Protecting Significant Lighthouses, Op-ed

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece by Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Percy Paris.

Recently, the federal government declared many lighthouses across Canada surplus as a result of changes in policy and practice.

With Nova Scotia's strong historical ties to the sea, the federal government's action raises questions about the future of lighthouse properties with historical significance. As a province, we must balance the need to protect these historic icons with government's goal of living within its means.

Lighthouses have a special place in the hearts of most Nova Scotians. They are a tangible link to our past and evoke strong emotions.

However, as technology has advanced, the federal government has determined that there is no longer a practical need for these lights as navigational aids. As a result, it announced it will no longer maintain many of the lighthouses under its authority.

In May, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans declared 138 active and 68 inactive lighthouse properties in Nova Scotia surplus. They have granted a two-year window to anyone who wishes to petition Parks Canada under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act (HLPA) for a heritage designation.

In order to receive heritage designation, ownership of a surplus lighthouse must be officially transferred. Those who wish to preserve a lighthouse as a heritage property must assume responsibility for its maintenance. There is no federal funding available under the HLPA to restore the condition or maintain the heritage character of lighthouses; the financial burden will rest squarely on the shoulders of any group that comes forward.

While the HLPA presents opportunities for potential new owners to preserve some of the lights deemed surplus, in practical financial terms we cannot protect all of our provincial lighthouses.

The Nova Scotia government has identified a number of other concerns resulting from the federal decision.

Like you, government is worried about the ongoing upkeep of some of our best-loved and historically significant properties, such as the lighthouses at Peggy's Point, Sambro Island and Cape Sable. We recognize the dedication of community groups who have worked tirelessly to preserve these provincial icons and hope they will take heart in the knowledge that the province will offer guidance and support during the hard work ahead.

Nova Scotians can be confident that the provincial government will provide genuine leadership in this process as it unfolds.
We will act as advisor and advocate, protecting the interests of Nova Scotians as the divestiture proceeds. We will ensure that municipalities and community groups are aware of the implications of ownership, and work with them to make certain they are familiar with available programs and resources.

Working within our resources, we will continue to interact with the federal government to ensure sites are properly screened for environmental hazards and responsibilities under federal legislation are respected. Through the screening process, we will inform local community groups about environmental concerns and maintenance issues that need to be addressed before the ownership of sites can be transferred.

A provincial task team is currently reviewing what is happening in other Atlantic provinces to ensure the process in Nova Scotia is on the right course and that our interests are being addressed.

Finally, we will help to facilitate stewardship of the lighthouse properties. We will meet with community groups to understand their concerns and ensure they are properly represented. Our staff will also continue to meet with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Parks Canada to establish a working protocol as petitions come forward under the HLPA.

I am hopeful that we can work together with our government and community partners to ensure that Nova Scotia's significant lighthouses are protected. This is in keeping with our commitment to make life better for families in every region of the province.

Balancing the need for government to live within its means with the importance of preserving our heritage for the benefit of present and future generations, we will ensure the costs and opportunities are clearly communicated and understood.