Area Residents, Businesses Vocal in Support for New Prosperity
Facebook Page Highlights Jobs, Economic Stimulus
100 MILE HOUSE, BC, Sept. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Taseko Mines Limited's New Prosperity mine project is getting a lot of big thumbs up on a Facebook group that has sprung up in support of the development.
Local businessman, Len Doucette, who runs The Hills Health Ranch in 100 Mile, BC, said he's thrilled to see the process moving along and applauds Taseko's responsible community support and water management strategies, which are contained in a recent submission of the Project's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
"Taseko has really laid out a great plan here," said Doucette. "There's a lot of support for this project in the Cariboo region and many of us felt that last time around it was a select voice of opposition that got the most attention. To have another shot at the project, another opportunity to voice our community's support; this is really what motivated me to launch the group on Facebook. We know how important the jobs are and we also recognize how important the environment is in this region. This plan offers a perfect balance between development and protection for the land and the waterways and we want people to know that we're behind it all the way."
He said the company has gone the extra mile in reaching out to local communities and addressing concerns that were raised during the project's last review, as documented in Taseko's Executive Summary of the EIS and an accompanying video, which have both been made available to the public online.
"Taseko's really made strong efforts to sustain a conversation with local communities, in some cases spanning over 20 years," he said. "As someone who has called the Cariboo home all his life, I have a lot of candid conversations with people in all communities. The overwhelming majority of people I speak to in the community say they support the mine because it will bring jobs - something we all need in this region. Just look at Gibraltar, Taseko's existing mine in the region. For nearly 40 years that mine has helped support our economy. I'd hate to think where we'd be without it."
Doucette launched the Facebook group (Say Yes to the Taseko Prosperity Mine Project) in April of 2012 and it has quickly grown to be a hub for supporters.
"The opponents of the mine get a lot of headlines and I just wanted a place where people who support the project could express themselves without being shouted down," he said. "The group is growing everyday and it will be a great thing to be able to show solidarity at the upcoming panel hearings."
What People Are Saying on Facebook:
"I would like young families to move into the communities and more businesses open rather than close. I would also like to give my children the opportunity to come back here to build a life with their families (my grandchildren). So you see I am concerned about the future of our children's children." Jeanette McCrea
"I say YES to Prosperity Mines! The trickle down effect would be so positive for our Boo Country!" Glenda Ellen Carson
"YES! How can BC and Canada afford not to allow this mine - we need the jobs and with keeping an eye on the environment, all should be happy about it." Ingrid E. Berger
"Lets Get It Rolling!! Yes!" Robert Fry
"We need to replace the losses in the forestry industry with viable jobs, or we will quickly become a retirement community with no business development. That is how you lose hospitals, teachers, doctors... families move away and progress dies." Tammi Russoki Kozakevich
SOURCE: Say Yes to New Prosperity
Len Doucette
250-706-2192
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