ARCHIBALD
LAKE

This page provides you with information related to the proposed Archibald Lake Wilderness Area, near the St. Mary’s River, and how you can show your support.

SEND A LETTER!

SUPPORT DESIGNATION OF ARCHIBALD LAKE WILDERNESS AREA.

SEND YOUR LETTER TO LIBERAL LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES.

On October 14th, 2020, the provincial government announced the designation of approximately 7,940 acres of Crown land along the St. Mary’s River as St. Mary’s River Provincial Park – that’s wonderful!

Unfortunately, the nearby proposed Archibald Lake Wilderness Area was not included during this round of designations. The reason was given was that “additional time is needed before making a decision on its protection,” but no timeline for a decision to be made was provided. When will Archibald Lake Wilderness Area be designated?

The Liberal Party leadership race is now in full force, with the winner to become the next Premier. The candidates are Iain Rankin, Randy Delorey and Labi Kousoulis. The new Premier could finally designate Archibald Lake Wilderness Area. While the candidates are campaigning for the leadership position it is a great opportunity to make sure we are heard regarding the protection of Archibald Lake Wilderness Area as part of the St. Mary’s River “Ribbon of Green”.

The protection of Archibald Lake Wilderness Area would prohibit Atlantic Gold from using the lake as the water supply for their proposed Cochrane Hill gold mine project, and rightly so. Next to the St. Mary’s River is no place for a gold mine, and neither the river nor Archibald Lake could withstand the massive amounts of water that would be withdrawn to run a huge gold mine operation.

Archibald Lake and its surrounding forest have been identified as a conservation priority since 2011, (number 10 on this map). This high conservation value Crown land parcel has been repeatedly identified as one of the most significant properties in the Province needed for nature conservation. The conservation value of Archibald is no less true today, and is perhaps even more important as we face the mounting crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and threats to our native species.

Below you will find a sample letter as a basis for your own letter to candidates. We recommend sending a letter calling for the protection of Archibald Lake as a Wilderness Area, and giving your reasons at to why this should happen as soon as possible. It is important to note that personalized letters get more attention than a copy-and-paste letter does. Please add details such as why you care about the St. Mary’s River Area, and whether you are a voter in a candidate’s riding.