Environmental activists are up in arms after a Toronto-based mining company donated money to the Canadian Museum of Nature. Barrick Gold Corp. — founded by Forest Hill’s Peter Munk — was given naming rights to the museum’s salon, a prime reception area, in exchange for its $1 million contribution. The donation will also support refurbishing From Crystals to Gems, a popular exhibit.

Following the contribution, more than 20 organizations launched a campaign asking the museum to reconsider the gift, arguing, in a letter to CEO Meg Beckel, that accepting the money undermines the museum’s commitment to protecting the environment.

“We think it’s inconsistent with the nature museum’s mandate to promote the protection of nature to accept funds from a company with such a problematic environment track record,” said Ramsey Hart, Canada program co-ordinator of Ottawa-based MiningWatch Canada.

In an e-mail, Barrick Gold spokesperson Andy Lloyd responded: “In many ways, our success as a business depends on our ability to develop resources in a responsible way.” Lloyd also noted that Barrick Gold was approached by the museum for the funding.