Minutes of a Special Meeting held in the Council Chambers, 937907 Marsh Bay Road, Coleman Township, on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
There were present:
Township of Coleman Mayor: C. Belanger
Councillor: A. Chitaroni
L. Perry Clerk-Treasurer: C. Bigelow
Ministry of the Environment: Steve Reitzel
Larry McCormak
Doug Walsh
Ministry of Northern Development and Mines: Dawn Spires
Present: Dan Cleroux
A lengthy discussion was held regarding the Cobalt Refinery Site and the CanMine properties.
History – The Mining Rights were severed in 1952/53 – the tailings were severed from the surface
1991 – the property did not meet the definition of a mine and was qualified an industrial site. Therefore, it was not captured by the present day legislation.
– The Township of Coleman is concerned with the education taxes the Township must pay on behalf of the company.
– Should the Township of Coleman take over the Company, the Ministry of the Environment will not charge the Township for five years, but, ultimately, the Owner is responsible for the clean up of the property.
– The present owner of the company is not in compliance with the Ministry of the Environment orders. A Court date is set for January 22nd, 2009 at which time the owner will be charged with non compliance to the Provincial Officer’s Order. If found guilty, a Court Order will be issued.
– It is estimated that the clean up of the property would be very expensive.
The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines will not step in to assist with the clean up. Other sites have come back to the Crown which resulted in the Crown cleaning up these particular sites. This is not the case with these two properties.
– MNDM is seeking a Closure Plan for the Canadaka property.
– Canadaka’s present owner has been ordered to clean up the metal hydroxide sludge and his Court Date is set for January 22, 2009 as well.
Proposed Plans to Remedy this Situation
– Request that MPAC reassess the Cobalt Refinery property – the property has no value as it stands.
– Start a letter writing Campaign to the Crown Attorney
– Request that the Ministry of Labour condemn the buildings
– The Municipal By-Law Officer will assess the property based on the Property Standard By-Law and, if necessary, put a lock on the gate so that no persons can enter on the property for any reason.
– Request an inspection by the Ministry of Health
– Seek financial assistance for an Environmental Assessment from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Motion 08-11-01 MOVED BY Lois Perry and SECONDED BY A. Chitaroni:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this meeting do now adjourn. Carried.
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CLERK-TREASURER MAYOR
