Low Point lighthouse getting some love
Sydney harbor structure is being resurfaced
The Low Point Lighthouse Society is thrilled that work is now underway on a full resurfacing of the historic Low Point lighthouse overlooking Sydney harbour.
The lighthouse was the $75,000 grand-prize winner in the 2015 This Lighthouse Matters crowd-funding competition organized by the National Trust for Canada and the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society.
The lighthouse is currently in the process of being resurfaced. Lawrence MacSween, vice-president of the Low Point Lighthouse Society, said the resurfacing is crucial to keep the structure standing.
“Really now the damage we’re looking at is exponential. It’s just getting worse — it’s the freeze, thaw. Water gets in the cracks, freezes and breaks the concrete. It’s far worse than we thought. It wasn’t this bad last year. Every year (the damage) doubles,” said MacSween.
At the moment, contractors are working on the structure before the winter months do any more permanent damage.
“What they’re doing with the lighthouse presently is chipping and purging the concrete. That involves chipping away any loose concrete and grinding away any and all cracks that are visible that may cause further erosion this winter,” said Debbie Lee Pearson, president of the society.
Apart from the resurfacing of the lighthouse, a new seawall must be constructed to protect against the rapid erosion of the shoreline.
“Our goal at the beginning was this breakwater. It was the No. 1 priority for us, but after much meeting and discussing issues about what would be the best avenue to take, we decided not that long ago to focus on the lighthouse itself,” said MacSween.
“I think it’s probably the best option for us — to get this thing back to its glory and looking beautiful again and then we’ll worry about the
breakwater then. Once this is back to what it used to be it’ll draw people and attention.”
The lighthouse is recognized as a heritage building by the federal Heritage Building Review
office. Pearson said that the eventual goal is for the lighthouse to be a tourist attraction.
“This is all about making this site tourist ready,” said Pearson.
She said the work currently underway on a new roof for the nearby Stone Church and the efforts of the Atlantic Memorial Park group in Sydney Mines to restore the military battery across the harbour from the Low Point lighthouse are all important improvements to Cape Breton’s history and culture.
“Sydney harbour’s historic landmarks are an investment in our future tourism growth.”
Pearson has long envisioned a new tourism route along the scenic Highway 28 and is pleased with the recent developments and successes of other society venues along the route that add to the beauty of the island.
“Our society is excited about preserving our beautiful, historic lighthouse for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The society said the deadline for completing the work to the lighthouse presently is December 2018. Work will continue in the spring after snow and ice clears from the winter.
The Low Point lighthouse has been in operation since 1832 and is located at the eastern entrance to Sydney harbour in New Victoria.