Huron-Kinloss news

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The federal government is putting up to $495,000 into fixing up the Point Clark Lighthouse.

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and Parks Canada communications manager Scott Currie made the announcement in the Lightkeeper's House Museum Friday afternoon.

The money, part of the federal government's Economic Action Plan, will be used to repair the stonework's masonry and mortar to preserve the integrity of this national historic site, said Lobb.

"It was about a year ago that we were here to announce support for the 150th anniversary celebration of the Point Clark Lighthouse," Lobb said. "At that point, there was concern about the condition of the structure."

Now, the funds are being provided to repoint the limestone exterior of the lighthouse and do some work on the Lightkeeper's House Museum, Lobb said. The work is to begin this fall and must be completed by March 31, 2011.

"This is big news for Huron-Kinloss," said mayor Mitch Twolan. "Tourism and agriculture are our two major industries. We are pleased that the federal government is investing this type of money into our community, especially for the lighthouse which is a focal point and a major tourist attraction."

He praised parks and recreation director Mike Fair for his vigilance in getting Parks Canada to inspect the lighthouse and determine what work must be done immediately to maintain the structure.

"Thanks for listening to our concerns," said Twolan. "This isn't about who does what. It's a concerted effort and we're all working together on this project."

"This is about a national treasure, an historic site, that needs minor surgery," said Fair.

He said the project will include not only the repointing of the stone but further study of the lantern assembly at the top of the lighthouse, the stairwells and guide rails inside, and the platform at the top, with further repairs to be done, as required.

"Everything is going to be assessed, including the exterior of the keeper's cottage," he said. "The tower is a big priority. We want it to remain in good shape so it will last another 150 years."

Currently, the entrances to the tower and the shed beside it are covered with steel canopies to protect the public from pieces of the rock surface that are popping off and tumbling to the ground. A picket fence runs around the tower, also to keep the public back from the structure.

The Point Clark Lighthouse was built in 1859 to warn sailors of the shoal extending 3.2 kilometres offshore. Its elegant proportions and limestone exterior are typical of the six "Imperial" towers built in the region, a lighthouse style rarely seen elsewhere in Canada.

Acquired by Parks Canada in 1967 to commemorate the vital role of lighthouses in navigation on the Great Lakes, it still serves its primary function - an aid to navigation. The lightkeeper's dwelling, built at the same time as the lighthouse, is now operated as a museum by Huron-Kinloss Township.

A breathtaking vista is the reward for climbing the 114 stairs up the winding staircases at the lighthouse.

"It's an amazing structure and we're very fortunate to have it in our municipality," said Fair. "It's open to the public during the summer, but people come year-round to photograph it."

Fair said the project to fix up and assess the lighthouse is an ambitious one, but he is pleased to see the work going ahead. "Let's hope that Mother Nature is kind to us this fall so we can get this project completed," he said.

Point Clark Lighthouse

Lightkeeper's House Museum in Point Clark

An old photo of the Point Clark Lighthouse, which hangs in the Lightkeeper's House Museum

The lighthouse is open to the public from late June to Labour Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided tours available. For more information, check out www.brucecoastlighthouses.com or www.huronkinloss.com, or call 519-395-2909 (year-round), or 519-395-2494 (June to Labour Day).

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Sunday, April 11, 2010