Allstone inukshuk claims place among the Guinness elite

Jose Melo now has a certificate from Guinness, stating his inukshuk is the tallest structure of its kind in the world.

It's official!

The 11.377-metre inukshuk, created and recently unveiled by Allstone Quarry Products Inc. at its facility near Schomberg, has now been accredited by Guinness World Records as the tallest structure of its kind in the world.

The massive free-standing structure weighs some 90 tons and was constructed over three weeks earlier this year at a cost of $320,000. It consists of 11 pieces of granite that were trucked in from Allstone's own quarry near Sudbury.

A ceremony to mark the successful attempt at the Guinness record was held last month, featuring local dignitaries and representatives from the survey, structural engineering and geological fields. Assisting Allstone president Jose Melo in the ribbon-cutting event were two members of parliament; Lui Temelkovski (Oak Ridges - Markham) and Mario Silva (Davenport), and Mayor Margaret Black.

Melo explained that there were three reasons to construct the inukshuk, independent of the Guinness attempt.

"First, we are seeking to honour Canada's aboriginal culture, since inuksuit (plural of inukshuk) are a traditional part of the Inuit way of life," he commented. "Second, we wish to promote the natural beauty of Northern Ontario granite. And third, it's our way of creating awareness of the benefits of the potential industry relating to stone products."

The granite slabs used for the construction of this inukshuk are actually granite gneiss (pronounced "nice"). Gneiss results from metamorphosis, which is transformation of existing rock by massive forces of pressure and heat. It is what gives rock a layered or laminated appearance.

This particular granite gneiss came from the Grenville Mountains, which are part of the Canadian Shield. It is among the oldest geological formations in the world, dating back more than one billon years. The slabs were separated along natural layering lines by use of special extraction equipment, since the traditional practice of blasting might have spoiled their natural shape and beauty.

Construction reflects how the Inuit traditionally build their structures, using only natural rock without any embellishment. Even the holes that symbolize the eyes of the gentle granite giant are the result of natural erosion, as are the vertical lines etched across its "body." The eight-metre slab that represents the arms tapers naturally at each end.

The world's tallest inukshuk towers over an artificial pond. Allstone created it to reflect the fact that inuksuit were traditionally constructed as navigational markers, often alongside waterways.

"We constructed the pond complete with a granite bridge that facilitates close access to the inukshuk," Melo commented. The bridge, which is an eight-metre slab of granite, is artfully supported on three granite pillars, to create the illusion of floating.

Melo has more than 30 years experience working with natural stone in the construction of waterfalls, bridges, sculptures, fountains, and now the world's tallest inukshuk.

"Recognition by Guinness represents one of the highlights of my career," he said. "I hope that it will do much to promote the interests of the landscaping industry and the fascinating role of natural rock, which is such an essential part of Canada's geological heritage."

"Granite gneiss in particular is such a beautiful material to incorporate into commercial and residential landscapes, since it offers so many rich and varying properties as a result of millions of years of heat and pressure and glacial action upon its surface," he added. "It is a truly versatile material that deserves more widespread exposure so as to appreciate its beauty."