New Free Exhibition in Brampton Has An Arrow In It!

Peel 150 exhibition at PAMA, FREE this July & August

 

The Canadian AVRO ARROW is 

an integral part of Peel County’s history

 

(Brampton – August 3, 2017) This summer, an underwater search for Avro Arrow artifacts in Lake Ontario is now underway by a Canada 150 collaborative research and recovery project spearheaded by the OEX Recovery Group. There is a growing interest in learning more about the famed Canadian Air Force fighter jet program - and aviation buffs don’t have to get wet to find out more about the historic made-in-Peel jet.

 

All summer visitors are invited to visit the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in downtown Brampton where you can explore artifacts from the Avro Arrow project including a shell of the mock-up of the cockpit of the production version of the jet created by Avro Canada engineers in the 1950s, as well as images, and digitized video footage. The piece is part of PAMA’s extensive permanent collection of artifacts that help tell the story of the community.

 

Meanwhile in Toronto, as part of Canada 150 celebrations, a search has begun for Avro Arrow artifacts.  A team of researchers from the Canada 150 collaborative research and recovery project spearheaded by the OEX Recovery Group have begun looking for nine Avro Arrow free flight models launched over Lake Ontario in a series of tests occurring from 1954 – 1957 that were submerged in Lake Ontario when the project was cancelled.  The models are one-eighth scale replicas of the famed flying jet and were part of the final flight design test work done prior to the production of the CF-105 Arrow.

 

The Avro CF-105 Arrow was a supersonic jet developed to intercept enemy bombers from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Malton-based A.V. Roe of Canada employed 50,000 workers at the peak of work on the Arrow during the late 1950s, making Peel a centre of the aerospace industry. There were doubts as to whether bomber interceptors would be irrelevant before it was even built. On February 20, 1959, Prime Minister Diefenbaker announced to the House of Commons that the Arrow project was terminated. In Malton, layoffs were announced immediately. All eight prototype planes were destroyed. Over 13,000 people lost their jobs.

 

“We were in shock. I could see it in their eyes – many of the boys had got themselves into debt – it really got to me. I tried to get them all jobs.”

– Burt Scott, Avro Test Engineer, Memoir, PAMA Archives

 

The Arrow display is part of an exciting exhibition that includes selected pieces from PAMA’s art collection, among them historical landscapes of the Peel Region, an incredible sketchbook from artist Tom Thomson, sculptures, large abstract paintings and small format prints and drawings. As well as enjoying the hundreds of artifacts, documents, images, and artwork, this exhibition will provide visitors with touchscreens where they can dig deep to learn more, hands-on activities for kids and adults, and a chance to have their say about their wishes for the future. In celebration of Peel and Canada (and not to mention the 150^th anniversary of the Peel County Jail and Courthouse in which PAMA is housed) they are also offering FREE admission for July and August.

 

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PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel Region’s culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community. Throughout the year, PAMA offers a variety of workshops and programs for all ages, families and adults. With so many different programs to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. Operated by the Region of Peel, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington St. E. in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more.  -     

 

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Contact: Erin Fernandes Marketing Co-ordinator Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives Tel: 905-791-4055, ext. 7596 Cell: 416-312-3425 erin.fernandes@peelregion.ca Twitter: @visitpama

Stephen Weir Stephen Weir and Associates stephen@stephenweir.com Tel: 416-489-5868 | cell: 416-801-3101 www.stephenweir.com twitter: sweirsweir