Likely bridge – photo 250 News

Likely, B.C. – Almost four weeks on from the devastating tailings breach at Mt. Polley mine the Town of Likely is soldiering on.

Chamber president Robin Hood says that hasn’t come without its challenges though, estimating they’ve lost around 50 renters (out of an estimated population of 300) who left town after the August 4 breach.

He says some of them worked at Mt. Polley’s underground mine shaft and others at a company which produced magnetite.

In addition Hood says nearby Cedar Point Provincial Park, a popular camping spot, has been a virtual ghost town since the breach.

“It’s been dead. It usually brings in $20,000 a year in camping fees but that will be down this year. A 50 member family reunion has been cancelled and then we had a birthday party scheduled this weekend which has also been canceled.”

He says as far as he knows a local destination fly-fishing camp and an eco-tourist business are doing fine but he says the future for those businesses remains unclear.

“For this season there’s been no cancelations but they’re not sure about the effect it’ll have next year.”

Hood says the whole situation has been tough on everyone, not least for the young families where both spouses work at the mine.

“They’ve bought new homes and are driving trucks and are enjoying the luxuries of life and if the mine stops everyone will be financed up to their chins.”

But he’s holding out hope that there’s still a bright future ahead.

“I am being optimistic. I don’t think politically the provincial government can let that mine not re-open because it’s going to be such a smack on the rest of the mines of the province – so that’s my theory and I’ve got my fingers crossed.”