Launch of UNESCO Global Geopark proposal

Midland Cultural Centre partners with University of Toronto to conduct unique Georgian Bay Geopark research

Recent inquiries reveal that the study area for the Geopark will include the area of the Simcoe Uplands study.

Release From Midland Cultural Centre

The Midland Cultural Centre (MCC) has partnered with the University of Toronto (U of T) to advance efforts to establish a UNESCO Global Geopark for all Georgian Bay. The Georgian Bay Geopark will explore and showcase the origins of the rocks, landscapes and peoples of Georgian Bay and tell these stories to a global audience.

With $60,000 Mitacs grant and matching $60,000 support from individuals in the community including a contribution of the Georgian Bay Land Trust, a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Kirsten Kennedy from the University of Toronto will conduct fundamental geological research over two years around Georgian Bay taking advantage of new state-of the-art drone mapping technology.

This research, as well as current efforts to establish the UNESCO Geopark were also made possible by the Town of Midland who, through funding from Simcoe County, sponsored a UNESCO Geopark feasibility study completed in September 2021.

Nick Eyles, Geologist – U of T
“This partnership with the MCC furthers a life-long fascination with the unique varied geology of Georgian Bay. This work will accelerate understanding of the Bay’s world class geologic record, stimulate further research into the planet’s long history, and accelerate ongoing efforts by other organizations to protect and conserve its landscapes, waters, and ecosystems.”

Dan Broome, Executive Director – MCC
“Local arts and culture at their core are connected to the land on which we live. The geological makeup of the region plays a large role in shaping our relationship to that land and in turn, how we shape our lives to exist, connect and thrive as people and communities.

The MCC is excited to be partnering with the U of T on this project and assisting in communicating and educating people, both those living on Georgian Bay and visitors the area, about this fascinating research study and the ongoing effort to establish Georgian Bay as a globally recognized UNESCO Geopark.”

The MCC and Georgian Bay Geopark will be hosting an information session on the research project and the plans to create a UNESCO Global Geopark on August 11, 2022, from 4 pm to 6 pm in MCC Rotary Hall that will give an overview of the scope of undertaking and share some of the early imaging and results to date of the research project.

If you can’t make it in person, you can watch online at: https://youtu.be/ebiCzhl9UU4

ABOUT MITACS
Mitacs powers research & development creation by connecting the private sector with the best postsecondary institutions to solve organizational challenges in Canada and internationally. For 20 years, Mitacs has funded cutting-edge research, created job opportunities for graduate students and helped companies reach their goals, achieving results that have bolstered the Canadian economy and impact. https://www.mitacs.ca/en

ABOUT UNESCO GEOPARKS
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. There are now 177 such parks IN 46 COUNTRIES worldwide and five in Canada, forming a global network. https://www.canadiangeoparks.ca/.

ABOUT THE GEORGIAN BAY ASPIRING GEOPARK.
Georgian Bay’s extraordinary geology, history and sacred/spiritual character are unique in the world and deserve a special status across Canada and globally. A UNESCO Global Geopark for all of Georgian Bay has the potential to engage and unite Municipalities, First Nations, conservation groups, seasonal and permanent residents, educators and businesses on a shared mission to showcase the Bay, to build knowledge and resilience, and to promote sustainable tourism and economic development for the long term.

For more information, please contact either Dan Broome (details below) or Tony Pigott at tonyp@globalmicrotrade.com

ABOUT MCC
The Midland Cultural Centre is the focal point for culture activities in the Heart of Georgian Bay. The MCC is a community-based, volunteer driven facility where everyone can be involved in artistic and cultural pursuits as a participant or audience member. The MCC is in the downtown core of Midland and enhances the vibrancy and the economic well-being of the entire region. https://www.midlandculturalcentre.com/