Heritage Lighthouses of Canada

Introduction

Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada
© Parks Canada

In May of 2008, Canada adopted a new law that will protect heritage lighthouses, the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act (HLPA). It will come into force on May 29, 2010. According to the Act, the Minister responsible for Parks Canada is responsible for its implementation.

The law has four purposes:

• Providing for the selection and designation of heritage lighthouses;
• Preventing the unauthorized alteration or disposition of heritage lighthouses;
• Requiring that heritage lighthouses be reasonably maintained; and
• Facilitating sales or transfers of heritage lighthouses in order to ensure the lighthouse’s public purpose.

The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act is designed to protect federally-owned lighthouses by providing a means for their designation as heritage lighthouses. The Act provides an opportunity for public consultation in the event a heritage lighthouse is sold, transferred to a province or demolished. It facilitates such sales or transfers with continuing heritage protection. The Act requires that designated heritage lighthouses be maintained and altered in a manner consistent with established conservation standards.

The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act applies only to lighthouses that are owned by the federal government. Lighthouses that are currently owned by provinces, municipalities or individuals will not be affected by the Act.