question about upper beaver project - Ava lake

Hello, I have recently discovered that Agnico Eagle mine is planning on rerouting the Misema river for the new upper beaver project near the town of Dobie, Ontario, east of Kirkland Lake. In redirecting the river, they plan to drain and excavate Ava and York Lake and turn the area into a pit mine operation. Now I realize that these are small lakes, but they are important to the river ecosystem nonetheless and though I'm aware some form of environmental precautions are being taken by the mine, there is one aspect they may not have considered. Leading into and out of Ava lake are class 2 rapids recreationally run by paddlers travelling the river system, which downstream crosses the highway and continues down towards Englehart and connects to the blanche system, which then feeds into the Montreal river south of Temiskaming. I have been cottaging on Beaverhouse lake (above Ava on the Misema) my entire life and have ran this Whitewater stretch many times, and am not the only one. I recently spoke to Beaverhouse first nations about the project and it seems as though due to an old treaty they only recently gained status and are going through the political channels to designate land to their band, but feel as though the mine will take advantage of the property before they are able to do so. Many cottagers have also sold to the mine in order to avoid the changes soon to be felt by the introduction of a tailings managment area and heavy equipment. I have heard from some of the cottagers there is talk that they will have the only boat launch removed as it is right at the head of Ava Lake rapids, and will have to make a lengthy boat ride from upriver Howard Lake through a series of cliffs and narrows.

I realize that there are not many people who live in this area, and few who are aware of what is going to happen to this beautiful and historic river, but it is important to members of the paddling community, and more important to those who are members of Beaverhouse first nations that the river be respected and if industrial influence is to occur that it be done in a non-destructive manner. I am sure that if a similar situation was to occur in a more heavily populated water system like the French, Spanish or Missinaibi river for example that more people would speak out against it, or at very least have some concerns about what a company will do to meet their bottom line. 

I will continue to paddle the Misema despite obstacles that may appear, but it would truly be a shame if these natural cascades are destroyed, not only for the people who paddle /portage them but the various species of fish (the large amount of suckers that use the rapid for spring spawning), amphibians, birds and other small mammals that reside in Ava Lake. 

Thank you for reading, any information is appreciated

Sincerely Nick Young