Pioneer Park with Historic Cannons at Sunset

Larry LePage present chairman and Gordon Webb past chairman of the Marine Heritage Society made a presentation in support of a sub-lease agreement between The Town of Saugeen Shores and the Marine Heritage  concerning the Chantry Island Lighthouse, Keeper's House, Boat House on the Island and other buildings in the immediate area of the Light.  The presentation took place at the regular Council meeting on January 28, 2008

In addition the Saugeen River Range Lights vintage 1903 were included along with the McNab Point Range Light.  The Lighthouses have been offered to the community and certain repairs will be made by the Federal Government in order to effect the transfer.

Work has progressed on the Range Lights to bring them into safety conformance for children's tours.  The long running tours to Chantry Island will continue with repairs to the tower in the range of $100,000 will be made by the Federal Government in order to turn over the light to the community.  They will still be maintained as navigation aids except the decommissioned McNab Point Light which is being repaired to bring it back to its original state.  The Range Lights are undergoing repairs of up to $25,000 paid for by the Federal Government.

The work is a combination of effort of contractors and volunteers to keep the cost down and to preserve the Lights for future generations.

Chairman LePage and Past Chairman Webb made an effective visual presentation showing the many projects accomplished under the Marine Heritage initiative with help from many, many volunteers.  The Marine Heritage Committee is a steering committee that oversees the great number of projects done over the years with volunteer effort and private donations.  Some of them are listed below:

• Chanty Island Restoration
• Mystery Building Preservation
• Historic Privy Restoration
• Boat House on Chantry Island Construction
• Rescue Boat Construction for the Chantry Island Boat House.
• Tour Boat Peerless Restoration
• Barge renovation for use on Chantry Island and in the Port Elgin Harbour
• Pioneer Park Restoration
• Boat House Restoration (Southampton)
• Tour Base Gift Shop Success
• Tours rated #1 Tourist Attraction in the Area
• Kiosk at the corner of High and Albert Street.
• Storm Signal Construction at Pioneer Park
• Historic Anchor Pioneer Park
• Tour Base Restoration at the Southampton Harbour (former Water  Rescue Building).
• HMS General Hunter Archaeological Work
• Historic Barge Archaeological dig and move.
• Historic Banner Hanging in Southampton
• Model Construction for Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre.

Tour Base Gift Shop Director Vicki Tomori

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Mr. Webb pointed out the great numbers of people attracted to and used in these projects.  A few highlights include:

• 350 Donors
• 250 volunteers
• Total number of volunteers used in support of the Island Tours is 103 and 80% of those are NOT Propeller Club Members
• Propeller Club has 176 members

Mr. Webb, Mayor Smith and Mike Myatt, Director of Community Services pointed out that the Marine Heritage Society had a track record of success dating back many years.

The motion to enter into a 5-year lease with the Marine Heritage Society passed unanimously.

HMS General Hunter Dig (August 1816 Shipwreck)

Tour Boat Peerless

The Canadian Flag is Raised on Chantry Island