Point Atkinson Lighthouse Endangered
By Sue Clark on Jan 15, 2009 in News 
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Heritage Group Claims Administrative Limbo
Point Atkinson Lighthouse in Vancouver is at risk of falling into ruins according to the heritage group that oversees it, in part because of the administrative limbo it, along with other lighthouses in Canada, has fallen into. The light was designated a National Historic Site in 1994 and was added to the West Vancouver Community Heritage Register last summer. But the way the caretaker duties have been divided over the years, the neglect has caused some buildings to fall apart, according to Elaine Graham, head of the head of the West Vancouver Historical Society’s Point Atkinson Light Station subcommittee.
The lighthouse was automated in 1996, and the last lightkeeper, Graham’s (late) husband, lost his job. However, he was hired on to perform groundskeeper duties for two on-site homes that were taken over by the city, but that didn’t include upkeep of the main structures. Those remained under the Canadian government’s jurisdiction. The Department of Fisheries and Ocean took care of the lighthouse proper, but the other buildings, walkways, and helicopter landing pad were left to decay.
Radio Room Rotting Away
The radio room is in dire need of help, as the twelve years of neglect have hit it especially hard. Graham says in an article at Canada.Com, “It needs paint. It needs replacement of its siding; it leaks; and it’s got a rotting beam under the vestibule.” The goal for the site is to get the buildings in shape, but the control might have to switch from the DFO to another group for that to happen.
The group would like to see the entire facility fixed up and converted to a fully functioning heritage site where visitors would be able to tour the site, enter at least some of the buildings, and read or listen to information about its history. To that end, the group has applied for a grant to pay for a consultant to map out a plan for the facility, and report on all the steps necessary to convert the site to a tourist attraction.
Graham stated, “The goal would be to preserve the unique character of Point Atkinson, to ensure future generations would have access to it and learn a little more about it.” Unfortunately, there will be no help forthcoming from their Member of the Local Assembly (MLA), Joan McIntyre. But not for lack of wanting to help. Says McIntyre, “Ultimately, in the case of the arts or heritage grants, the minister decides. I can let the ministry know there’s an application there, ask for information and ask questions, but I can’t officially advocate or interfere with the application.”
Anyone wanting to help is more than welcome to email the group, at pointatkinsonpals@gmail.com. There doesn’t seem to be a website devoted to the historical society.
Photo Credits:
- Point Atkinson Lighthouse by maziar hooshmand. Some rights reserved.
- Point Atkinson Building by Passion84. Some rights reserved.
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