The first île aux Perroquets lighthouse station was erected in 1888, more than 125 years ago. Several lightkeepers have succeeded each other, including Count Henry de Puyjalon, Placide Vigneau, Robert Kavanagh and John Collin. The current lighthouse, built in 1951, was designated as a heritage lighthouse in April 2014 for its historic, architectural and community value. The designation includes the site’s seven related buildings, including the former lightkeeper and assistant’s houses and the foghorn building.
Corporation de l’île aux Perroquets, a non-profit organization, is responsible for managing the renovations of the île aux Perroquets lighthouse station buildings and for the future management of the site. A lease was signed with Parks Canada to this end. The municipality of Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, the regional county municipality of Minganie and several regional partners have supported the project. The Canadian and Quebec governments as well as businesses and individuals have contributed financially to the rehabilitation of the lighthouse station.
Corporation de l’île aux Perroquets furnished the lightkeeper and assistant’s houses in order to offer accommodations as of July 16, 2015. An exhibit recounting the life of the lightkeepers is displayed inside the foghorn building. Outside, interpretation signs highlight the importance of île aux Perroquets for navigation on the St. Lawrence River.
The renovation work begun in May 2012 and ended in the fall of 2014. In an effort to improve the quality of the environment, the partners opted for an eco-responsible site. The lighthouse station is supplied by a reverse osmosis water system and a solar energy system, and is equipped with a composting toilet and propane appliances and heating.
Corporation de l’île aux Perroquets
The organization was created in 2010 to take care of the renovation of the buildings as well as to manage the site. Its mission is to preserve, enhance and develop the île aux Perroquets lighthouse station in order to highlight its historic importance, its maritime heritage and the special features that make it a first-rate tourist attraction for Minganie.
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