Canadian Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act Update
By Sue Clark on Apr 27, 2009 in News, Press Release 
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Minister Jim Prentice Appoints Advisory Committee for Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act
OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (Marketwire - April 22, 2009) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced that the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada will act as his Advisory Committee for implementing the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act. “Canadian communities feel strongly attached to the lighthouses which have played such an important role in the social and economic development of Canada,” said Minister Prentice. “The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, with its expertise in Canadian history and heritage buildings, and with representatives from all provinces and territories, will be able to advise me well on the implementation of this Act.”
The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act received Royal Assent on May 29, 2008 and will come into force in May 2010. The Act aims to conserve and protect heritage lighthouses by creating a new designation program for ‘heritage lighthouses’. Once designated, a heritage lighthouse could not be altered except in ways that would preserve its heritage character and would have to be maintained. The Act also sets out requirements for public notice and enduring protection if a heritage lighthouse is disposed of.
The advisory committee will advise Minister Prentice on which lighthouses should be designated, as well as on the criteria when considering whether a lighthouse should be designated, on the maintenance of heritage lighthouses, and the alteration of heritage lighthouses. The Parks Canada Agency will administer the implementation of the Act.
“The Government of Canada is committed to celebrating Canada’s history,” said Minister Prentice. “This Act will help Canadians participate in the conservation of these special buildings and in ensuring that they continue to play a vibrant role in their communities.”
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is the advisory body to the Minister on the commemoration of nationally significant aspects of Canada’s history. In addition to its role in recommending the designation of national historic persons, places and events, the Board is also the Minister’s advisor under the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act and for the National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers.
Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 42 national parks, 162 national historic sites, and three national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.
Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under Media room. 819-994-3023
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1 Comment(s)
By Gem on Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
Lighthouse Takes Flight “Saving the Stokes Bay Lighthouse in Ontario”
Hello,
My name is Jason Webb and I work for Bruce County Tourism in Ontario Canada. Please help spread the word to help promote our cause of saving our lighthouse through your exposure online. Please have a look at our PDF through our website. Thanks so much for any help you all can offer!
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Stokes Bay, ON. Another significant part of Bruce County’s Marine history is scheduled for demolition. The Stokes Bay Lighttower, located along the Lake Huron shoreline within Blacks Creek Provincial Park has been identified by the Canadian Coast Guard to be replaced beginning October 12th, 2009. Read full story by downloading PDF at:
www.brucecoastlighthouses.com/