MP Keddy Announces Infrastructure Funding for the Cape Sable Lighthouse

CLARK'S HARBOUR, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - April 11, 2015) - Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, announced today that the Government of Canada is making a two-year investment to repair the Cape Sable Lighthouse. The project will include repairs to concrete, rehabilitation of the original lantern/gallery, installation of a heating system and the lighthouse will be fully painted.

The light itself is an active Canadian Coast Guard aid to navigation. This investment will ensure the continued operation of the light, which supports Fisheries and Oceans Canada's mandate to provide safe and secure waterways for mariners.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support 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 Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research facilities, harbours, transportation and search and rescue, to create jobs from coast to coast to coast. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of $551.1 million.

Quick Facts

• The Cape Sable Lighthouse is located on Cape Sable, a low, sandy islet approximately 5 kilometres-long, lying just offshore from Cape Sable Island at the extreme southwest corner of Nova Scotia.
• Established in 1861, the Cape Sable Lighthouse is one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in the region.
• The Cape Sable Lighthouse is classified as a heritage structure based on its historical associations and architecture.
• The Friends of the Cape Sable Lighthouse have been very active in carrying out minor repairs and painting in recent years. The proposed scope of work will complement their efforts.

Quotes

"Lighthouses are an important part of our Maritime heritage. They are vital for the ongoing safety of our fishers, marking the way to a safe haven, but they are also an integral part of our local tourism and identity. Our Government is pleased to support the efforts of the Friends of the Cape Sable Lighthouse to maintain the Cape Sable Light and preserve its history within the community. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts of all of the members of the Friends of the Cape Sable Lighthouse for their time and efforts to raise funds and garner support to maintain this Light."

Gerald Keddy

Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's

"Goods news from MP Gerald Keddy regarding the Cape Sable Lighthouse. The Cape Lighthouse is an important part of our marine heritage and still a necessity to our Mariners. It is also becoming a part of our tourism package. News that funding from the Federal Government for major improvements to our lighthouse has given our group (Friends of the Cape Sable Lighthouse) a huge boost and encouraged us to continue making that site a destination for tourist and locals alike. We are very pleased for the support our MP Gerald Keddy has been able to give us for this project."

Leigh Stoddart

Mayor of Clark's Harbour and President of Friends of the Cape Sable Lighthouse

Related Products

• Lighthouses

Associated Links

• PM announces new infrastructure investments across Canada

• Federal Infrastructure

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