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Geoheritage Park receives rescue rocks By NEIL CARLETON
Photo courtesy Neil Carleton
Marten Doornekamp, Cavanagh Construction, supervised as the sandstone blocks were lowered in place on Nov. 2 at Metcalfe Geoheritage Park in Almonte. treatment plant at the west end of town. Outcrops of this bedrock, known geologically as the Nepean Formation, are exposed along both sides, and within the median, of the Queensway in Kanata where construction continues for the widening of the highway. The unique characteristics of the outcrop immediately east of Terry Fox Drive led to a provincial designation in 1970 as an Area of Natural and Scienti¿c Interest (ANSI). When work started on the Queensway in the summer
of 2008, it was identi¿ed that the outcrops within the median at the Terry Fox ANSI site would be destroyed when the two new highway lanes were added. A georescue operation was deemed feasible, and approval was granted to remove up to 10 large blocks by jackhammer and pry bars, rather than blasting the rock. Carleton University, Ottawa University, the Perth Museum, the Eganville Museum, and the Town of Mississippi Mills each requested one or two blocks for display.
As the truck made its way through Almonte on that day, drivers and pedestrians likely thought the load was landscape rocks destined for a nearby construction site. In the morning, two large blocks had been delivered to the Perth R0011687559_1018
EMC Lifestyle - How many people does it take to deliver two and a half tons of sandstone to Canada’s ¿rst municipal geoheritage park? The crane operator made it look easy when he set down two large specimens recently at Metcalfe Geoheritage Park in Almonte. Before their arrival on Friday, Nov. 2, it was a team effort to identify signi¿cant sections of a median outcrop on Highway 417 in Kanata, move them away from the construction zone, then load, transport, and deliver the specimens to Almonte. This was a remarkable georescue operation spearheaded by Dr. Al Donaldson, Professor Emeritus, Carleton University, and founder of Friends of Canadian Geoheritage. The other key players who contributed to the success of this unique project were Ewa Bednarczuk, Ontario Ministry of the Environment; Marten Doornekamp, Cavanagh Construction; Jason Duff, Duff Boom Truck Service; Chad Kean, McIntosh Perry Consulting; Phil Kor, Ontario Parks; and Stan Skeggs, McIntosh Perry Consulting. In Almonte, a large quantity of white-to-tan sandstone was excavated for the construction of the new sewage
Visiting Metcalfe Geoheritage Park to read the rocks will take you on a journey far back in time to towering mountains, colliding and splitting continents, ocean depths, and a landscape locked in ice.
Canadian Federation of University Women Perth and District
Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour
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Museum. This was the second delivery of the day, with two specimens for Metcalfe Geoheritage Park. The other two large samples onboard were scheduled for delivery to the Eganville Museum on the following day.
During the past year, the park property by the new Brian J. Gallagher Generating Station in Almonte has been under construction with sewer work. This includes the display site of the geological specimens. The large rocks were temporarily moved aside, and plans are underway for their relocation farther west from within the semi-circle roadway. This initiative will be part of the development plan for the overall park property by the Mississippi River Power Corp. It’s hoped the new design for Metcalfe Geoheritage Park will be completed in the upcoming year. Featured in the rearranged layout will be familiar and new samples that tell the remarkable story of our area’s geoheritage.
and Sunday December 2 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Eight homes – historic or modern, all unique 2012 Tour Theme –“Festive Dining Rooms” all professionally decorated Come and get inspired! During tour hours, visit the Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn and Spa for z complimentary refreshments z CFUW gift marketplace - a great place to buy Christmas gifts!
The a very special package that includes breakfast and a visit toathe spa! The Inn Inn isisoīering offeringtour tourƟcket ticketholders holders a very special package that includes breakfast and visit to Forspa! reservaƟons callreservations@codesmillinnandspa.ca 866-906-0082 or email: reservaƟons@bestwesternplusperth.com or call 866-906-0082 for details the See www. Local restaurants and St. James church offer special lunch deals to tour ticket holders
House Tour Sponsor: Coldwell Banker Settlement Realty, Brokerage House Sponsors:
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THE EMC - 34 - Thursday, November 22, 2012