FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WILDLIFE
ARTIST OPPOSES MID-PENINSULA HIGHWAY THAT THREATENS THE NIAGARA
ESCARPMENT
Bateman, a world-renowned artist and naturalist, will hold a press
conference
Saturday, September 28 at 4:30 p.m. at Spencer Gorge Wilderness
Park in Flamborough in the City of Hamilton.
Bateman
is concerned about the potential impact of the proposed Mid-Peninsula
Highway on the Niagara Escarpment. The $1 to $2 billion highway
proposed by the Provincial Government would cause irreparable
damage to the Escarpment, a unique and irreplaceable element of
Ontario's natural heritage. Its significance has been recognized
by the United Nations, which has designated it as an International
Biosphere Reserve.
It was while living on the escarpment in North Burlington in the
early 1970's that Bateman painted his early "realism"
portrayals of local wildlife and habitat that gained him international
recognition.
From
1973 to 1985, Bateman served on the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
Citizens
Opposed to Paving the Escarpment (COPE) is a rapidly-growing grassroots
group. It has grown from a membership of two in Summer 2002 to
over 1000 members from all parts of the '905' area. COPE is sponsoring
Bateman's press conference.
The
press conference will conclude with an open question and answer
session. Representatives from COPE will also be available to answer
questions. Press kits will be available on September 26, 2002
and at the press conference.
Note:
further information as well as a map showing the location of the
proposed highway may be found at: www.cope-nomph.org.
Directions to Spencer Gorge Wilderness Park:
From highway 403 exit at Hwy 6 north
Hwy 6 north to Hwy 5 (Dundas Street)
Left (west) on Hwy 5 to Brock Road
Left (south) on Brock to Harvest Road (at 4 way stop)
Left (east) on Harvest Road to Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area /
Tew's Falls (1 km from stop sign on right side)
View Map
