Thursday, December 14, 2023
Lighthouses have held enduring symbolism, representing strength, safety, and sanctuary for seafarers. They play a vital role in safeguarding mariners. Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, who serves as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and is responsible for Parks Canada, unveiled the official recognition of Shaganash Island Lighthouse under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.
Located on Island No. 10 along the northern shores of Lake Superior, known as gichigamiing by the Anishinaabe people of the region, the Shaganash Island Lighthouse is a towering, square-tapered wooden structure.
Originally established in 1910, the original lighthouse tower suffered a fire, leading to the construction of the present lighthouse in 1922. This lighthouse served dual purposes: guiding vessels to the nearby harbor and serving as a range light, aiding in safe navigation through a rocky channel. The Shaganash Island Lighthouse was a vital navigational aid, supporting the silver mining, pulpwood, and fishing industries. As the mid-20th century arrived, the pulpwood industry waned, giving way to an increase in recreational boating traffic, which continues to ply the waters of the lake today. It remains an iconic landmark and a crucial navigational beacon.
With this recent designation, a total of 111 lighthouses across eight provinces have now received protection under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act. These include some of the nation’s most architecturally and historically significant lighthouses, such as the Fisgard Lighthouse in British Columbia, Île du Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie in Quebec, and Point Amour in Newfoundland and Labrador. These structures are cherished symbols of Canada’s rich maritime heritage.
The Government of Canada remains committed to working closely with community organizations and various levels of government to facilitate the designation and preservation of heritage lighthouses for the enjoyment of future generations. Designations under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act are made by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change based on recommendations from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Quotes
“For a century, the Shaganash Island Lighthouse has played a vital role in ensuring the safe passage of all those navigating the waters of Lake Superior | Gichigamiing. Before its establishment, safe navigation relied on the traditional knowledge passed down through generations of Indigenous Peoples. Today, the Shaganash Island Lighthouse remains a prominent landmark for recreational boaters and tourists alike. This designation sheds light on our shared history and guarantees that the lighthouse will continue to guide future generations.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“The recognition of Shaganash Island Lighthouse pays tribute to the resilience of those who have traversed the shores of Lake Superior | Gichigamiing. Heritage lighthouses are more than mere structures; they are living testimonies to our maritime history, reminding us that our past shapes our present. This beacon proudly stands as a guardian of that connection.”
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard
Monday, January 1, 2024
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
