Paint-in wants Quarry out

Here today, gone tomorrow – an old adage to be sure, but an adept one when describing the possible future of the landscapes surrounding Hornings Mills, Melancthon, which for now offer inspiration to local artists (in addition to prime agricultural land), but may soon cease to exist, replaced by the proposed Highland Companies Mega-Quarry.

On Saturday, June 30, from 11 am to 3 pm, a second annual Paint-In will be hosted by Artists Against the Mega-Quarry in Hornings Mills, gathering together a “loose collective” of 30 artists to capture the natural beauty of the area on canvas as a means of protest.

According to coordinator Sandi Wong, whereas last year’s inaugural event occurred when the campaign was in its “relative infancy” and was focused on garnering support for the submission of an Environmental Bill of Rights, this year’s event will accentuate both northern Dufferin culture and heritage, which, according to the Highland Companies’ application, are virtually non-existent.

“There is general recognition of cultural significance in lower Dufferin, from Orangeville to Caledon,” said Wong, “but we want to highlight the culture of the area being threatened by the Mega-Quarry,” adding that event is a reason for concerned peoples – many more of whom are now from Toronto – to see for themselves how devastating it would be were the application to go through.

Appropriately, the Paint-In will take place at a private estate – known locally as “The Mansion” – built in 1910. There will also be guided tours of the area by North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT) chair Carl Cosack, who would himself be personally affected by the Mega-Quarry were it approved, as he has a cow and calf operation in the area.

There will also be performances by local musician Ed Roman. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic, with beverages being made available for sale.
The proposed Mega-Quarry would, at 2,316 acres, be the largest ever constructed in Canada and the second largest in North America, and would be located on prime agricultural land, from which flow a number of significant river systems that serve a large portion of Ontario’s population.

Profits from the paintings produced at the event – attendance of which is free (although donations are being accepted) – will support the campaign.