#WeSavedSumas
Maple Ridge Town Hall – Summary
April 2, 2018Welcome.
April 13, 2018
OFFICIAL – Sumas Mountain Quarry application DENIED
Time to celebrate! Our #SaveSumas team just received official word from the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources that the Sumas Mountain Quarry proposal has been denied, and the proponent has relinquished his mineral rights on Sumas Mountain. The icing on the cake to this news is that the Ministry has also confirmed it has started a process which will ensure this area of Sumas Mountain is permanently protected from any further mining claims. The #SaveSumas team has been engaged to work with the Ministry in this process.
A huge THANK YOU goes to everyone who got involved in the #SaveSumas campaign. You sent letters, posted #SaveSumas photos and stories to social media, came out to our #SaveSumas events, and signed the petition. Everything you did made a difference, and our trail users will be able hike, run, and ride Sumas Mountain for years to come because YOU took action! This is a proud day for our trail community in the Fraser Valley! It was incredible to see the different brands of trail users unite to make a difference. Together we are a powerful force!
A special thank you goes out to the team who nailed the plan and stuck with it to the end – Paul Enns of Run for Water, Carlos Zamora of the Abbotsford Trail Running Club, and Chris Friesen and Rocky Blondin from the FVMBA.
Stay tuned for details of a #WeSavedSumas celebration to happen at one of our fine local establishments very soon!
Cheers,
Steve Bennett (#SaveSumas Coalition Lead)
5 Comments
Way to go team!! This is such an amazing victory for all of us who enjoy the trails so much. Amen! ???
Great News!!!
That is just awesome. I recognize that resource needs and recreational uses are sometimes in conflict, and sometimes economic needs should be given primary consideration. However, because of the current and growing population of users, and the park’s proximity to a major population centre, this decision will be appreciated for years to come. Already the upper Fraser Valley has need for expanded park areas, so this will help towards that end.
Me and my entire family and friends use Sumas regularly and really appreciate all of the efforts of those who spearheaded the initiative and championed the cause. Your tireless efforts were really amazing and have been inspiration to so many, and have created a legacy that you can be so proud of in the years to come. My heartfelt thanks to you all for protecting the Sumas Gem that many take for granted. Cheers to you all. See you on the trails and I look forward to getting more involved with similar causes in the future and rallying others. We are certainly blessed with the amazing forests we have in our backyard and now so thankful for this happy ending.
Great Big Congratulations!!
I’m a long time Sumas Mountain resident who – along with the rest of the mountain community – has been threatened by the province’s reckless gravel/quarry practices.
This victory is a huge deal & I’m extremely grateful for the significant role FVMBA played in stopping this illegitimate quarry application!!!
Restores my hope/faith in humanity.
Kind regards,
Walter Neufeld