I am following the development of the Peel Watershed management plan with great interest.
Although the Peel may seem far away for many, I believe the result will eventually affect all Yukoners.
I am a local tourism operator and I believe that mining has its values and we can’t do without it.
I, too, need what comes out of those holes: I drive cars, I want electricity in my home and I couldn’t do business without computers and other modern-time goodies.
But let’s face it: even after a perfect mine cleanup, the land will never be the same again.
A good thing is that tourism and mining industries are actually talking to each other. But while tourism representatives always point out they are willing to share land and resources, I am puzzled by the “we have to have it all” attitude of the mining industry.
Why do especially the big mining companies think they don’t need to consider the necessities of other stakeholders and users?
So far, about 90 per cent of submissions to the Peel Watershed Planning Commission are in favour of protecting a substantial chunk of the region.
How can our government ignore this strong voice from its voters and attempt to undermine the commission’s work?
I truly hope the Yukon government will not support this “all-mine” attitude and make sure Yukon resources are shared equally - the Peel management plan would be a great opportunity to demonstrate fair sharing of our land with all industries and stakeholders!
Please forget the short-term benefits and take a moment so you can realize that this icon of natural beauty and pristine wilderness has a value far beyond any dollar amount.
It is not too late to write your own message to the Peel Planning Commission: info@planyukon.ca.
You can also address the premier’s office at premier@gov.yk.ca.
Deadline for submissions is June 30.
I hope even more Yukoners will raise their voices in time.
Christoph Altherr
Whitehorse
See more letters pages 10 and 11.