The Canadian Coast Guard plans to demolish the Jones Island Rear Lighthouse, a 130-year-old cultural landmark, and residents are pushing back.
Parry Sound resident Lis McWalter, who is part of the Facebook group ‘Save Jones Island Rear Lighthouse’, has launched a petition and is in the midst of rounding up community support.
“(The Lighthouse) is iconic, not only in its look but in its cultural value. It’s historic,” said McWalter. “It enabled the east-west transportation by water, and it was instrumental in opening up development in our area, and to the north.”
In early 1893, the Department of Marine and Fisheries issued a request for tenders to construct five Parry Sound range lighthouses. The Jones Island Rear Lighthouse was completed and ready for service in 1894. Records indicate that Jones Island had a resident Light Keeper from 1894 until 1921. The combined light tower and residence remains today and is one of only two of its kind left in Canada.
“We want to see it saved,” said McWalter. “It has significance in the area for a lot of reasons, but mostly its historical value and role in what it brought to our area.”
Last year, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada publicized its decision to proceed with the demolition of both the Jones Island Front and Rear Lighthouses.
“This decision was not made lightly, especially considering that these two lighthouses are deemed heritage as per Recognized Federal Heritage building designation and have served the maritime community for over a century,” stated a letter outlining the decision.
“A recent condition assessment revealed extensive structural deterioration, including failing foundations, severe water and insect damage and compromised support columns,” continued the statement. “The structures are no longer safe, cannot be repaired or relocated and do not meet current navigational requirements.”
The plan is to replace the lighthouse with an 80-foot steel tower.
McWalter, and others who are fighting to save the structure from demolition, say they do not agree with the Department’s assessment that the structure is beyond repair.
“A number of people have been in it who understand construction…and it stands straight and true,” said McWalter. “If a building is at a point of demolition it sags, it has sagging walls, the foundation doesn’t stand up, but this building is standing straight and true.”
The petition requests an independent engineering assessment of the lighthouses’ structural integrity, a release of formal documentation justifying the decision to demolish the landmark, the disclosure of maintenance records for the structure, as well as full financial analysis comparing the cost of restoration versus the total cost of demolition and a new structure.
McWalter is also hoping for a face-to-face meeting with decision makers.
“What we’d like to do is get the engineering analysis, look at the financials, see what makes the most sense and work together to come up with a solution,” she said.
The quest to save the Jones Island Rear Lighthouse has received significant community support, with six of seven local municipal councils passing motions expressing their support to keep the structure.
The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, and many local businesses, have also expressed their support.
“On behalf of the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce and our business community, we are pleased to offer our full support for the preservation of the Jones Island Rear Lighthouse and to respectfully call for a pause in the proposed demolition plans,” stated a post on the Chamber’s social media.
“As one of only two remaining combined dwelling-light stations in Canada—and the only one situated on an island—its historic and architectural value is exceptional and irreplaceable. Beyond its heritage significance, the lighthouse continues to hold cultural, economic, and tourism importance for our region. It is a landmark recognized by boaters, residents, First Nations communities, and the thousands of visitors who explore Georgian Bay each year.”
The petition can be found here.
