Township asks Ontario to act in uranium dispute
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 | 10:56 AM ET
CBC News
A municipality near the site of a potential uranium mine that is being blocked by aboriginal protesters despite a judge's order wants the Ontario government to intervene in the dispute.
"Many, many citizens, both native and non-native … are extremely concerned. We have the prospectors moving in on land without notice, as is presently their legal right," said Norm Guntensperger, councillor for Central Frontenac township, at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario meeting Tuesday.
"Can we see some action from the province on this instead of just more and more police? It's not doing the job."
A parliamentary assistant to Bill Mauro, the minister of northern development and mines, said the province is reviewing the Mining Act, but would not comment on the specific situation because it is before the courts.
Frontenac Ventures Corp. wants to do test drilling for uranium at the site near Sharbot Lake, about 60 kilometres north of Kingston, Ont. The company has taken protesters from the local Ardoch and Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin First Nations to court for blocking the site's entrance in North Frontenac Township since June 29.
The Algonquins are concerned that uranium mining could cause environmental damage to land they claim they never properly surrendered to the Crown. They have also asked the province to intervene in the dispute.
Last week, a judge banned entry to the property by anyone except "the owner with the valid registered deed," and ordered that all signs and other paraphernalia be removed.
However, the Algonquins have said they plan to continue their blockade.
Police have said the judge's order presents a difficult situation, but they hope it remains peaceful.
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