Harper Government Invests in Cove Island Lightstation

TOBERMORY, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 6, 2015) - Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today an infrastructure investment up to $200,000 to upgrade the Cove Island Lighthouse.

This investment will be used for structural repairs to the interior and exterior of the former light-keeper's house and restoration of the stone work of the light tower. Removal of existing lead-based paint and repainting of the Cove Island Lighthouse will also take place.

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. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of approximately $551 million.

Quick Facts

• Construction for the Cove Island Lighthouse began in 1855 with the site becoming operational in October 1858.
  
  
• Having been continuously manned from 1858-1991, the Cove Island Lighthouse is the longest light-keeper-occupied station in Ontario.
  
  
• The Cove Island Lighthouse has been petitioned for heritage status under the Heritage Lighthouse Preservation Act and is currently under review.
  
  

Quotes

"Today's announcement builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to infrastructure investments ensuring historical landmarks like the Cove Island Lighthouse remain secure and solid for future generations to enjoy."

- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Canada's light stations are critically important to navigation and safety in our waters and on our coasts. I am very pleased to see that the Federal government will be investing in repairing and restoring the Cove Island Lighthouse so that its beacon can continue to mark safe passage for mariners between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay."

-Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

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