Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Riversdale Presentation

Just got back from the Riversdale presentation, would have been earlier but apparently my invitation got lost in the mail.
Good turnout I would say roughly 100 people, the folks from Riversdale gave a little back ground about themselves, explained why they were here and then answered a few questions. They made it clear that nothing is guaranteed and best case scenario they will start production in 2017 if everything goes perfectly. (Very much in line with my previous comments of 5-10 years).
Either way I do not believe our community can lose, hopefully this will bring some economic activity to our town. Unfortunately it will not increase our tax base due to being in Ranchlands, but the people will live here, put their kids in our schools and spend their money in our local businesses those are good things.
Yes I think these people are here to take advantage of our resources and make lots of money, that is a good thing healthy companies create good jobs.

Note: One comment I found interesting from Mr Dann (Spelling?) was his comments about how he has been coming here for a while and that just a few months prior to purchasing the land he gave the Mayor a courtesy call to see how accepting he felt the community would be about them coming here. Certainly took the bite out of the assumption some people have been making that Mayor and Council have been working on this for a long time and were very instrumental in bringing them here.  

Either way good to see them in our community and hopefully 5-10 years from now the coal industry will return to the Crowsnest Pass.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Problem is that the watershed for the Grassy strip runs into Gold Creek and through Frank and Into the Crowsnest River. We get the runoff, Ranchland gets the dough. Perhaps the Mayor can get some income from Riversdale for allowing them to dump the overburden and slag onto our Municipality lands. This will allow Ranchland to maintain their "light hands on the land" policy and let their cattle overgraze their area and erode the stream banks.

We may get some "benefits" but we also get the burden of negative aspects of the project. Free ear protectors, dust masks, water filters/purifiers, and vehicle tires will break the Municipal budget. But hey, isn't it already overspent? Will need a few more peace officers.

Anonymous said...

From the Jan 7 newsletter.

"The Municipality’s hard work with Riversdale is certain to generate great economic spin off for our community and region, says Decoux."

From what the Riversdale guys said, there was no hard work by Bruce and nothing he did made any difference. What happened could be described as "corporate lobbying of government officials".

It was the usual corporate PR - "We are nice blokes, very concerned about the environment and the community. We even named one of our yachts after a town in Mozambique". They didn't wear business suits.

The biggest news (to me) is they said their IPO has been underwritten, meaning they have the $60 million to go ahead, as I understood it

Anonymous said...

By 2017 they could have there feasability studies and environmental studies complete. They could have approval to operate a mine at this stage.So then they still would need to build a plant, a rail spur line and loadouts before actual mining takes place.This is all based on everything going smoothly.I think 2017 is a pipe dream, more likely 2020 before they get approvals pending on how much opposition there is for the mine. Will the MD of Ranchlands be in opposition?If they are how long if ever will it take to get that land annexed? I do hope that everything goes smoothly and in 4 short years they are operating!!

Anonymous said...

9:23

You are right Decoux and his group taking credit for a mining company coming here would be the equivalent of the Premier of Saskatchewan taking credit because a Farmer moves there.

Just one more taxpayer that's not buying their crap

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:23 I think you may have misunderstood. They will be doing an IPO(initial public offering) this summer to try and raise the 60 million.
As for council having anything major to do with this is laughable.These guys know what the rules are and will do some glad handing and schmoozing but they really do not need councils blessing even though it certainly helps.

Anonymous said...

If the an IPO is already underwritten, the rest is only a process that will take place. Good news. Looked like the Mayor and some of councilors were electionineering. Not good news.

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:01
I can't remember the exact words, but I got the impression they claimed to have a "firm commitment" type deal as described here:

http://stason.org/TULARC/investing/public-offerings-IPO-DPO/IPO-The-Underwriting-Process.html#.URQKR8XEsvQ

Anonymous said...

