On November 28, the 4th general meeting of Cabox Aspiring Geopark was held at the Atrium of Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland in Corner Brook. In addition to updates on the past year’s developments and a preview of next year’s Canada 150/Cook 250 celebration, Grenfell History Professor Olaf Janzen gave a presentation on James Cook in Newfoundland.
Professor Olaf Janzen giving a presentation on James Cook in Newfoundland
The meeting began with a presentation on the geology of Eastern Canada and Western Newfoundland by Alana Hinchey, Senior Geologist with the Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, partner in the EU Interreg funded Drifting Apart project.
Geologist Alana Hinchey giving a presentation on the geology of Eastern Canada and Western Newfoundland
Alana’s presentation was followed by a slideshow by IAT chairperson Paul Wylezol, who gave an update on developments since the last Cabox meeting in March 2016, including restoration work of the IATNL fishing outpost / basecamp at Stone Brook, North Arm, IAT UltramaTrex hiking trail connecting all four of the Bay of Islands Ophiolites, and Thor’s Landing hiking hut on the Humber Valley Trail. Paul also briefed the audience on his recent tour of the UK and Ireland to give James Cook 250 presentations at England’s Captain Cook Museums, and attend the IAT AGM in Ireland and 7th International Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks at Torquay, English Riviera.
IAT Chairperson Paul Wylezol giving a presentation on James Cook 250.
Professor Janzen’s presentation on Cook was a prelude to next year’s 250th anniversary celebration of Cook charting the Bay of Islands and Bonne Bay during his fifth and final year of surveying the coasts of Newfoundland, leading directly to his selection by the British Admiralty and Royal Society to lead a voyage to the Pacific Ocean in 1768 to witness the transit of Venus and search for the fabled southern continent.
Professor Olaf Janzen discussing Cook’s 1767 survey of Western Newfoundland
The final presentation of the meeting was by IATNL Finance Director Kevin Noseworthy, who discussed plans for cell repeating towers in the outer Bay of Islands and Gros Morne National Park. Like improved transportation links, improved cell service is seen as critical infrastructure required for the development of a UNESCO Global Geopark in Western Newfoundland. Plans call for repeating towers at Tortoise Head between Lark Harbour and York Harbour, Frenchman’s Cove opposite McIvers, “Old Woman’s Nipple” opposite Cox’s Cove, and the eastern end of Trout River Pond to service the community of Trout River.
Kevin Noseworthy discussing cell service in Cabox Aspiring Geopark
In closing, Kevin discussed the budget for the EU funded Drifting Apart project which requires approximately $110,000 to be spent in 2017 on three separate Work Packages, including 3D visualization, signage and education.
A special thank you to presenters Olaf Janzen and Alana Hinchey, as well as Grenfell’s Ivan Emke for arranging the meeting in the Atrium.
Stay tuned for more news on Cabox Aspiring Geopark and Canada 150/Cook 250.
