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Point Clark Lighthouse needs major overhaul By Liz Dadson |
Huron-Kinloss council To Comment on this article Click Here |
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Restoration work on the Point Clark Lighthouse has been stopped because the structure has suffered more damage than was initially anticipated. A national historic site, the lighthouse has been closed to the public for the past two summer seasons, and work was to be completed this fall or early next year. However, Huron-Kinloss facilities and recreation director Mike Fair told township council last night (Oct. 3) that there are a number of problems and "as-found" conditions that were unexpected. The Parks Canada project co-ordinator's report states that the initial design for restoration work was based on the existence of one large vertical crack extending through multiple courses of masonry. Once the exterior surface treatment was removed by sandblasting, workers discovered there are four such cracks. "One aspect of the repairs involves raking the joints between the stones to prepare for re-pointing with new mortar," states the co-ordinator's report. "Soon after this work was commenced in the mid-section of the tower, it was found that once the first layer of mortar (a relatively modern repair - one to two inches in depth) was removed, the original lime mortar behind it was found to be in completely poor condition with no supporting strength." This meant the raking procedure was putting workers and the tower at risk so a Stop Work Order was issued until a re-designed procedure can be drawn up and approved. The project co-ordinator says the damage to the top eight courses of masonry is more extensive than anticipated, and there is evidence of moisture penetration into the rubble core over a period of time. The contractor's engineer has recommended that the lantern section be temporarily removed from the top of the tower to facilitate the complete rebuilding of the top eight courses of masonry. This would ensure the safety of the workers, reduce the overall risk to the historic tower, and allow for more thorough and effective repairs.
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A design
for this type of repair has yet to be approved. Once that happens, a
revised work schedule will be drawn up and the restoration can proceed. Fair told council that Parks Canada is in way too deep on this project to stop now. The work schedule has to be revised, and the cost of the project is going to increase dramatically. "The lighthouse isn't going to be open soon," said councillor Don Murray. "Don't say that," said Fair. "We need it open next summer." He said everything is on hold until the new design is approved which will dictate how the project proceeds. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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