Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Metis Lighthouse Preservation Project
(click a question or see full list below) Français
1. What is the Metis Lighthouse?
2. What is the historical and cultural significance of the lighthouse?
3. Who is the current owner of the lighthouse?
4. How has the lighthouse been used recently?
5. Does the lighthouse still serve as an aid to navigation?
6. Is there public access to the lighthouse?
7. Why is the lighthouse being sold now?
8. Who is involved in preserving the lighthouse?
9. What is the ARPP?
10. What is the role of each organisation in the project?
11. What is the current status of the acquisition process?
12. What condition is the lighthouse in?
13. Has the site been decontaminated?
14. How will renovations be financed?
15. Once restored, what are the planned uses?
16. How will these uses be financed?
17. What access will the general public have?
18. How can people help?
19. Are financial contributions tax-deductible?
20. Why is it important to act now?
21. Is the Metis lighthouse group working with others to preserve this unique landmark?
22. How do I learn more about the Metis lighthouse and its history?
23. Who do I contact if I want to help with efforts to preserve and restore the lighthouse?
List of all FAQs and answers:
1. What is the Metis Lighthouse?
Technically known as the “Pointe Mitis Lighthouse”, it is a federally-owned and operated lighthouse station located in the municipality of Métis-sur-Mer. The original lighthouse, constructed in 1873-74, was replaced in 1909 with various accessory buildings (keeper’s house, fog horn building, etc.) constructed over the following half century. The tower acquired its current octagonal form when it was reinforced in 1923-24 and has stood guard virtually unchanged ever since.
2. What is the historical and cultural significance of the lighthouse?
Historically, the lighthouse station represents an integral part of the development of the coastal navigational system and thus the maritime heritage of Canada. It also played a more local role in development of Metis as a resort when it guided visitors arriving by sea. Aesthetically, the lighthouse has become an iconic part of the cultural landscape and a symbol of the greater Metis area, representing the heartbeat, if not the soul, of the community.
3. Who is the current owner of the lighthouse?
The federal government owns both the site and the buildings. The lighthouse tower is under the jurisdiction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the remaining buildings and land controlled by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
4. How has the lighthouse been used recently?
From 1978 to 1995, the accessory buildings were used a research centre for government and university scientists in forestry and marine sciences. Subsequently, the houses and laboratory were rented occasionally to scientists or private individuals. Since 2004 the buildings have been unoccupied due to contamination issues.
5. Does the lighthouse still serve as an aid to navigation?
Although the light was automated in 1972, it continued to function for navigational purposes until 1997 when it was fully decommissioned by DFO. Since then, the municipality of Métis-sur-Mer has operated and maintained the tower and its light for aesthetic purposes. It remains an important visual landmark to passing vessels and sailboats.
6. Is there public access to the lighthouse?
Although easily visible from a distance, the lighthouse site itself has never been accessible to the general public except on special occasions. This policy was implemented to prevent interference with navigational operations and scientific activities as well as for general liability concerns. From a more practical perspective, there is only a narrow private road leading to the site and no on-site parking, making access by car very difficult.
7. Why is the lighthouse being sold now?
In 2008, the federal government passed the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, which allowed the acquisition of lighthouses that were declared surplus by DFO. Such lighthouses could be given heritage status, and the protection it affords, if a petition was made to the government and approved by a Parks Canada advisory committee. Approval required that the petition be accompanied by a business plan that would assure the site’s maintenance in a manner consistent with established conservation practices. In May 2010, the Métis lighthouse, along with 900 other Canadian lighthouses, was designated surplus, and a two-year period for petitioning ensued.
8. Who is involved in preserving the lighthouse?
Heritage Lower Saint Lawrence (HLSL, a regional not-for-profit cultural organization) submitted a petition in 2008 and again in 2010 to nominate the Pointe-Mitis Lighthouse for designation as a heritage lighthouse. Subsequently, a local citizen group (the Association des Résidents de la Pointe du Phare de Métis-sur-Mer , ARPP) encouraged the municipality of Métis-sur-Mer to develop a business plan for the restoration and operation of the lighthouse site. The three organizations are now working together to save this important community icon.
9. What is the ARPP?
The Association des Résidents de la Pointe du Phare de Métis-sur-Mer (ARPP) is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 2006 to guide the future of the lighthouse. Its membership is composed of the residents living on the road that leads to the lighthouse. Its board consists of Barry James (president), Hugh Verrier, Alma Davenport, Adrian Niderost, and Ladd Johnson with Alexander Reford and June Smith representing HLSL and the municipality, respectively.
