Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

October 21, 2016                                          St. John’s, NL                                       Parks Canada

The management plan for Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site was tabled in Parliament yesterday. Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a legislative requirement of the Canada National Parks Act and guide the management of Parks Canada places.

National historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation. 

The new management plan for Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site outlines the following key priorities:

• Increase collaboration opportunities to create a greater variety of visitor experiences and programs;
• Provide opportunities for enjoyable experiences that meet visitor needs;
• Embrace the site’s physical location at the most easterly point in North America to provide enhanced visitor experience opportunities.

The plan was developed through extensive public consultation and input from many people and organizations, including local residents, stakeholders, partners, visitors, and Parks Canada staff. 

As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to learn more about our history, and national historic sites will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

The Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site Management Plan is available for viewing on the Parks Canada website at http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/nl/spear/index.aspx.   

 

Quote

“Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas belong to all Canadians and offer truly Canadian experiences. As the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I applaud this collaborative effort and I am pleased to approve this management plan for Cape Spear National Historic Site.”

Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

 

Quick Facts

• Located at the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site commemorates the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador and presents the story of generations of lighthouse keepers who worked and lived there. Remnants of the Second World War coastal defence battery Fort Cape Spear are located at the site as well.  
• Cape Spear Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Site due to its age and architectural significance. Built in 1835-1836 by the Colony of Newfoundland as a navigational aid for mariners approaching St. John’s harbour, Cape Spear Lighthouse operated from 1836 until 1955 when a new concrete light tower was erected nearby.
• The historic lighthouse at Cape Spear has been restored to its 1839 appearance and depicts how the lighthouse keeper and his family would have lived at that time.
• Cape Spear's history, geographic significance, and proximity to St. John's make it one of the most iconic tourism attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador, with more than 300,000 visitors to the site annually. 
• Cape Spear is a popular location to view whales, icebergs, and sea birds in the spring and summer months. The East Coast Trail also passes through the site, offering access to some of the province’s best hiking routes.

 

Associated Link

Parks Canada

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Contacts
Ray Kenny
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Newfoundland East Field Unit
709-772-2587
ray.kenny@pc.gc.ca

 

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

The 1836 Cape Spear Lighthouse.  © Parks Canada.

Panoramic view of Cape Spear. © Parks Canada