Minister MacKay and Member of Parliament Gerald Keddy Announce Funding to Preserve the Sambro Island Lighthouse

SAMBRO, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - May 9, 2015) - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, announced today that the Government of Canada is making a two-year investment to rehabilitate the Sambro Island Lighthouse. Minister MacKay was joined by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's.

The project, valued at more than $1.5 million, will include concrete renovations, rehabilitation of the original lantern and gallery, installation of a heating and ventilation system, and repainting of the lighthouse. Minister MacKay believes making this investment helps keep Canadian waters safe, Canadian heritage strong and Canadian culture proud. The light is an active Canadian Coast Guard aid to navigation and supports their work in providing safe and secure waterways for mariners. It will continue to operate into the foreseeable future.

The Sambro Island Lighthouse is one of the most important historic and iconic lighthouses in Canada. It has operated for over 250 years and is an integral part of Halifax Harbour's maritime history. The Government of Canada's investments enables stewardship of the lighthouse to be transferred to local community leaders under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided unprecedented investments in public infrastructure across Canada. Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to invest in infrastructure across the country in areas such as heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research facilities, harbours, transportation and search and rescue, to create jobs from coast to coast to coast. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of $551.1 million.

Quick Facts

• The Sambro Island Lighthouse was established in 1758 and is the oldest operating lighthouse in the Americas.
• The lighthouse is located on Sambro Island at the entrance of the Halifax Harbour.
• The Sambro Island Lighthouse is classified as a heritage structure based on its historical associations and architecture.

Quotes

"Sambro Island Lighthouse is hallowed in history as the oldest operating lighthouse in the Americas and is a significant part of Nova Scotia's heritage. Our Government is pleased to make these important investments in the Sambro Island Lighthouse to preserve its more than 250-year history and to continue to ensure safe and secure waters in this Nova Scotian community."

The Honourable Peter MacKay

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

"Lighthouses are an important part of our Maritime heritage. They are vital for the ongoing safety of our fishers, marking the way to a safe haven, but they are also an integral part of our local tourism and identity. Our Government is pleased to support the efforts of the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society and the Sambro Island Lighthouse Heritage Society to maintain the Sambro Island Light and preserve its history within the community."

Gerald Keddy

Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's

"On behalf of the NS Lighthouse Preservation Society, I would like to thank Gerald Keddy, MP South Shore, for being a true friend of lighthouses for more than 10 years. I thank DFO for their generous contribution of funds, and I thank our Justice Minister Peter MacKay, for making possible a bright and enduring future for this, "Canada's Statue of Liberty," the Sambro Light."

Joanne McCormick

President, Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society

"We're extremely excited about this announcement today. It's an important first step in the long-term preservation of our historic lighthouse. We look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government and our community to make sure that this national treasure is taken care of for generations to come."

Stephanie Smith

President, Sambro Island Lighthouse Heritage Society

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Associated Links

• PM announces new infrastructure investments across Canada

• Federal Infrastructure

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This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.