Winter 2018 updates
Mercury removal: After years of waiting, work is finally underway at Lighthouse Point. Unfortunately, the first step – the removal of almost 10 liters of mercury from the light mechanism last October – has resulted in the loss of our familiar light, at least temporarily. Don’t worry - efforts are already underway to find an alternative method to restore this iconic part of the site and our community.
Lease Ville-ARPP: Unexpected delays in finalizing the long-term lease between the municipality and the Association des residents de la Pointe de Phare (ARPP) has prevented other major work from being done in 2017, but problems with provincial approval of the agreement appear to be solved, and everyone hopes that the lease will be signed this spring. The ARPP can then begin renovations, guided by the “Carnet de santé” developed by an architectural engineering firm hired using funds from an additional federal grant received by the municipality last year. Most of the initial work will focus on the buildings, which will then be rented to provide revenue for future maintenance of the site. The foghorn building, which was converted into a scientific laboratory in the 1970s, will continued to be used for research but will also be developed to accommodate educational and cultural activities – a creative space for all! The lighthouse keeper’s house will be renovated to provide on-site housing, and although priority for the use of the house will be given to users of the laboratory, it will also be available for the general public to rent at other times.
Public Access: The ARPP will also start implementing the plan for public access to the site. Daily access to the lighthouse site will be allowed year-round, but visitors will need to park in designated places at the head of the road (there is no space to park at the lighthouse itself, and the road is inadequate). However, the 1-km walk to the lighthouse is almost as lovely as the site itself, and the residents will appreciate the reduction in traffic (note: special accommodations will be made for people with mobility limitations). Access will, however, be limited to certain areas when the facilities are being rented, but there will still be ample opportunities to enjoy the site, especially during special events – July 13, for example, Lighthouse Day in Québec!
Mercury removal: After years of waiting, work is finally underway at Lighthouse Point. Unfortunately, the first step – the removal of almost 10 liters of mercury from the light mechanism last October – has resulted in the loss of our familiar light, at least temporarily. Don’t worry - efforts are already underway to find an alternative method to restore this iconic part of the site and our community.
Lease Ville-ARPP: Unexpected delays in finalizing the long-term lease between the municipality and the Association des residents de la Pointe de Phare (ARPP) has prevented other major work from being done in 2017, but problems with provincial approval of the agreement appear to be solved, and everyone hopes that the lease will be signed this spring. The ARPP can then begin renovations, guided by the “Carnet de santé” developed by an architectural engineering firm hired using funds from an additional federal grant received by the municipality last year. Most of the initial work will focus on the buildings, which will then be rented to provide revenue for future maintenance of the site. The foghorn building, which was converted into a scientific laboratory in the 1970s, will continued to be used for research but will also be developed to accommodate educational and cultural activities – a creative space for all! The lighthouse keeper’s house will be renovated to provide on-site housing, and although priority for the use of the house will be given to users of the laboratory, it will also be available for the general public to rent at other times.
Public Access: The ARPP will also start implementing the plan for public access to the site. Daily access to the lighthouse site will be allowed year-round, but visitors will need to park in designated places at the head of the road (there is no space to park at the lighthouse itself, and the road is inadequate). However, the 1-km walk to the lighthouse is almost as lovely as the site itself, and the residents will appreciate the reduction in traffic (note: special accommodations will be made for people with mobility limitations). Access will, however, be limited to certain areas when the facilities are being rented, but there will still be ample opportunities to enjoy the site, especially during special events – July 13, for example, Lighthouse Day in Québec!
