Fisheries and Oceans Canada
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Archived – Fisheries and Oceans Canada to Transfer Ownership of Historic Lightstation at Flowerpot Island to Parks Canada
Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
August 21, 2008
TOBERMORY, ON – The historic Flowerpot Island Lightstation located in Fathom Five National Marine Park will be transferred from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to Parks Canada. Announcement of the upcoming transfer was made today at a ceremony presided over by the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
The Flowerpot Island Lightstation is an iconic and historic site, serving as a navigational aid in the National Park and guiding ships safely through the waters since 1897. “Fisheries and Oceans Canada is pleased to announce the upcoming transfer of ownership of the Lightstation to Parks Canada,” said Minister Hearn. “The transfer will ensure this cultural site and the environmentally sensitive park property surrounding it are preserved for future generations.”
“The Flowerpot Island Lightstation has always been an important part of the visitor experience at Fathom Five National Marine Park,” said Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird. “With this transfer, Parks Canada can ensure that this important part of Canada’s rich marine history will be preserved for future generations.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to keeping this iconic piece of Canadian heritage preserved for the benefit of the community of Tobermory,” said MP Larry Miller. “This new arrangement will ensure that the Flowerpot Island Lightstation continues to be a thriving tourism destination, as well as a reliable beacon of safety for people on the water.”
The Lightstation is currently maintained by the Friends of Bruce District Parks under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The MOU will be honoured by Parks Canada. The Canadian Coast Guard will continue to service the Lightstation as part of its lengthy tradition of operating the navigation light, and will ensure the light continues to help vessels pass safely through these waters.
The 9.9 hectare Lightstation property is a major tourist attraction for visitors to the island. The Flowerpot Island Lightstation is one of three light stations in the Park, forming part of the navigation and maritime history of Fathom Five National Marine Park
- 30 -
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Communications Branch
Central and Arctic Region
519-383-1525
NR-HQ-08-48E
