‘Distinctly Manitoba’: Tyndall Becomes Provincial Stone of Manitoba
WINNIPEG — Mottled dolomitic limestone, commonly known as Tyndall Stone, has been designated as the official stone of Manitoba with the passing of Bill 201, The Manitoba Emblems Amendment Act (Provincial Stone), on Monday.
“Tyndall Stone is the building block of our province and a showcase of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that is Manitoba grown and Manitoba owned,” said Wayne Ewasko, Leader of the Official Opposition, who sponsored the bill. “As stewards of this natural resource for more than a century, the Gillis family has shown a deep appreciation for the geological treasures of the province, and have worked tirelessly to ensure the stone’s recognition and preservation for future generations.”
Tyndall stone’s prominence has been attributed to historical discoveries in 1823 and subsequent developments by Manitobans like John Gunn and August Gillis, with its first use dating back to the construction of Lower Fort Garry in 1832. Since 1895, the fossil-rich limestone has been quarried near Tyndall and Garson, Manitoba, in the present-day Lac du Bonnet constituency. Today, Gillis Quarries Limited is the only quarry in the world mining the stone.
“The Gillis family and everyone at Gillis Quarries Limited are thrilled with the passing of Bill 201, designating Tyndall Stone the official stone of the Province of Manitoba,” said Gillis Quarries Limited. “From the Manitoba Legislative Building to the Winnipeg Art Gallery to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, we are so very proud of our contribution to Manitoba’s history, education, culture, and architectural legacy.”
“We are excited to share this historic moment with all the wonderfully gifted Manitoban consultants, builders, masonry contractors, artisans, historians, scientists, and fellow lovers of this beautiful natural resource that is distinctly Manitoba,” Gillis Quarries Ltd. added.
Tyndall stone joins several other emblems officially recognized by Manitoba, including the polar bear, Great Plains bison, great grey owl, pickerel, white spruce, prairie crocus, big bluestem grass, Newdale soil, and the mosasaur as natural symbols for the province.
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