The Bassin versant du Lac Heney Watershed association is pleased to bring you the latest edition of our newsletter. Happy Thanksgiving!
You can download the PDF file here:
An online version will be ready soon!
Autumn newsletter now available
Year: 2024
Mining Exploration – Special Bulletin
Dear Association Members, watershed residents, and neighbours,
This bulletin highlights the discussion at our July 21, 2024 AGM, concerning mining exploration.
The terminology is complex, for example, between mining exploration rights and exploitation rights, and between the exploration permit holder’s legal rights to access your property and a mining company’s rights to expropriation for exploitation – i.e.: actual mining activity.
Please see the attached explanatory memo, instructions and draft letter to the mining exploration permit holder – Brunswick Exploration Inc., which holds significant mining exploration claims on the west side of our watershed covering both Lac Sainte-Marie and Gracefield (see attached map).
This past year we met with the MRC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, city of Gracefield and municipality of Lac-Sainte-Marie. We are indebted to Board Member Chantal Landry for working to clarify the situation, and Coalition QLAIM for their support and assistance in drafting the letter.
The MRC has passed a moratorium on new mining exploration permits; however, the current exploration permits were already authorized by the Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and remain in place.
This presents a serious risk to the water quality, environment and wildlife of our watershed.
The draft letter we are sharing with you will prevent mining exploration activities from taking place on or near your property. It is important that you take action.
Please give this request your highest attention. This is a serious concern, during our July 21 AGM, a former association President commented “this makes my blood run cold”.
Yours truly,
Roger Larson, President, Bassin versant du Lac Heney Watershed Association /
Président, Association du bassin versant du Lac Heney Watershed- and –
Tom McKenna, President, Lake Heney Foundation/ Président, Fondation du lac Heney
Pedal boat found
A red/orange pedal boat was found on the west side of Lac Heney. Let us know if it is yours and we will put you in contact.
AGM Reminder
The BVLH and Foundation AGMs are this Sunday, July 21 starting at 10am at the Lac Ste-Marie Municipal building.
Please note that anyone who has not paid their membership dues for 2024-25 is encouraged to do so by sending an e-transfer of $35 to Ted Billey, BVLH Treasurer, at finance@bvlacheney.ca. Members must be paid up to vote at the Annual Meeting of the Association. Payment by credit card on the Association web site is now available.
All residents in the watershed are encouraged to become members and attend the meeting.
Join our new Facebook Group
We’re excited to invite you to join a brand-new Facebook group “Friends of Lac Heney | Les Amis de Lac Heney “, a place where you can connect and share on topics relevant to the watershed and local area. Click the link below and hit “Join Group” to be part of our community. We can’t wait to welcome you!