The New Hobby Mineral…

The New Hobby Mineral Collecting Guide should be revised/updated to - include privately held areas withdrawn from staking in Section 35.1 of the Mining Act in 2009, to be included in the areas to be allowed for hobby mineral collecting to occur - upon the permission of the private land owner.

My family and I have enjoyed 'rock-hounding' as a mineral collecting hobby in the Bancroft - Haliburton area for almost twenty (20) years since my son was taught the Grade 4 - Geology Unit in Elementary School, and learned that the Bancroft Area was the 'Mineral Capital of Canada'. Since it was so close to where we live and within a half days' driving distance, we were able to go on many Geologist led Field Trips in the Bancroft area. They were amazing learning experiences for both my son and myself. We have continued rock collecting over the years, by joining Mineral Clubs and going on Rock Collecting Field Trips throughout Southern Ontario. It has been such an interesting, enjoyable and educational hobby, and an amazing learning experience for our whole extended family.

The legal right to collect minerals as a hobbyist, with a land owner's permission, should continue in the entire Southern Ontario area - where the majority of the population resides. The legal right to collect minerals as a hobbyist should continue to be protected as it was in the past - in the Southern Ontario area - in the New Hobby Mineral Collecting Guide.

Thank you.