10. What is the role of each organisation in the project?
The municipality will be the owner of the site and will manage public access whereas the ARPP will manage restoration efforts as well as on-site operations (details below). HLSL will ensure the historical preservation and cultural development of the site (historical web site, programming, interpretation, etc.). All three organizations will work jointly to seek funds for renovations and programming.
11. What is the current status of the acquisition process?
The business plan, submitted in fall 2011, was accepted by DFO in June 2012, and the property has been offered to the municipality for a nominal sum ($1).This offer is currently under review but has widespread support from the mayor and council members. The principal concern is how to finance repairs that are needed for the lighthouse and the associated buildings. Parks Canada is still reviewing the file, but designation under the Heritage Lighthouse Preservation Act is all but certain if the municipality accepts the offer.
12. What condition is the lighthouse in?
The buildings and grounds have suffered from minimal maintenance and a long period of disuse. A 2012 report for the federal government revealed that the lighthouse tower itself is in fundamentally good condition but will require $200,000 in repairs and maintenance. The accessory buildings require varying degrees of renovation (estimated cost of $200,000), including refurbishment of septic and water systems to meet modern building standards.
13. Has the site been decontaminated?
According to a recent report from the federal government, the site has been completely decontaminated following cleanup efforts undertaken over the past five years. These actions include removal of soils contaminated with heavy metals and petrochemicals as well as encapsulation of lead-painted surfaces on the buildings.
14. How will renovations be financed?
A grant of $100,000 has been offered by DFO for renovations of the lighthouse tower, and the ARPP has undertaken an initial fundraising campaign to raise an addition $100,000 from private donors and the general public. These funds will be used as leverage for seeking additional funds from other government agencies and private foundations.
15. Once restored, what are the planned uses?
The goal is to operate the site as a research and educational centre. Priority will thus be given to such organizations to encourage the use of the facilities and the development of short-term research and educational projects and long-term environmental monitoring of the local marine habitats. The site may also be used to provide accommodation to visitors contributing to the study of the site, the region and the marine environment (artists, journalists, photographers, writers, etc.).
16. How will these uses be financed?
Once renovated, the site will be maintained using funds generated by rental of the buildings (the two houses and the laboratory). Privileged pricing will be given to groups involved in scientific, educational or cultural activities, but if such demand is insufficient, the facilities will be rented to individuals. The municipality will contribute annually to operate and maintain the lighthouse tower.
17. What access will the general public have?
The general public will have access to the site twice each month from May to October. To preserve the tranquil nature of the surrounding neighborhood, access will only be allowed by foot, bike, boat or a shuttle service provided by the municipality. Special events may also be organized by HLSL.
18. How can people help?
Financial contributions of all kinds are welcome, but until the municipality actually acquires ownership, only pledges are being sought. Various categories of donors are being developed and will be acknowledged on-site and in printed and other documentation. Additional assistance with fund-raising is also welcome.
19. Are financial contributions tax-deductible?
Yes, the municipality has the authority to issue tax-deductible receipts to donors.
20. Why is it important to act now?
Given the gap between available funding and the costs of restoring the site, the municipality may hesitate in its commitment to the project. Strong community support is needed to convince them to move forward. Our initial goal of $100,000 in pledges will give them the confidence to commit to this project.
21. Is the Metis lighthouse group working with others to preserve this unique landmark?
The sale and protection of the Metis lighthouse is not an isolated case. Many other lighthouses are being sold along the St. Lawrence and in various regions of the country – 26 have been nominated for heritage status in Québec alone! We will work with these other lighthouse groups and more general organizations to share best practices and common concerns.
22. How do I learn more about the Metis lighthouse and its history?
HLSL has published a book, The Metis Lighthouse (available in French as Le phare de Métis), written by Alexander Reford and Paul Gendron. It has also created a web site with photographs and more information (www.metislighthouse.ca).
23. Who do I contact if I want to help with efforts to preserve and restore the lighthouse?
To make a donation, please contact Heidi Niderost, the ARRP Fundraising Chairperson (514-708-7394 / heidiniderost@pharemetislighthouse.org). To volunteer time and skills, please contact Ladd Johnson, ARPP President (514-576-5883 / laddjohnson@pharemetislighthouse.org).
