VICTORIA – The Village of Cumberland has unanimously passed a motion to oppose further processing of the application for the Raven Underground Coal Mine until an independent provincial baseline study and federal joint review panel are undertaken, and comprehensive aquifer mapping is completed.

Cumberland joins the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, and the Comox Valley Regional District as the fourth local council to pass this kind of motion. Now, with all municipal governments in the vicinity of the mine opposed to the Raven Mine barring further study, the Wilderness Committee is congratulating the region's local politicians for their leadership.

“The proposed Raven Coal Mine makes absolutely no sense for Vancouver Island, given the inherent risks to water quality and the surrounding ecosystems,” explains Torrance Coste, Vancouver Island Campaigner with the Wilderness Committee.

“Comox Valley residents understand this, and it’s great to see local elected officials representing their constituents on this critical issue,” Coste continues.

The mine would be located near Fanny Bay, and is strongly opposed by the Wilderness Committee and other environmental organizations, as well as the BC Shellfish Growers Association, the Council of Canadians, and dozens of grassroots citizens and faith groups. The K'ómoks First Nation has also expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project.

The mine would have a lifespan of 16 years, and could threaten the more sustainable shellfish, tourism, fishing, and farming industries on central Vancouver Island.

“The risks to public health and safety, the local environment, and sustainable industries are simply unacceptable,” says Coste. “The Wilderness Committee would like to publicly congratulate these municipal councils for showing real leadership and calling for a more comprehensive review process.”

The pre-application phase for the Raven mine project is drawing to a close and the proponent, Compliance Coal Corporation, is expected to submit their final application to the provincial and federal review bodies at any time. A public comment period will be part of the final review process.