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CTV News
6 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
First Nation disappointed as B.C. court rejects challenge to Mount Polley dam level
The Mount Polley mine is seen near the town of Likely, B.C., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014. (Jonathan Hayward / The Canadian Press) VANCOUVER — The B.C. Supreme Court has dismissed a First Nation's bid to stop the level of a tailings dam being increased at the Mount Polley mine site, which suffered a catastrophic dam collapse that spilled millions of litres of waste and water 11 years ago. The Xatsull First Nation claimed the province's approval of the plan to raise the level of the dam in B.C.'s Interior by four metres was improper and done without 'meaningful' consultation with the nation. But Justice Michael Tammen ruled Wednesday that the provincial government's consultation with the Xatsull was proper. 'I view the consultation here as deep and, importantly, the process employed by the province provided Xatsull with ample opportunity to present their perspective,' Tammen said. The First Nation said in a statement it was disappointed in the ruling. 'This is the same facility that breached and devastated Xatsull's territory in 2014 — the worst mining disaster on record. Its impacts are still harming our Nation's rights, culture and way of life today,' it said. 'We will be reviewing the decision as well as exploring our options to determine next steps.' Tammen found the province fulfilled its duty to consult, and said that had he found otherwise, he would not have hesitated to grant the Xatsull's wishes to have the decision approving the plan reconsidered. Tammen said Mount Polley Mining Corp.'s plan to raise the tailings storage level was 'comparatively modest,' and the rationale for provincial approval 'readily apparent.' The court had been expected to rule on an application for an injunction Tuesday with a decision on the nation's judicial review to follow, but Tammen dismissed the Xatsull's legal challenge outright and found no basis to grant an injunction to stop the plan moving ahead. Tammen said raising the dam as proposed 'does not increase the scope of operations at the mine, nor does it increase the ecological footprint of ongoing mining operations.' The judge said the tailings dam failed 'catastrophically' in 2014, which 'has in turn caused widespread and long-lasting environmental damage and corresponding impacts to Xatsull's Aboriginal title, rights, culture, and way of life.' 'Xatsull is obviously and understandably extremely concerned with the potential for a further failure and thus has a corresponding interest in ensuring that the mine is being operated in an environmentally responsible and safe manner,' he said. The judge said he didn't want to dismiss, diminish or minimize the 'deleterious' effects of the tailings dam failure, which is still the subject of civil litigation and Fisheries Act charges against the company. Lawyers for Mount Polley and provincial government claimed the risk of a future tailings dam failure was 'speculative,' while the judge characterized 'it as remote and incapable of even approximate quantification.' The judge ruled that the province's duty to consult relates to only 'current government conduct' rather than any past wrongs or failings, and must focus on 'adverse impacts' from a specific proposal and not 'larger adverse impacts of the project of which it is a part.' Tammen said it was reasonable for B.C.'s environmental assessment office to consider impacts on the First Nation's constitutional rights as a 'starting point' during the consultations that happened during the permitting process. 'That process was aimed at the overarching safety and design issues that were at the heart of Xatsull's concerns,' the judge said. 'If Xatsull asserted other impacts … beyond the risk of further failure of the (tailings storage facility), they had ample opportunity to make those known to the (environmental assessment office), but did not do so.' Chief Rhonda Phillips said earlier this year that the province was allowing the work to proceed without a valid environmental assessment certificate at the site of the spill that sent millions of tonnes of water and tailings into the environment on the nation's territory in B.C.'s Cariboo region. The Xatsull said in June that the mine's operator agreed not to deposit tailings at the facility that would require the dam to be raised until the court issued its decision on the injunction. Phillips had said 'meaningful' reform is needed in the aftermath of the 2014 spill because the provincial government is still approving 'risky storage methods' while failing to adequately consult the nation. This report by Darryl Greer of The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025.
