Agreement reached to transfer ownership of Historic Hamilton Lighthouse and Cottage

January 28, 2022
9:40 am

For Immediate Release

January 28, 2022

Hamilton, Ontario – On behalf of the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development joined Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) to announce the conclusion of an agreement that will ensure the long-term preservation of this historic landmark.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is transferring ownership of the historic Beach Canal Lighthouse and the nearby keeper’s cottage to HOPA Ports which will protect and keep them as part of Canada’s cultural heritage. The lighthouse and keeper’s cottage have recently been designated by Parks Canada under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.

HOPA Ports, working closely with local community partners Beach Canal Lighthouse Group, intends to reposition the lighthouse onto HOPA Ports property in order to complete a restoration of both structures and facilitate public access. The repositioning of the lighthouse structure is critical to allow for public access, and will serve as a focal point for the redeveloped Fisherman’s Pier zone.

Quotes

“Partnering with communities to transfer ownership of heritage lighthouses like this to local organizations preserves these important pieces of Canada’s heritage. This transfer will not only enable the local communities to continue to visit the landmark, but will ensure they benefit from local investments in greenspace and improvements to safety and recreation for generations to come.”

The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“PSPC is pleased to have partnered with HOPA and DFO to facilitate the seamless transfer of this iconic lighthouse and keeper’s cottage. This transfer will allow for easier public access and ensure that its historical significance is preserved. I am looking forward for this project to be completed so that more Hamiltonians can take advantage of this integral part of Hamilton’s history.”

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“Lighthouses have long symbolized strength, safety, and safe harbour, playing a crucial role in protecting mariners. They are iconic symbols of our communities and are important tourism attractions that contribute to local economies. The Government of Canada is pleased to work in close collaboration with community groups and other levels of government to facilitate the designation of heritage lighthouses to ensure their protection for the future.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“Families in Burlington and Hamilton recognize the importance of restoring and protecting local heritage sites like the historic Beach Canal Lighthouse and Keeper’s cottage. The Government of Canada remains focused on providing access to important pieces of local heritage, and the finalization of this agreement will ensure that the Lighthouse is preserved for our community and its visitors to enjoy for years to come. I look forward to joining residents and visitors alike in visiting the Lighthouse at its new home at the Fisherman’s Pier.”

The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“This is a major step forward to realizing our goal to make Fisherman’s Pier a welcoming people place on Hamilton Harbour. Hamilton and Burlington share a proud maritime heritage. Fisherman’s Pier is one of the best places anywhere to get an up-close look at the big ships and to understand the continuing role of industry and maritime trade in our community’s economy and identity.”

Ian Hamilton, President & CEO, HOPA Ports

Quick Facts

DFO is contributing $275,000 towards the move and restoration of the tower. Additional funds are coming from Hamilton Future Fund via BCLG; funds from HOPA advertising signage revenue; additional fundraising.

The Beach Canal Lighthouse is a 17-metre limestone tower with an iron lantern, built in 1858 and in operation until 1961

The Fisherman’s Pier redevelopment plan also introduces other elements to beautify and animate the area over the long term. These plans include a destination park & angling amenities; improving the greenspace area extending from the canal to the intersection of Beach Blvd. and Eastport Drive, introducing landscaping, paths and recreational amenities and improving facilities for anglers.

At the Events plaza, improvements include creating an area around the relocated lighthouse and keeper’s cottage that will accommodate seasonal gatherings, interpretive features, public art, and pop-up seasonal retail with the canal as a backdrop.

One of the key objectives of our government’s divestiture strategy is to continue to provide a service to Canadians by disposing of surplus lighthouses to eligible recipients who wish to assume ownership to preserve the heritage value of the lighthouse and keep it accessible to the public.

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