Save Canada's Lighthouses

Without you, it could be lights out for Canada's lighthouses.

The Government of Canada owns hundreds of iconic lighthouses like the one above - but earlier this year, it declared more than 500 of them - including many of the most historic ones - as "surplus."

That means many of these important local landmarks and historic icons are at risk.  Already neglected, starved for essential maintenance and care, and often located on remote, weather-ravaged sites, Canada's historic maritime symbols face an uncertain future.

Local groups want to help. But, they are under pressure to find the money and the means to save these iconic structures. You can help too.

Call on the Federal Government now to invest in the efforts of local groups and communities that are committed to saving Canada's lighthouses for future generations.

Sign the petition to protect Canada's historic lighthouses.

Time is running out!  Don't miss this opportunity to designate a historic lighthouse under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.

All you need are 25 signatures, but you must submit your petition of names by May 29, 2012. Learn more about the petition process and which sites have been nominated to date here.

For a snapshot of the designation process for surplus lighthouses, click here, and for non-surplus lighthouses, click here.

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.