The decision on what to do with the Wallingford-Back Mine in West Quebec will be up to the Quebec Government, according to the mayors of the regional county municipalities (MRC).
Dozens gathered at a meeting on Wednesday evening expecting to learn the fate of the mine which is at the centre of a nasty debate.
People in the area have been asking for a solution to the amount of tourists visiting this off-limits site after the mine blew up in popularity earlier this year.
Residents said visitors are leaving their garbage, partying in the mine all night, spray painting the mine, and blocking traffic by parking on small dirt roads.
“The environment has been destroyed in every aspect, the water, the trees, the animal life, and the peace and quiet,” said Diane Brophy, who lives in the area.
At the meeting members of the MRC said the decision is up to the minister of natural resources because the mine belongs to the province.
A group fighting to save the mine said staff with the Minister of Natural Resources has said they plan to ‘secure it’.
“Does that mean demolish it? I don’t know. I don’t want to be alarmist, maybe they meant securing the access,” said Chatal Crete.
The MRC suggested people provide feedback to the minister’s office regarding the mine.
There is no date for the decision.