(click a question or see full list below) Français
1. What is the Metis Lighthouse?
2. What is the historical and cultural significance of the lighthouse?
3. Who is the current owner of the lighthouse?
4. How has the lighthouse been used recently?
5. Does the lighthouse still serve as an aid to navigation?
6. Is there public access to the lighthouse?
7. Why is the lighthouse being sold now?
8. Who is involved in preserving the lighthouse?
9. What is the ARPP?
10. What is the role of each organisation in the project?
11. What is the current status of the acquisition process?
12. What condition is the lighthouse in?
13. Has the site been decontaminated?
14. How will renovations be financed?
15. Once restored, what are the planned uses?
16. How will these uses be financed?
17. What access will the general public have?
18. How can people help?
19. Are financial contributions tax-deductible?
20. Why is it important to act now?
21. Is the Metis lighthouse group working with others to preserve this unique landmark?
22. How do I learn more about the Metis lighthouse and its history?
23. Who do I contact if I want to help with efforts to preserve and restore the lighthouse?
List of all FAQs and answers:
1. What is the Metis Lighthouse?
Technically known as the “Pointe Mitis Lighthouse”, it is a federally-owned and operated lighthouse station located in the municipality of Métis-sur-Mer. The original lighthouse, constructed in 1873-74, was replaced in 1909 with various accessory buildings (keeper’s house, fog horn building, etc.) constructed over the following half century. The tower acquired its current octagonal form when it was reinforced in 1923-24 and has stood guard virtually unchanged ever since.
2. What is the historical and cultural significance of the lighthouse?
Historically, the lighthouse station represents an integral part of the development of the coastal navigational system and thus the maritime heritage of Canada. It also played a more local role in development of Metis as a resort when it guided visitors arriving by sea. Aesthetically, the lighthouse has become an iconic part of the cultural landscape and a symbol of the greater Metis area, representing the heartbeat, if not the soul, of the community.
3. Who is the current owner of the lighthouse?
The federal government owns both the site and the buildings. The lighthouse tower is under the jurisdiction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the remaining buildings and land controlled by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
4. How has the lighthouse been used recently?
From 1978 to 1995, the accessory buildings were used a research centre for government and university scientists in forestry and marine sciences. Subsequently, the houses and laboratory were rented occasionally to scientists or private individuals. Since 2004 the buildings have been unoccupied due to contamination issues.
5. Does the lighthouse still serve as an aid to navigation?
Although the light was automated in 1972, it continued to function for navigational purposes until 1997 when it was fully decommissioned by DFO. Since then, the municipality of Métis-sur-Mer has operated and maintained the tower and its light for aesthetic purposes. It remains an important visual landmark to passing vessels and sailboats.
6. Is there public access to the lighthouse?
Although easily visible from a distance, the lighthouse site itself has never been accessible to the general public except on special occasions. This policy was implemented to prevent interference with navigational operations and scientific activities as well as for general liability concerns. From a more practical perspective, there is only a narrow private road leading to the site and no on-site parking, making access by car very difficult.
7. Why is the lighthouse being sold now?
In 2008, the federal government passed the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, which allowed the acquisition of lighthouses that were declared surplus by DFO. Such lighthouses could be given heritage status, and the protection it affords, if a petition was made to the government and approved by a Parks Canada advisory committee. Approval required that the petition be accompanied by a business plan that would assure the site’s maintenance in a manner consistent with established conservation practices. In May 2010, the Métis lighthouse, along with 900 other Canadian lighthouses, was designated surplus, and a two-year period for petitioning ensued.
8. Who is involved in preserving the lighthouse?
Heritage Lower Saint Lawrence (HLSL, a regional not-for-profit cultural organization) submitted a petition in 2008 and again in 2010 to nominate the Pointe-Mitis Lighthouse for designation as a heritage lighthouse. Subsequently, a local citizen group (the Association des Résidents de la Pointe du Phare de Métis-sur-Mer , ARPP) encouraged the municipality of Métis-sur-Mer to develop a business plan for the restoration and operation of the lighthouse site. The three organizations are now working together to save this important community icon.
9. What is the ARPP?
The Association des Résidents de la Pointe du Phare de Métis-sur-Mer (ARPP) is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 2006 to guide the future of the lighthouse. Its membership is composed of the residents living on the road that leads to the lighthouse. Its board consists of Barry James (president), Hugh Verrier, Alma Davenport, Adrian Niderost, and Ladd Johnson with Alexander Reford and June Smith representing HLSL and the municipality, respectively.
