Canadians Do Lighthouses Right
By Sue Clark on Oct 19, 2007 in News 
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It appears the Canadian government has the right idea on transferring ownership of their lighthouses. According to a story in the Shoreline Beacon, the federal government, though the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, responsible for Chantry Island Lighthouse, the Back Range Lighthouse, both active aids to navigation and McNabb Point Lighthouse (deactivated), all in Southampton, ON, no longer wants to maintain the lights and is giving them to the municipality.
Similar to what’s going on in the US, right? Well, not exactly. The government will spend the money to fix them up before giving them to the city, with $100,000 for Chantry Island and $25,000 each for the other two. Currently the town leases Chantry Island from the government, and the island has been fixed up by the Marine Heritage Society to run tours out to the light. The island is also a protected bird nesting habitat, and ownership will also be transferred to the town. The Chantry Island group has compiled a fascinating history of this light, known as one of six Imperial Lights that line the eastern edge of Lake Huron. Also involved in the preservation of these lights is the Propeller Club. Together the two groups call themselves the Supporters of Chantry Island.
But even with a good deal like this, some of the local councillors appear to question the decision, wondering if accepting the lights will be too much. Councillor Diane Huber stated, “The society has a small board,” she said. “I want to make sure we don’t hinge a lot of work on this small group of people.” Another councillor, Jane Barber, asked “what happens if there is a beach bash on the island; who’s responsible?”
It would certainly be nice if the US government could follow this lead, and donate some money to assist non-profits like the American Lighthouse Foundation or local towns to repair our neglected beacons before transferring ownership. And we hope the Town Council of Southampton sees the win-win situation in this governmental offer and accepts the lighthouses of Bruce Point.
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