I am submitting this personal impact statement regarding the proposed Upper Beaver Gold Project. I am a resident of the Kirkland Lake area and a frequent user of the natural landscapes, waterways, and protected areas that define this region.

I wish to raise concerns regarding the potential impacts of the proposed project on Gem Lake Maple Bedrock Provincial Park, a provincially protected area that preserves important natural habitats, recreational opportunities, and ecological values. While the park may not be located within the immediate project footprint, it exists within the broader regional environment that could be affected by large-scale mining activities, water management alterations, increased industrial traffic, and cumulative environmental effects.

The proposed project includes a large open-pit and underground mining operation, on-site processing facilities, and the diversion of substantial volumes of water on an annual basis. Given the scale of the project, I am concerned that alterations to regional water systems, groundwater movement, surface water flows, and water quality may have consequences beyond the immediate mine site. The ecological integrity of protected areas such as Gem Lake Maple Bedrock Provincial Park should be carefully considered within the assessment. 

I am particularly concerned about:

Water Quality and Hydrological Impacts

The project proposes significant water diversions and the discharge of treated effluent into the local watershed. I am concerned that these activities could alter natural hydrological conditions and potentially affect aquatic ecosystems connected to the broader regional environment. The long-term consequences for lakes, wetlands, fish habitat, and protected natural areas require comprehensive assessment. 

Cumulative Environmental Effects

The assessment should fully evaluate the combined impacts of exploration activities, mine construction, operation, transportation infrastructure, noise, dust, habitat disturbance, and long-term closure-related risks. These effects may accumulate over time and influence ecosystem health, wildlife movement, biodiversity, and recreational experiences within Gem Lake Maple Bedrock Provincial Park and surrounding landscapes. 

Protection of a Provincial Park

Provincial parks are established to protect significant natural and ecological features for present and future generations. Any project with the potential to affect the environmental conditions that support these protected lands warrants a high level of scrutiny and precaution. I believe the impact assessment should specifically identify and evaluate any direct, indirect, and cumulative effects on Gem Lake Maple Bedrock Provincial Park.

Recommendations

I respectfully request that the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada:

1.Require a specific assessment of potential effects on Gem Lake Maple Bedrock Provincial Park and associated ecosystems.

2.Strictly enforce all requirements outlined in the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines for the Upper Beaver Gold Project. 

3.Require independent and publicly available hydrogeological, water balance, groundwater, surface water, and aquatic ecology studies before making a final decision. Concerns regarding missing supporting water studies have already been raised during the assessment process. 

4.Ensure that cumulative environmental effects are fully evaluated, including impacts extending beyond the immediate project area.

5.Apply the precautionary principle where uncertainty exists regarding potential effects on protected areas, water resources, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity.

6.Continue meaningful engagement with local residents, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities throughout the assessment process.

Conclusion

Gem Lake Maple Bedrock Provincial Park is an important component of our region's natural heritage. Its ecological integrity should not be compromised by insufficient study or assessment of potential impacts associated with the Upper Beaver Gold Project. I respectfully request that the Agency ensure a thorough, transparent, science-based review of all potential effects before any approvals are granted.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Respectfully submitted,

Charlene Reibling