Huron-Kinloss council

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Parks Canada has closed the Point Clark Lighthouse tower.

Huron-Kinloss parks and recreation director Mike Fair told council last night (July 5) that the federal agency's engineers reported the lighthouse tower area is not safe for fear of falling pieces of the tower striking someone. 

"They found rocks outside the fenced area," said Fair. "Initially, they wanted to close the entire site, (including the lightkeeper's cottage and museum next to the tower). They are now closing the tower only, and the museum will remain open until a statement from the engineers is received."

He said the impact on staffing is significant if the entire site is closed.

Fair is meeting with Parks Canada today (July 6) for additional review of the lighthouse.

"There's not much we can do," he said. "If they're closing the tower, I can't see the museum staying open."

Unfortunately, tourists have been clamouring to climb up inside the lighthouse. "Our staff turned 150 people away on the weekend," said Fair. "Everyone wants to go up the tower."

Fair wants Parks Canada to test rocks falling from the tower to ensure they are actually landing outside the fence. He believes young people might be getting inside the fenced area and tossing the rocks outside of it.

"It's a three-and-a-half-foot fence," he said. "You can walk around the end of it; there's just shrubs there."

"The fence is not a true barrier," said administrator Mary Rose Walden.

Close-up of the damage to the exterior of the lighthouse 

Point Clark Lighthouse

"The problem is, it's not our call," said mayor Mitch Twolan. "It's a safety issue and it's up to Parks Canada to make that call."

If the entire site is closed, there is no work for several summer staff hired to work as lighthouse tour guides and co-ordinators.

"Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do," added councillor Anne Eadie. "We have to go with safety first."

Fair will meet with Parks Canada and report back to council.

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Monday, July 05, 2010