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• A Look Back at the December 1, 2021 Neighbourhood Meeting

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  Some 20 persons attended the third neighbourhood meeting on the Wasamac underground mining project in the Golden Agers room in Évain on December 1, 2021

  As we near the end of Yamana Gold’s first year as owner of the Wasamac underground mining project, we look back at our third neighbourhood meeting. It was an opportunity to present our growing team, project improvements suggested in the feasibility study, results to date of the exploration program, the environmental assessment process and alternative solutions being analyzed, as well as consultation activities held throughout the year. During the evening, we also announced that we have begun the process to secure permits for the advanced exploration recommended in the feasibility study.

  Following Yamana's presentation in the first half of the meeting, we suggested an interactive workshop on the recreational uses of the local lands. Working in small groups, participants spent about 45 minutes, in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, placing icons on a large map to indicate the sporting and outdoor activities practiced or observed in the area. They also voiced opinions on the five possible sites for the tailings storage facility and on the three options being considered for access to the plant and primary infrastructure.

  Back in plenary, each table presented the main areas identified for such activities as climbing, biking, snowmobiling, family outings, hunting and fishing, self-picking sites and birdwatching.

  In addition to mapping the areas used for recreational and tourism activities, the discussion highlighted broader issues, such as the project’s potential to increase road traffic on Route 117, the coexistence of uses on rang des Cavaliers, and the safety of families and cyclists in the area. The subject of access to fishing and hunting areas, snowmobile trails, climbing sites and the Kékéko Hills was also raised. Concerns about light pollution affecting astronomical observation were also voiced, along with noise that might interfere with wildlife observation.

  We closed the evening with a question-and-answer period addressing issues about noise, preservation of the rural quality of life, and priority solutions to safeguard the drinking water supply for the neighbourhood. Yamana reiterated that it intends to do its utmost to optimize the project with a minimum impact on local residents, that previous commitments will be upheld and that new ones will be discussed in the coming months.

  The information gathered will be incorporated into WSP's impact assessment and will also be valuable to Yamana Gold in the evaluation of the proposed project infrastructure and access road locations.

  A detailed report of this productive evening will also be published soon.

  For those interested in viewing the contributions made during this meeting or who were unable to attend the event, you will have a chance to make your views known online in a few days. Your feedback is important. You are the experts on your community, and citizen input is essential to designing an optimal project. The exercise is also an occasion to identify opportunities to protect, support and enhance the neighbourhood’s attractions and the lifestyles of its residents.