Government of Canada Announces New Heritage Lighthouse Designations - 13 more lighthouses protected under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act

OTTAWA, July 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is preserving heritage lighthouses across Canada for future generations.

In celebration of Canada History Week (July 1st-7th), the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, along with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, have designated 13 heritage lighthouses. These designations are made on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

More than just beacons for navigation, Canada's heritage lighthouses are an integral part of the maritime identity of many Canadians. With these new designations, a total of 87 lighthouses in eight provinces have now been protected under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act – and more designations will follow.

The lighthouses nominated today include the Cap de la Madeleine Lighthouse in Quebec built in 1908, is one of the oldest examples of reinforced concrete lighthouses in Canada and the Rocky Point Lighthouse constructed in 1881, is the oldest existing lighthouse on the southwest coast of Newfoundland.

Among these 87 heritage lighthouses, 42 are to be managed by the federal government and 45 are to be managed by new, non-federal owners. Many community-based organizations and other levels of government are currently working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to take over responsibility for the care and protection of many more lighthouses that are important to their communities.

Quotes

"As we celebrate Canada History Week, I am very proud to recognize Canada's heritage lighthouses as iconic symbols of our communities and for the crucial role they have played in keeping mariners safe. They are also important tourism attractions that contribute to local economies. Our Government is committed to protecting these special places and I encourage all Canadians to take the opportunity to learn more about our rich and diverse history, including our rich maritime traditions."

Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada Catherine McKenna

"I am delighted to see these incredible places added to the growing list of lighthouses designated under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act. Our Government is ensuring that important heritage lighthouses on Canada's coastal and inland waters remain protected for future of Canadians and visitors from around the world."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

• The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, which is administered by Parks Canada, allows for the identification and protection of federally-owned lighthouses with heritage value.
• The federal government and other non-federal owners protect heritage lighthouses under the terms of the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act

Associated Link

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

Canada History Week 2016

SOURCE Parks Canada

Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]