Petitioners Want To Preserve Nova Scotia Lighthouse
By Sue Clark on Apr 29, 2009 in News 
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Devil’s Island Lighthouse In Imminent Danger
Fearing the remaining lighthouse on Devil’s Island, near Halifax, Nova Scotia, will not survive another winter without major work, the Devil’s Island Lighthouse Preservation Society presented a petition with 3200 signatures to Peter Stoffer, the NDP member of Parliament for the area, to take to the House of Commons. By the time the new Canadian Lighthouse Heritage Act comes into effect in 2010, the lighthouse may be too damaged to be eligible under the program.
According to a story at cbc.ca, the Chariman of the Society, Mike Tilley, says, “The water is slowly getting in to the top of the lighthouse. It would definitely have to be reshingled and you have to make the roof tight. There’s only six or seven octagonal timber-framed lighthouses left.”
Petition Wants Light Put Back
Although another story at the Chronic Herald states the light may be dimmed, it’s apparent in the photo above the light already has been removed. The Society wants it put back, making the light eligible for transfer and protection under the Act.
Stoffer said he supports the Society’s efforts to preserve the lighthouse. “There are many of us who think the one at Devils Island does have some historic value to it,” he said. “If you’ve got a community group willing to put the sweat equity into it, manage it and look after it for future generations, I think that’s fabulous.”
No decision has so far been made but Stoffer said he will be meeting with government officials to lobby for it to be handed over to the Society.
The lighthouse is one of two that originally were on Devil’s Island. All that remains of the other is part of the stone foundation. Both were established in 1852 and automated in 1969.
Photo credit: Devil’s Island Lighthouse by Ala-Sin. All rights reserved.
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