A small community in northern Ontario is contemplating its future as a mining company proposes relocating Virginiatown to facilitate the development of an open-pit gold mine. The Township of McGarry, including Virginiatown, emphasized the importance of safeguarding and nurturing the community in a statement to its approximately 500 residents, amid Cadillac Mines’ progress in exploring the historic Kerr-Addison gold mine.
Once a prominent gold producer in Canada before its closure in 1996, the Kerr-Addison mine is now being considered for a new open-pit venture as gold prices surge. Concerns have arisen within the community due to discussions about potential mining activities and the community’s future.
During an investor conference on September 29, Cadillac Mines’ CEO and Director Rick Howes disclosed plans for an open pit that could necessitate the relocation of most of Virginiatown’s residents. Howes highlighted the decline in the town since the mine’s closure, indicating diminished services and limited opposition to the town’s relocation.
Howes presented a potential two-phase strategy at the conference, involving voluntary property acquisitions followed by the relocation of residents willing to move away from the mining area. The estimated timeline for this process is four to five years, with construction targeted to commence by 2030 and production by 2033, subject to further assessments and regulatory procedures.
Acknowledging the misstep of informing investors before the community, Cadillac Mines issued an apology and expressed commitment to engaging with residents. The Township of McGarry has taken steps to protect its residents’ interests by engaging legal counsel and seeking additional professional guidance.
Cadillac Mines plans to host a public meeting on October 28 at the McGarry Township Community Centre to address the project, gather feedback from community members, and explore development scenarios. Company president Leon LeBlanc affirmed the commitment to collaborating with the community and regional stakeholders to ensure a mutually beneficial project integration into the local area.