Agreement reached to transfer ownership of Historic Hamilton Lighthouse and Cottage

On behalf of the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development joined Ian Hamilton, President and CEO of the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) to announce the conclusion of an agreement that will ensure the long-term preservation of this historic landmark.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is transferring ownership of the historic Beach Canal Lighthouse and the nearby keeper’s cottage to HOPA Ports which will protect and keep them as part of Canada’s cultural heritage. The lighthouse and keeper’s cottage have recently been designated by Parks Canada under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.

“Partnering with communities to transfer ownership of heritage lighthouses like this to local organizations preserves these important pieces of Canada’s heritage,” said The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “This transfer will not only enable the local communities to continue to visit the landmark, but will ensure they benefit from local investments in greenspace and improvements to safety and recreation for generations to come.”

HOPA Ports, working closely with local community partners Beach Canal Lighthouse Group, intends to reposition the lighthouse onto HOPA Ports property in order to complete a restoration of both structures and facilitate public access. The repositioning of the lighthouse structure is critical to allow for public access, and will serve as a focal point for the redeveloped Fisherman’s Pier zone.

“This is a major step forward to realizing our goal to make Fisherman’s Pier a welcoming people place on Hamilton Harbour,” said Ian Hamilton, President and CEO, HOPA Ports. “Hamilton and Burlington share a proud maritime heritage. Fisherman’s Pier is one of the best places anywhere to get an up-close look at the big ships and to understand the continuing role of industry and maritime trade in our community’s economy and identity.”

Learn more about the lighthouse transfer and Fisherman’s Pier redevelopment plan at www.hopaports.ca