Description of Historic Place

The Lighthouse, located at Twillingate on Newfoundland’s rugged northeast coastline, is a concrete brick tower. It has an unusual design consisting of a square base, octagonal tower, multi-faceted lantern base and two rows of triangular glass panes. The Lighthouse is part of a complex of structures that make up the Long Point Lightstation. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Lighthouse at Long Point Lightstation is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Lighthouse illustrates the theme of navigational aid established along Canada’s coast to protect the fishing and sealing trades. In particular, the establishment of the lightstation is belated testimony to a public desire to support the sealing industry. The lightstation also played a strong role in attracting and maintaining the community’s twentieth-century tourist interest.

Architectural Value
The Lighthouse is a good example of a well-built brick lighthouse with very good functional design. The unusual geometry of the lighthouse is rare with only one other Canadian example, also in Newfoundland.

Environmental Value
The Lighthouse, as part of a complex at Long Point Lightstation, reinforces the character of its maritime setting and is a well-known landmark in the region.

Sources: Joan Mattie, Lighthouse, Covered Walkway, Fog Alarm/Equipment Building, Storage Shed, Workshop, Double Dwelling, Long Point Lightstation, Twillingate, Newfoundland, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 88-115; Long Point Lightstation, Lighthouse and Double Dwelling, Twillingate, Newfoundland, Heritage Character Statement, 88-115.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Lighthouse should be respected:

Its aesthetic, functional design and good craftsmanship, for example: the sequential geometric massing of the tower that progresses from a square base to octagonal tower with a lantern, circular railing, catwalk and lantern cap; the concrete-encased brickwork; the lantern that is composed of a multi-faceted base, two rows of triangular glass panes, fire-retardant cast-iron doors and a lantern cap; the circular stairway and wooden banister; the red colour scheme.

The manner in which the Lighthouse reinforces the character of its maritime setting and is a well-known landmark in the region, as evidenced by: its overall scale, appearance and materials which harmonize with the adjacent structures that make up the lightstation complex; its high visibility from the water and from the town of Twillingate; its well-known profile as a symbol of the maritime heritage of the area to both locals and visitors of the region.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

The Long Point Lightstation at Twillingate, Newfoundland was established in 1876. Both the lighthouse and double dwelling were built by Messrs. Colman and Kelly in the same year. Their designs are attributed to the Newfoundland Board of Works' Official Inspector of Lighthouses and Public Buildings, J.T. Nevill.

The lighthouse was substantially altered in 1929, following severe damage suffered in an earthquake. Its brick shell was subsequently encased in 30 cm of concrete.

The Lightstation, which also includes a covered walkway, a fog alarm/equipment building, storage shed and workshop, is the property of Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard.

See FHBRO Building Report 88-115.


Reasons for Designation

The lighthouse was designated Recognized primarily for its contribution to Twillingate's local development, the functional aspects of its design and its environmental qualities.

The lighthouse, in the design of its lantern, exemplifies the strength of the lightstation's ties to England. It typifies the lighthouses established along Canada's coast to protect the fishing and sealing trades. In particular, the establishment of the lightstation is belated testimony to public desire to support the sealing industry, albeit in decline by 1876. It has played a strong role in attracting and maintaining the community's 20th century tourist interest.

The architectural significance of the lightstation resides in its functional design. The unusual geometries of the lighthouse -- a progression from square base to octagonal tower, to the multi-faceted base of the lantern and its two rows of triangular glass panes - are echoed in only one other Canadian example, the Rose Blanche Lighthouse, also in Newfoundland. Long Point Lighthouse is the only complete brick lighthouse known to have survived in the province.

The prefabricated lantern, its triangulated structural form providing inherent structural stability, is of a type not found in Canada outside Newfoundland. The original catoptric light apparatus, a second-hand purchase from England, remained in use until 1957.

The double dwelling was designated Recognized primarily for its architectural significance, its site integrity and the degree to which it helps establish the character of the complex.

The double dwelling is a good illustration of the Newfoundland vernacular house form, innovatively enlarged to accommodate two families. The deeply moulded external wooden trim gives the structure particular prominence.

The dwelling's plan provided excellent separation for the two families, while maintaining traditional Newfoundland plan features such as massive central chimneys, main entrances opening into kitchens, and enclosed stairways leading from the corner of the kitchen (on one side) and the dining room (other side).

The lighthouse and dwelling are the most significant elements in a historical complex of considerable importance. Their individual importance is enhanced by association with surviving elements of the lightstation complex, including the covered walkway, fog alarm building, workshop and storage shed, though these are not necessarily of high individual heritage value in their own right. Though many changes to the lightstation site have been made over time, each has reflected legitimate changes in the site's functional use; consequently the site's essential integrity has been retained to the present day.

As well, both structures make essential contributions in establishing the site's character. The landmark quality of the lighthouse is particularly appreciated by local residents.


Character Defining Elements

The character of the lighthouse derives as much from the sequential geometry of its forms as from its details: triangular-paned and framed lantern, circular railing, catwalk, fire-retardant cast iron doors, and lantern cap. The functional features of the lantern, including air intakes and air spaces are particularly important to maintain as the lighthouse ages. The circular stairway and its wooden banister are important interior elements and should be retained.

The character of the double dwelling is a function of both its simple near-symmetrical and gabled volumes, and the fineness of the eaves and window detailing which emphasize their bold forms. Also important is the regular pattern of window and door openings within the structure's façades and the two traditional plans that include central stairs and fireplaces.

Proposed improvements to the site of the lighthouse and double dwelling should reinforce the group value of the various structures within the complex. Moreover, removal of walkway, fog alarm building or workshop/storage shed would seriously reduce the value of both structures. Every effort should be made to retain those elements as living and useful site elements, if compatible with functional needs.