The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Population Growth Triple M Group's Ross Mitchell looked pretty comfortable with the group of folks he presented to in the cavernous Lawrie Marsh main hall during the evening of March 18. For many it was the third such public meeting they had been out to, and most were relaxed and waited patiently to hear the findings of the planning study and recommendations for how Snow Lake should develop in the future. After obligatory introductions, Mitchell gave an overview of the objective of the process, which is basically to prepare for and meet the challenges that could result from several promising new ore bodies near the community and the possibility of a revitalized New Brit' Mine. The consultant noted that Snow Lake was one of the first Manitoba communities to go through a sustainable development process and he felt the province would likely replicate the method used by Snow Lake in other Manitoba communities. Prior to getting into the core of his presentation, Mitchell noted that despite a downturn in the world economy and the gloom surrounding the Chisel North and Stall Concentrator closures, there was reason for optimism in Snow Lake. The Lalor ore body, VMS's Reed Lake discovery, and the New Brit' Mine all figure favourably for the community. The study itself is built upon what Mitchell calls the three pillars of sustainability; economy, environment, and community. These pillars were addressed thusly in the report: "Economy Ð change and improvement that is sustainable given the health and diversity of the Snow Lake economy and its prospects for sustaining the community over the long-term. "Environment Ð recognizing that Snow Lake and its natural environment are indivisible, that the economy and quality of life of the former is dependent upon the health of the latter, and that today's residents have an obligation to minimize the ecological 'footprint' of the community for the benefit of future generations and the environment as a living entity. "Community Ð recognizing that Snow Lake's survival depends not only on the local economy and the quality of local services and facilities, but to a great degree on its culture and social cohesiveness, those more intangible aspects of 'community' that inspire pride and a willingness to participate in the life of the community, and that make living and raising families in Snow Lake a rewarding and fulfilling experience." The study also follows the premise that future development of Snow Lake could take one of three paths: low growth, medium growth, or high growth. See 'Requir...' on pg. Continued from pg. The requirements to meet each were laid out. They varied in the population figures that the community could expect to see in the ensuing 20 years. This was based upon low, average, and optimum performance of the mining industry; specifically Lalor and New Brit' (Reed Lake was somehow left out of the equation). The study's demographics also showed corresponding fluctuations in spouses and dependents, but all were based upon the principle that 100 per cent in each category would be resident Snow Lakers. In the low scenario, the population of Snow Lake would be 1,360 by 2,028; the medium would see numbers rise to 1,929 in the same period, and the high scenario would top out at 2,384. The housing units required by the population were dependent upon these projections and the study concluded that there was ample area to build in the immediate vicinity. Some of the more prominent locations to house the prospective populace (outside of the currently available 57 lots), were the area north of the Water Treatment Plant, an extension to Copper Road, an extension to English Drive, and an extension to Green Street. Mitchell advised that his group recommended that development be based upon mid-level growth. Each scenario involves much more than the room here allows me to indicate. Interested persons are urged to check out the proposal online at the town's website or in person at the town office. My Take on Snow Lake runs Fridays.
