The Bayswater lighthouse, which was built in 1914, is getting a facelift after nearly being torn down in 2016. (Brad Perry/Wave News)
A historic lighthouse which faced the wrecking ball nearly three years ago is now getting a new lease on life.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) planned to tear down the Bayswater lighthouse in 2016 due to structural decay.
But after an outcry from local residents, it was designated a heritage site in 2018 and transferred to a non-profit group.
The group and its members are now working to make sure the 105-year-old lighthouse on the Kingston Peninsula will stand for many more years to come.
Gary Sherwood, the president of the group, said restoration work began in earnest a few weeks ago.
“The foundation has taken a beating over the years, certainly with the freshets,” said Sherwood. “It’s tidal water so any given rise in the water always plays against foundations.”
Sherwood said they are also replacing some internal wood beams and adding a fresh coat of paint.
The lighthouse is now under the management of the Bayswater Lighthouse Non Profit Group. This is president Gary Sherwood. pic.twitter.com/L6RxXvEL9q
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 7, 2019
Fundy Royal MP Alaina Lockhart visited the lighthouse Wednesday to announce $80,000 in federal funding for the renovations and ongoing maintenance.
Lockhart worked with the community and DFO to help keep the lighthouse from being torn down.
“Rural communities, it’s easy for the big guy to come in and say ‘this is the way it’s gonna be’ but it’s important to keep talking to elected representatives at all levels of government and for us to work together not only to get things done but just to listen and understand what the challenges are,” said Lockhart.
At the time of its construction in 1914, Bayswater was one of 21 operating lighthouses along the Saint John River system. It served river traffic and a ferry which ran between Bayswater and Millidgeville.
The ferry went out of operation in the mid-20th century but the lighthouse continued to guide recreational watercraft, fishing boats and touring vessels along the river.
The lighthouse has not been operational since 2005 but Sherwood said it is worth their attention.
“The generations before us carried this thing a lot longer than we have, maintained it, have battled for its preservation, and this is really a testament to their efforts more than anything else,” he said.
Sherwood said the lighthouse is also a popular tourist attraction in the community, which also has a turn-of-the-century Anglican church and a historic covered bridge, which was built in 1920.
“We’re so lucky as a community here. It’s pretty rare, in a small community, to have three iconic structures like that.”
The work is expected to be completed by the end of August.
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