Spectacle Island Lighthouse Group Relit

A very nice story about a lighthouse that was almost demolished a few years ago, but was saved by a group of residents, appeared in NovaNewsNow. The Spectacle Island (Port Mouton, Nova Scotia) Lighthouse Society was formed in 2004 by a resident, Brigitte Petersmann, after learning that the Canadian Coast Guard planned to demolish the light. After numerous phone calls and effort by the group, but ultimately the lighthouse was saved and repairs were made to the lovely lighthouse. After that, however, the group drifted apart in 2005.

Along comes a gentleman who retired to Port Mouton last year, Mel Cutler, who decided to relight the group. After a successful meeting, there are about 20-25 members of the group, and they have elected an executive committee and put forth their goals. An annual membership fee of $10 was set. Some of the goals include:

• Obtain ownership of the property should neither the Federal/Provincial/Regional authorities wish to retain ownership.
• Provide safe access to the lighthouse and island.
• Planned/ongoing maintenance and repair of the site.
• Improve and maintain the site for local recreational purposes.
• Create a local heritage site.
• Facilitate and promote tourism of the lighthouse and island.

And more immediate, short-term plans are

• A Floating Dock to provide access/land supplies.
• Create a pathway from the dock to the lighthouse.
• Build and install a rudimentary compostable toilet facility.
• Supply a small storage shed so supplies can be left on the island for the summer.

But the Lighthouse Itself Needs a Light Bulb

While the story was newsworthy in and of itself, once again there is a buried lede at the end. A quick check of the lighthouse does indicate it is listed as an active aid to navigation. From the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society:

This light is still operational.

Lighthouse Location: On northeastern point of Spectacle Island
Lighthouse Structure: Square wood tower, white, white wood lantern
The lighthouse was built and first lit in 1937.
Tower height: 028ft feet.
Light height: 055ft feet.
Light range: 7 miles.
Light characteristic: Flashing White (1992).
Light automated (destaffed): by 1993

But according to local residents, the light hasn’t been functioning for a year. Hello?? Canadian Coast Guard?? Are you there? How long does it take to change a lightbulb? And why haven’t you? You know this just begs for some lightbulb jokes:

How many Canadian Coast Guardsmen does it take to change a lightbulb?

45. One to change the lightbulb and 45 to do the paperwork.

How many Canadian Coasties does it take to change a lightbulb?

50. One to change the lightbulb and the remaining 49 to watch for whales.

How many Canadian Coast Guardsmen does it take to change a lightbulb?

None. Sorry, that item has been cut from the budget.

How many Canadian Coast Guardsmen does it take to change a lightbulb?

115. One to hold the lightbulb and the other 114 to to rotate the lighthouse.

So while the Port Mouton Lighthouse, also known as Spectacle Island Lighthouse, gets the flame for its preservation going by islanders, the lighthouse itself sits dark, except for the sun’s reflection at sunset, silently waiting for the most basic of maintenance from its current owners, the Canadian Coast Guard.

I think the first order of business for the newly fired up group should be to get the Coast Guard out there and change the ligthbulb.

Photo Credits:

• Spectacle Reef Lighthouse (top) Unknown
• Spectacle Reef Lighthouse at sunset by Barry Mouzar

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