10. What is the role of each organisation in the project?
The municipality will be the owner of the site and will manage public access whereas the ARPP will manage restoration efforts as well as on-site operations (details below). HLSL will ensure the historical preservation and cultural development of the site (historical web site, programming, interpretation, etc.). All three organizations will work jointly to seek funds for renovations and programming.
11. What is the current status of the acquisition process?
The business plan, submitted in fall 2011, was accepted by DFO in June 2012, and the property has been offered to the municipality for a nominal sum ($1).This offer is currently under review but has widespread support from the mayor and council members. The principal concern is how to finance repairs that are needed for the lighthouse and the associated buildings. Parks Canada is still reviewing the file, but designation under the Heritage Lighthouse Preservation Act is all but certain if the municipality accepts the offer.
12. What condition is the lighthouse in?
The buildings and grounds have suffered from minimal maintenance and a long period of disuse. A 2012 report for the federal government revealed that the lighthouse tower itself is in fundamentally good condition but will require $200,000 in repairs and maintenance. The accessory buildings require varying degrees of renovation (estimated cost of $200,000), including refurbishment of septic and water systems to meet modern building standards.
13. Has the site been decontaminated?
According to a recent report from the federal government, the site has been completely decontaminated following cleanup efforts undertaken over the past five years. These actions include removal of soils contaminated with heavy metals and petrochemicals as well as encapsulation of lead-painted surfaces on the buildings.
14. How will renovations be financed?
A grant of $100,000 has been offered by DFO for renovations of the lighthouse tower, and the ARPP has undertaken an initial fundraising campaign to raise an addition $100,000 from private donors and the general public. These funds will be used as leverage for seeking additional funds from other government agencies and private foundations.
15. Once restored, what are the planned uses?
The goal is to operate the site as a research and educational centre. Priority will thus be given to such organizations to encourage the use of the facilities and the development of short-term research and educational projects and long-term environmental monitoring of the local marine habitats. The site may also be used to provide accommodation to visitors contributing to the study of the site, the region and the marine environment (artists, journalists, photographers, writers, etc.).
16. How will these uses be financed?
Once renovated, the site will be maintained using funds generated by rental of the buildings (the two houses and the laboratory). Privileged pricing will be given to groups involved in scientific, educational or cultural activities, but if such demand is insufficient, the facilities will be rented to individuals. The municipality will contribute annually to operate and maintain the lighthouse tower.
17. What access will the general public have?
The general public will have access to the site twice each month from May to October. To preserve the tranquil nature of the surrounding neighborhood, access will only be allowed by foot, bike, boat or a shuttle service provided by the municipality. Special events may also be organized by HLSL.
18. How can people help?
Financial contributions of all kinds are welcome, but until the municipality actually acquires ownership, only pledges are being sought. Various categories of donors are being developed and will be acknowledged on-site and in printed and other documentation. Additional assistance with fund-raising is also welcome.
19. Are financial contributions tax-deductible?
Yes, the municipality has the authority to issue tax-deductible receipts to donors.
20. Why is it important to act now?
Given the gap between available funding and the costs of restoring the site, the municipality may hesitate in its commitment to the project. Strong community support is needed to convince them to move forward. Our initial goal of $100,000 in pledges will give them the confidence to commit to this project.
21. Is the Metis lighthouse group working with others to preserve this unique landmark?
The sale and protection of the Metis lighthouse is not an isolated case. Many other lighthouses are being sold along the St. Lawrence and in various regions of the country – 26 have been nominated for heritage status in Québec alone! We will work with these other lighthouse groups and more general organizations to share best practices and common concerns.
22. How do I learn more about the Metis lighthouse and its history?
HLSL has published a book, The Metis Lighthouse (available in French as Le phare de Métis), written by Alexander Reford and Paul Gendron. It has also created a web site with photographs and more information (www.metislighthouse.ca).
23. Who do I contact if I want to help with efforts to preserve and restore the lighthouse?
To make a donation, please contact Heidi Niderost, the ARRP Fundraising Chairperson (514-708-7394 / heidiniderost@pharemetislighthouse.org). To volunteer time and skills, please contact Ladd Johnson, ARPP President (514-576-5883 / laddjohnson@pharemetislighthouse.org).
