Description of Historic Place

The Lighttower at Bacalhao Island is a tall, cast-iron tower with an attractive lantern capped by a prominent weathervane. The spiraling daymark colours extending up into the lantern’s murette, enhance the height of the lighthouse. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Lighttower is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Lighttower illustrates the theme of navigational aids in Newfoundland when it was a British colony with an economy almost entirely based on the sea. Its construction also illustrates the theme of growing industrialization around the turn of the 20th century.

Architectural Value
The Lighttower is a very good example of a utilitarian structure constructed with cast-iron technology and with excellent functional design. It is one of approximately 26 lighthouses of prefabricated iron and steel construction, thought to be the only surviving examples of their type in Canada. Favoured because of their inexpensive cost, ease of erection, low maintenance requirements and long-term durability, these structures reflect the desire to achieve a design that would withstand the rigours of the Newfoundland coast.

Environmental Value
The Lighttower reinforces the character of its maritime setting and is a familiar landmark to passing commercial vessels and area fishermen.

Sources:
Bacalhao Island Lighthouse, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 88-135; Bacalhao Island Lighthouse, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland, Heritage Character Statement, 88-135.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Lighttower should be respected.

Its prefabricated design and cast-iron construction, for example: the massing of the tower which is composed of a concrete base, cylindrical cast-iron shaft, lantern platform and lantern capped with a prominent weathervane; the cast-iron construction system, comprised of rounded rectangular segments bolted together on the interior face; the spiraling daymark colours extending up into the lantern’s murette.

The manner in which the Lighttower reinforces the character of its maritime coastal setting and is a familiar landmark, as evidenced by: the overall composition and appearance of the lighthouse which dominates its coastal setting in its remote, maritime environment; the high visibility of the tower from the water, by virtue of its location on an island and distinctive daymark colours.

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 Bacalhao Island lighthouse was built in 1894. The manufacturer/designer of this cast iron structure was the Chance Bros. and Co. Lighthouse Engineers and Constructors, Birmingham, England. The property is owned by Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard. See FHBRO Building Report 88-135.


Reasons for Designation

The Bacalhao Island lighthouse was designated Recognized because of its historical association, its functional design and its landmark value.

The lighthouse illustrates the theme of navigational aids in Newfoundland when it was a British colony and well-known for its sea-faring activities.

Its prefabricated iron construction illustrates the growing industrialization around the turn of the 20th century, with Britain a leader in many respects.


Character-Defining Elements

The heritage character of Bacalhao Island lighthouse is defined by the exterior of the structure, its functional design and method of construction, and its location and setting.

The exterior is characterized by a substantial, solid concrete base, a tall and well-proportioned cast iron cylindrical tower, and an attractive lantern capped by a prominent weathervane. Its spiraling daymark extending up into the lantern's murette enhances the height of the lighthouse.

The exterior should be maintained so that the distinctive form and simplified lines are retained. Should the opportunity arise, the removal of the relatively recent adjoining shed would enhance the aesthetic qualities of the lighthouse. Frequent exterior painting of the tower's distinctive daymark colours and pattern will serve to inhibit the development of rust.

The physical prominence of the lighthouse from the water is increased by the lack of vegetation and other visual obstructions. The overall barrenness of the site should be maintained.