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Mike Myatt, Director of Community Services for Saugeen Shores,
presented a report at Monday night's Council meeting on the
divestiture of Chantry Island.
"The town has expressed interest in taking ownership of Chantry
Island," said Myatt - for full report, go to the
Town Web Site
Councillor Taun Frosst wanted to know if the town was responsible
for paying the Coast Guard for any of the lighthouse maintenance.
"The Coast Guard looks after all the equipment," explained Myatt,
"at their own cost. Prior to divestiture, we would want an assurance
that we are receiving an asset and not a liability."
"There will undoubtedly be costs down the lane somewhere in the
future," added Myatt, "but we are getting an asset that is in
excellent condition.
Vice-Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock expressed some reservations. "We
have had a ton of volunteer labour and support from the government.
When I look at the two harbours however, I am not sure what the
future costs will be. Also, can we sell it in the future if we want
to?"
"Well, we are the owners," replied Myatt. "If the lighthouse is
beyond repair in 20 or 30 years, then the Imperial Tower could be
demolished and a steel tower put up."
"This is a great asset," interjected Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger.
"I would encourage everyone in Saugeen Shores to commit to the
community investment fund where contributions will help ensure that
things like Chantry are taken care of for the future." (next column)
23/06/2009 02:19 AM
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"I agree," added Councillor Luke Charbonneau. "So many community
volunteers have put so many hours into this and we need to protect it as
an historical preservation of a classified heritage building by the
Federal Government. After divestiture, that classification will no
longer apply however, so will there be a body in place to make sure that
the heritage designation is assured? We have to be ready and able to
have guidelines in place and have a policy, perhaps through the Heritage
Committee."
"There is an endowment fund for Chantry Island Lighthouse," Myatt
pointed out. "We had a conference call this morning with the Coast Guard
and there is a standard document to protect the lighthouse and it will
be used as a template for things such as standard of care, planning and
due diligence and preventative maintenance, among others to ensure it is
cared for in perpetuity."
"I am struggling with the advantages under the Lighthouse Protection Act
and the Divestiture," said Mayor Mike Smith. "I want to make sure we are
doiing the right thing."
"It is listed as a surplus lighthouse," Myatt explained. "It could be
protected under the Lighthouse Protection Act, but it is a five-year
period in that funding may not come available for two to three years and
then the rules are drawn up. The control of ownership is that we could
set up our own standards."
"I think that's probably the best way to go," said the Mayor.
Council voted to accept the recommendation that:
'Council approves in principle the divesting of Chantry Island from the
Federal Government and that an agreement be entered into that would
incorporate all conditions as contained in the background information'.
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