Bedford Mining Alert (BMA) public meeting scheduled for Saturday July 25

The BMA, is a group of concerned citizens in Bedford District, South Frontenac Township, who have been working for 10 years to bring about changes to the Ontario Mining Act.  The goal of BMA is to allow property owners and local communities greater input into land use decisions and environmental protection issues, so that the full economic and societal potential of the land is protected and realized.

BMA is holding a public meeting on Saturday, July 25 at 10 a.m. at the Bedford Community Hall, 1381 Westport Road in the Township of South Frontenac.

This year's format will feature a presentation by MPP Michael Brown, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry. Roy Denomme, Senior Manager, Mining Lands Section of MNDM&F will answer questions relating to the Mining Amendment Act. Invited guests will include MP Scott Reid, MPP Randy Hillier, and North, South and Central Frontenac Township Mayors and members of council.

The Mining Act has undergone a review and proposed changes were introduced in the legislature on April 30, 2009. The Bill has gone through second reading in the House and has been assigned to Committee which will be receiving input through hearings in August and written submission until Sept. 4.

Sandy Cameron, the Chair of BMA says, "It promises to be an interesting and informative meeting. It will provide an opportunity to learn about the proposed changes to the Mining Act, as well as the changes BMA believe are needed. It is important to have a good representation from the community and elected officials in order to show the extent of our concerns."

BMA's efforts are supported by many groups, including the Township of South Frontenac, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Land O'Lakes Tourist Association, Greater Bobs and Crow Lake Association, Friends of the Tay Watershed; Buck Lake Association, Sunset Shores Peninsula Association; Knowlton Lakes Cottagers Association, Fourteen Island and Mink Lake Association, Wolfe Lake Association, Kennebec Lake Association, Kashawakamak Lake Cottage Association, Sharbot Lake Property Owners Association, Garter Lake Association, Desert Lake Property Owners Association, Knowlton Lake Cottagers Association and Algonquin to Adirondack Conservation Association

For more information visit www.bedfordminingalert.ca