Look out for falling rocks off Point Clark Lighthouse
By Liz Dadson
 

Huron-Kinloss Council


Huron-Kinloss council heard good news and bad news about the Point Clark Lighthouse at the general committee meeting last night (June 1).

The good news is the township has received a $20,300 grant from the federal government to put on a three-day celebration, marking the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse.

The bad news is that pieces of the structure are falling off.

Parks and recreation director Mike Fair said a fence has been installed around the perimeter of the tower because the material is 'popping' off and falling to the ground. Meanwhile, Parks Canada is trying to figure out how to fix the problem, given the tourist season has already begun and people like to visit the lighthouse, said Fair.

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03/06/2009 12:08 AM

 "There's a big panic right now," he said. "We operate the lighthouse as a museum and we give tours throughout the summer. Now, we're trying to devise a way of protecting the visitors from falling rock. Parks Canada thought about maybe wrapping the lighthouse in netting."

"That would be attractive," said councillor Jim Hanna.
 

Fair said Parks Canada is putting together a business plan with funds to repair the structure. "A protection system will be installed for the operating season of the tower," he said, "and Parks Canada is aware of the 150th celebration."

After the meeting, Fair said he believes the 'popping' or 'spalling' of the rocks is caused by moisture trapped in the walls once a sealant coating was applied by the Coast Guard in recent years. Before that, the lighthouse was white-washed which allowed the rocks to breathe and there was no moisture build-up, he said.

The 150th anniversary celebration is slated for Aug. 14-16 and will replace the annual Lighthouse Keeper's Corn Roast event.

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