Two years ago, I photographed this iconic lighthouse in Nova Scotia. I had to get up at the crack of morn, drive an hour south of Halifax to get this shot, and even in doing so, I almost fell into the Atlantic Ocean trying to photograph the lighthouse from this very spot (damn slippery rocks).
Anyways, I got the shot I wanted, and eventually this picture won an award. Works for me. Take the wins where I can get ’em.
That was in 2010.
Now comes the news – sad news, indeed – that the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, along with nearly every other lighthouse in Canada, has been declared “surplus” by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 2010. And if a group doesn’t come forward to purchase and maintain these lighthouses by the end of May – then it’s very possible that the beacons of the shoreline could be left to rot – or dismantled – or razed.
Lighthouses are an important and essential part of our maritime history. It was those lighthouses that saved millions of ships and boats from crashing into the jagged rocks or running aground.
However, there may be a small glimmer of hope for at least the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.
According to this story in the Halifax Chronicle-Herald, Halifax resident Bill Mont and the Canadian Heritage Preservation Society are interested in purchasing the lighthouse and restoring it – and, in doing so, keeping the lighthouse shining for future generations to appreciate. In order to do this, Mont is selling everything he has – all his old photos and movie props and other “collectibles,” if you will – to raise as much money as he can to help purchase the lighthouse from the government.
Is it going to be enough? Let’s put it this way. That lighthouse is one of the most photographed icons in Atlantic Canada, and I would argue that it ranks up there with the CN Tower and Chateau Frontenac as one of the most recognizable images of Canada itself.
So I certainly applaud Bill Mont’s efforts – if he can pull it off – to save the lighthouse. I’ve also heard that the province of Nova Scotia is interested in purchasing the lighthouse as well, so whoever does save the lighthouse from the wrecking ball – whether it’s Mont or the Nova Scotia province – deserves my applause.
And hopefully, other lighthouses along Canada’s waterways can be saved as well.
Chuck The Writer 