The Government of Canada today announced the designation of Nootka lighthouse (British Columbia) as a heritage lighthouse under Canada's Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.
The Nootka heritage lighthouse, built in 1958, is situated in Yuquot, British Columbia. It is a square, galvanized–steel tower surrounded by a steel skeleton tower. In the 18th century, Nootka Sound became an important site of early contact between First Nations of the Pacific Northwest and European explorers, and developed into a centre of trade (notably furs) and diplomacy. In 1911, the Department of Marine and Fisheries built a lighthouse on San Rafael Island as part of a more general expansion of the lighthouse system in British Columbia.
At the time of its construction in 1911, the first Nootka lighthouse played a vital role in safeguarding water routes for the many regional industries that were dependent on marine shipping, including canneries, logging and mining. The pulp and paper and mining industries would continue to grow throughout the 20th century. The current tower was built in 1958 to replace the original 1911 lighthouse and primarily serves international vessels exporting lumber, as well as recreational boaters, many of whom are involved in developing tourism and outdoor recreational initiatives to supplement the region's primary industries. The light station is also home to extensive archaeological remains related primarily to Mowachaht–Muchalaht First Nation's history.
Adopted in 2008, the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act allows for the identification and protection of federally–owned lighthouses with heritage value. It is the most significant piece of federal legislation to protect historic places of the last decade. It will help to ensure that important heritage lighthouses on Canada's coastal and inland waters remain protected for future generations.
The Government of Canada has taken action to protect heritage lighthouses by providing the public with the opportunity to nominate lighthouses for heritage designation; between 2010 and 2012, 348 were nominated. Designated lighthouses are well–protected as their owners are required to care for them in accordance with recognized standards for heritage conservation.
The Nootka heritage lighthouse was designated on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
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