Kincardine council

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The Kincardine Yacht Club has secured a 10-year lease with the Municipality of Kincardine to operate and care for the lighthouse.

In committee-of-the-whole Wednesday night (June 9), chief administrative officer John deRosenroll said the yacht club will look after the interior of the structure and keep it open for public use, while the municipality maintains the exterior and the grounds.

The lease requires the yacht club to fund all operation costs of the lighthouse, fund all interior maintenance, pay all utility bills including a low-level heat through the winter months, fully fund and operate a public museum during July and August, and provide proof of $2-million liability insurance.

The original rent was to be $1,400/year, said deRosenroll, but given the cost to provide the low-level heat through the winter, that cost was reduced to $2/year. This reflects the caretaker nature of the lease, he said.

"The Kincardine Yacht Club has demonstrated over the course of the last lease that it has operated and maintained the Kincardine Lighthouse in the public interest and, as such, this agreement reflects the same mutual commitment over the next 10 years," said deRosenroll.

"I would hope the public would have access to the lighthouse more than just July and August," said councillor Ron Hewitt.

Jim Cooper of the yacht club, said tourists can be allowed in for tours any time. However, the lighthouse is generally open by mid-May and remains open through Labour Day.

Councillor Kenneth Craig asked about policies of acquisition or agreements in place for items in the lighthouse museum.

Cooper said the yacht club works with other area lighthouse operators regarding tours and programs, and works with the Bruce County Museum to change out the artifacts each year.

Craig asked if there are any defects in the lighthouse structure or required renovations that would be included in this lease.

"The public works department is to have a consultant come in and check out the interior and exterior of the lighthouse," said Cooper.

Kincardine Lighthouse

"Has there been anything decided as to a dollar value?" asked Craig.

"Nothing yet," said Cooper. "We're waiting for the actual inspection first."

Later, in council session, the 10-year lease between the municipality and the yacht club, was approved.

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Sunday, June 13, 2010