Lighthouses

HCF believes that lighthouses have a special significance to Canadians and must be preserved for future generations.

They are iconic structures. Many are architecturally significant. But their importance also stems from their role in Canadian history. Often standing in relative isolation on islands or headlands, they are important artefacts of Canada’s maritime history. Many lighthouses have been guiding fishermen and mariners to port since the age of sail, and they stand as a testament to the tragedies throughout history that have befallen thousands of Canadian fishermen and mariners.

The 2008 Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act was designed to better protect the heritage lighthouses owned by the federal government. Subsequent federal moves have put local communities under pressure to assume the financial responsibility for maintenance and protection of these important structures. HCF believes the federal government has an ongoing role in preserving these maritime icons.

What are the issues?

• Technological change in marine safety erodes lighthouse importance
• De-staffing and automation of lightstations
• Replacement of lighthouses with simple, inexpensive skeleton towers
• Budget pressures resulting in deferred maintenance
• Coastal sites make many vulnerable to severe weathering
• Insurance and vandalism issues makes demolition attractive

Resources:

• Hot off the press! An invaluable report for community groups and individuals looking to take over a lighthouse property. Alternative Use Study Surplus Lighthouses has been prepared for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in order to assist it in assessing alternate use proposals it will be receiving for the transfer of its surplus lighthouse properties. It includes examples of alternate uses, ownership models, disposal processes, key success factors, and more.
• Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act
• Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans: Report on the Implentation of the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act
• Find surplus lighthouses near you

For more photos of lighthouses, visit our Flickr page