Government of Canada Announces New Heritage Lighthouse Designations
News Release
13 more lighthouses protected under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act
July 7th, 2016 Ottawa, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
The Government of Canada is preserving heritage lighthouses across Canada for future generations.
In celebration of Canada History Week (July 1st-7th), the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, along with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, have designated 13 heritage lighthouses. These designations are made on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
More than just beacons for navigation, Canada’s heritage lighthouses are an integral part of the maritime identity of many Canadians. With these new designations, a total of 88 lighthouses in eight provinces have now been protected under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act – and more designations will follow.
The lighthouses designated today include the Cap de la Madeleine Lighthouse in Quebec built in 1908 which is one of the oldest examples of reinforced concrete lighthouses in Canada and the Rocky Point Lighthouse constructed in 1881 which is the oldest existing lighthouse on the southwest coast of Newfoundland.
Among these 88 heritage lighthouses, 42 are to be managed by the federal government and 46 are to be managed by new, non-federal owners. Many community-based organizations and other levels of government are currently working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to take over responsibility for the care and protection of many more lighthouses that are important to their communities.
Quotes
“As we celebrate Canada History Week, I am very proud to recognize Canada’s heritage lighthouses as iconic symbols of our communities and for the crucial role they have played in keeping mariners safe. They are also important tourism attractions that contribute to local economies. Our Government is committed to protecting these special places and I encourage all Canadians to take the opportunity to learn more about our rich and diverse history, including our rich maritime traditions.”
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada Catherine McKenna
“I am delighted to see these incredible places added to the growing list of lighthouses designated under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act. Our Government is ensuring that important heritage lighthouses on Canada’s coastal and inland waters remain protected for future of Canadians and visitors from around the world.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
- The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, which is administered by Parks Canada, allows for the identification and protection of federally-owned lighthouses with heritage value.
- The federal government and other non-federal owners protect heritage lighthouses under the terms of the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act
Related Products
Backgrounder: Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act – Program Results and a Course for the Future
Backgrounder: Designated Heritage Lighthouses
Associated Link
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Canada History Week 2016
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Contact
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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