research, and ensure all major projects that may potentially create significant risks to health be subjected to a panel review.