You assume that all the people at that presentation were "for" the mine. Not true. I was there, to get information, and there was wasn't much of that, beyond a lot of huffing and puffing. These are businessmen from another country trying to make a pile of money from destroying our landscape and environment. Any hope of bringing people here who want to enjoy our beautiful mountains, and thoughts of tourism will fly out the window. Think of a nice new hotel, finally here, with coal dust, trucks, noise and mining mess. Do we want to go forward or backwards?

Anonymous said...

What nice hotel? BCMI is finally underway in Blairmore.

Anonymous said...

Anon 07:38am-which means that they were the first group that thought about building on the CLC site, and opted out. That's why we have Medican.

To think that one hotel and perhaps truck stop will revive the local economy is stretching it. It may add a few jobs, relieve the pressure at Timmy's and Macs store, but what else? Those passing through will keek doing so and the few that do visit for a weekend are there now. Sure we will take what we can, but its not an event to get out the new Fire Department for the parade.

Nor does it undo the damage done by disbanding the Volunteer Fire Departments. All the motels in the world can't get the volunteer base back, and that is what makes for the spirit of the Crowsnest. A power hungry egomaniac who thinks that he can come back to the Crowsnest after having a less than stellar career, and remake it into his misguided vision, has got to go.

This will be the crux of the next election -- to get rid of the present Mayor and Council. If we don't, we will have the likes of Misty strutting through the streets. Guess we will see if there really is a silent majority come October.



Anonymous said...

Is this the same Medican that is currently involved in a $10 million payout to creditors? Group Vachon appears to be one hotel manager, a realtor and a couple selling nutritional products. Bridgecreek II, the sequel? Take care.

Anonymous said...

9:33 I support a mine here and all the positive impacts it will have on our area. Like pumping ten's of millions in to our community every year. Filling our schools and maybe reviving some of our main street businesses.
How much negative impact will it have on the community? Go take a ride up to Elkford there are two major mines within 30 mins of that community. It is one of the most beautiful communities in the world. There is no coal dust in the streets or children scared to walk to school because of all the big trucks whizzing by on their streets. The opportunities for Hiking, fishing, hunting and any other outdoor activities are endless.
A major industry can co-exist with a community like ours. Yes I hope when my kids grow up they have the ability to get an education. But you know what if they are not that inclined, I would like to see them have the opportunity to have a good paying job that they can support my future grandchildren with.
I know there are people that would like to never cut down another tree or see a hole dug in the ground.
How long before we will hear that the rare Grassy Mountain herd of mule deer will perish if that area is disturbed. We heard it all in the Elk Valley back in the early 1980's when Line Creek and Greenhills mines started up. The wild life will co exist with the mine and probably thrive just like they have in the Elk Valley.

Al

A very proud supporter of mining and before you ask I do work at the mines. It has provided myself and 90% of the people I grew up with a very good living.

Anonymous said...

Al, most of us in the Crowsnest Pass support mining, this will not change after the next municipal election. As I recall, many of the volunteer fire-fighters who were “made” let go, are also full time miners. Mining and hiking and fishing and biking can coexist with mining, just go to Elkford. You also need money to buy a good mountain bike or to send your kids to school.

Anonymous said...

Honestly, you must get pas the volunteer firefighters. It is kind of old news. Move on. What's done is done. Maybe for the better who knows.Quit beating a "dead horse".

Anonymous said...

Destruction of volunteerism in the Crowsnest Pass is not a "dead horse," but an ongoing problem. Looks like the municipal officials, elected or otherwise, want to provide "proper leadership" to every volunteer group and organization in town. The issue of how the fire department restructuring was handled is still not resolved. Getting a grant to pay for the mess that was created is not a big accomplishment, we will not get many more grants going forward, but the additional cost will remain. SPCA, Swiming Pool, now Ski Hill, none of this is a "dead horse" and none of this can be resolved until next October. The way the volunteer firemen were treated was only the most visible, in your face, example of how other organizations have been treated.