The Cabot Head Lighthouse could be getting fixed up by a local community group.
Northern Bruce Peninsula staff will be reaching out a group known as Friends of Cabot Head Lighthouse to help facilitate some repairs.
Council heard from a representative of Friends of Cabot Head Lighthouse Will Meneray on the recent issues the lighthouse is facing and their desire to go in and fix the structure during a meeting on Sept. 11.
“For the better part of a decade the site has been closed as a result of some repair work that was led by the federal government. That closed the site’s operations for a time and then due to changes with the leasing arrangement and the closure of Cabot Head Road just given the deteriorating condition with that space,” says Meneray.
Meneray says recently the structure has experienced vandalism. That includes damage to the door, window coverings being removed and locks being cut.
“Especially over the course of this summer, we started to see a lot more instances of individuals trying to break in or damage the site and this has got us concerned about the long term viability, or survivability of what is there. We are worried about mold. We are worried about water. We are worried about infestation, and potentially worse. This is an issue of urgent importance,” says Meneray.
To address these issues, Meneray requested council allow the group access to the facility though the gate at the beginning of Cabot Head Road to repair it and perform maintenance.
“This was a gate that was installed a few years ago by the municipality in order to prevent unlawful access to the property, but we need access to it in order to make sure the site remains safe,” says Meneray.
The work will include door and lock reinforcements, repairing broken windows, and removing any remaining heritage assets for storage off-site.
He adds the group will also seek similar approvals from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as well as support from the community and local landowners.
Meneray says while he does not have a firm timeline in place, they are hoping to do the work before the winter.
Coun. Laurie Golden voiced her support for this project and Mayor Milt McIver says staff will reach out to the group.
