Yukon gives Dawson City mining project green light

The Yukon government has allowed aWhitehorse gold miner to work on claims inside Dawson City's municipal boundaries, going against the recommendation of the territory's environmental assessor.

In a decision dated Tuesday, the territorial Energy, Mines and Resources Department gave placer miner Darrell Carey approval to do work on 19 existing claims in the town's Midnight Dome Road area.

In granting that approval, the department rejected the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board's recommendation against allowing Carey's project to go ahead.

Further complicating matters, said Dawson City Coun. Wayne Potoroka, is that the government also approved a residential subdivision to be developed on the same Dome Road land.

"To be honest with you, I'm not sure how this is going to work yet," Potoroka told CBC News on Wednesday.

"I suspect that the city is going to be getting a call from both proponents both the miner and [the Yukon Department of] Community Services really soon to sit down and get things sorted."

Won't hurt property values: decision

According to the department's decision, Carey's property has been active for 10 years and has not affected property values, contrary to concerns raised by Dawson City residents.

"The decision body does not accept that this project will reduce property values in the surrounding area, given that the project has been in operation for a number of years and property values throughout the Town of the City of Dawson have been on the rise," the decision document states in part.

But former Dawson City mayor John Steins, who has opposed the placer mining proposal, said the work that took place previously is miniscule compared to the work that has just been approved.

Steins said he is amazed to see the government ruling in favour of a miner who works on his claims only during the summer. Carey has proposed to conduct his work between April and October every year for 10 years.

"It's great to defend the rights of the miner, but what about the rights of the people that live there?" Steins said.

Steins said human-rights legislation guarantees people the right to the peaceful enjoyment of their property, so Dome Road residents should not have to put up with industrial operations next door.

"If I were in their shoes, I'd certainly support the idea of retaining a lawyer and see what other avenues can be explored," Steins said.

Steins warned that Dome Road residents could lose out if they don't take action, since no one would want to buy a house located next to a mine.