Toronto Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
B.C. forestry executive warns against cutting bad deal after U.S. raises tariffs
Published Aug 01, 2025 • 1 minute read Softwood lumber is pictured at Tolko Industries in Heffley Creek, B.C., Sunday, April, 1, 2018. Photo by Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS VICTORIA — An executive in British Columbia's forestry industry says Canada should stand up to the United States, even after U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs to 35 per cent from 25 per cent on some goods. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Brian Menzies, executive director of the Independent Wood Processors Association of British Columbia, says being 'kowtowed and pushed over' is neither good for Canada nor the United States. Menzies says 'people respect people who stand up for what's important for them,' and if Canada does not stand up now, it won't be in a 'strong position to advocate for what's important.' Menzies' comments come after Trump had announced tariffs of 35 per cent on all Canadian goods outside the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on free trade. A statement from Premier David Eby's office says he remains focused on protecting workers and businesses in B.C. from the 'deeply harmful tariffs' imposed by Trump's administration. The statement says that Eby supports the federal government's efforts to get a 'good deal' for Canada, adding that he looks forward to speaking to Prime Minister Carney about the situation. Read More Canada Toronto & GTA Toronto Blue Jays World Celebrity
Toronto Star
31-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
How to get the best bang for your (extra) buck in a three-paycheque month
Canadians who get paid biweekly receive 26 paycheques spread across 12 months, which means there are two months in the year when they will get three paycheques. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward JOH flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
CTV News
28-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Metro Vancouver beach closed due to ‘nuisance bear'
A black bear is seen near Lake Louise, Alta., in June, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward A beach within Belcarra Regional Park remained closed Monday due to the presence of a bear that has become too used to human food, according to the Metro Vancouver regional district. Staff first closed White Pine Beach on Saturday after the 'nuisance bear' was spotted several times that morning, and the closure will remain in effect until further notice. A Metro Vancouver spokesperson told CTV News several bears in the area have become food-conditioned and are attracted to the beach's picnic areas. 'If bears become food-habituated they can lose their fear of people, so it's important that the public follow any food-related restrictions that are in place,' the spokesperson wrote. The district also imposed a cooking ban throughout təmtəmíxʷtən, or Belcarra Regional Park, on Monday. Other areas within the park are still open to the public.
CTV News
28-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Another scorcher on the way for B.C.'s South Coast
People try to beat the heat by enjoying the river in Lynn Valley in North Vancouver, B.C. Tuesday, July 10, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward British Columbians are being urged to brace for another wave of heat, with temperatures forecast to soar across the South Coast this week. Some areas could see the mercury climb to more than 10 degrees above seasonal. Daytime highs in Metro Vancouver are expected to reach around 24 C Monday, but conditions will become significantly hotter starting Tuesday. That's when a powerful upper-level ridge is forecast to build over the region, ushering in several days of sunshine and soaring temperatures. Temperatures near the water could hit the high 20s or even 30 degrees, with inland areas and parts of the Interior pushing into the mid-30s. By Wednesday, even waterfront areas in the Lower Mainland could hit 30 degrees with mid-thirties possible in parts of the Interior. Compounding the concern is the lack of rain. This month is shaping up to be one of the driest Julys on record. Vancouver has seen only 17 millimetres of rainfall so far, less than half the monthly average of 34 millimetres typically recorded by this time of year. Increased wildfire risk With extreme heat and little precipitation, wildfire conditions are worsening across much of the province. The fire danger rating is high to extreme in several regions, especially in B.C.'s southern Interior where wind and lightning are adding to the threat. Officials are urging the public to follow fire bans and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately. Staying safe in the heat While the sunshine may be welcome for beachgoers, health experts warn that prolonged exposure can be dangerous, especially for young children, seniors, and people with chronic health conditions. Symptoms of heat-related illness include: Headache Dizziness or light-headedness Nausea or vomiting Rapid breathing or heartbeat Confusion or fainting British Columbians are advised to stay cool, hydrated, and to check in on vulnerable neighbours. Cities across the region are expected to open cooling centres if temperatures reach extreme thresholds.
