The federal Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act (HLPA) was given royal assent in May 2008. The bill, however, does not come into effect until May 29, 2010. As of that date, there will be two years in which Canadians can nominate lighthouses for heritage status.

Anyone can submit a petition (nominate) to the federal Minister of the Environment for a lighthouse to be considered for heritage status under the Act. To be considered, a petition must be signed by 25 individuals over the age of 18.  If the lighthouse has been deemed “surplus”, the petitioner must also commit to acquire the lighthouse through purchase or other means.  Government departments must make public a list of such surplus lighthouses during the same two-year period.

There are dozens of lighthouses on Canada’s west coast, and many are still in active use.  Some have staff, some are automated, and some have been decommissioned. They are managed or held under a variety of tenures. Lighthouses given heritage designation will be regulated under the HLPA for future maintenance, alterations, sale or demolition.

The Minister has until May 2015 to determine which nominated lighthouses will be designated under the HLPA.  The Act requires that the Minister establish an Advisory Committee to consult in this process.  Last year, Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced that the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada will serve this function. The Board is also responsible for the Heritage Railway Stations Program and National Historic Sites.

Read previous article from Heritage BC Quarterly Summer 2008
» Lighthouse Bill Passes

For more information:
» Parks Canada Heritage LIghthouses

Photo: Amphitrite Point LIghthouse