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Guergis needles Grits to act on Banting farm

BY Helena Guergis December 14, 2006 12:12

THE SIR Frederick Banting Homestead is a very important issue to me.

Last week I made myself heard on the issue, not only in Collingwood, but also in Ottawa.

I rose in the House to speak on the issue. I urged Premier McGuinty and the Ontario Historical Society to stop the Homestead being built on by developers.

The legacy of Sir Frederick Banting is part of my riding's heritage, but also a critical aspect of Canadian history and world accomplishments. This remarkable man has saved millions of people's lives in his discovery that led to the development of insulin.

Much of his work was undertaken on his homestead, and as such, it deserves recognition, as a site of either national or international importance. And this is what I am working hard to do.

The Ontario Historical Society (OHS) received the Banting Homestead and its 100 acres in 1999 for one dollar under the understanding they would maintain and preserve the property. But they betrayed this agreement.

Not only has the Homestead deteriorated, the OHS has decided to sell the land to property developers, saving only 4 of the 100 acres from being built upon. Although an offer of $1 million was put forward by the Township of New Tecumseth after approval from the Banting Foundation, the OHS rejected the offer.

This frankly appalled me. Money should not be the issue. The issue here is the legacy of a great man.

I urge this decision to be reversed and hope the Homestead of this Nobel Prize winner will be spared. I urge you to get involved and write to Mr. McGuinty and the Ontario Historical Society to express your concern. If we work together, there is a better chance we can prevent this.

Helena Guergis is the Conservative MP for Simcoe-Grey.

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