Historic lighthouse near Burlington lift bridge to be relocated

A historic landmark by the Burlington Bay Canal is set to be relocated.

The Beach Canal Lighthouse will be moved roughly 100 metres to allow for more public access.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is transferring ownership of the historic lighthouse and the nearby keeper’s cottage to Hamilton Oshawa Ports Authority (HOPA) which will protect and keep them as part of Canada’s cultural heritage.

HOPA will work with the Beach Canal Lighthouse Group and government agencies to restore the lighthouse and open it to the public.

“This is a major step forward to realizing our goal to make Fisherman’s Pier a welcoming people place on Hamilton Harbour. Hamilton and Burlington share a proud maritime heritage,” said Ian Hamilton, President and CEO, HOPA Ports in a statement. “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.”

A wooden lighthouse originally sat at the shipping canal at the entrance to Hamilton Harbour at Fisherman’s Pier. It was constructed in 1838 to guide ships to and from the harbour. The wooden lighthouse, along with the light keeper’s and ferryman’s dwellings, burned to the ground in 1856, when the wooden piers were ignited by sparks from a passing steamer.

The current lighthouse, a 17-metre limestone tower with an iron lantern, was built in 1858 and was in operation until 1961.

HOPA’s longer-term vision for the redeveloped Fisherman’s Pier includes:

• A central public plaza with space for seasonal cultural programming and the lighthouse as a focal point;
• A greenspace extending toward Beach Blvd.;
• Upgraded angling amenities;
• Accessible and upgraded pedestrian piers;
• Lighting features on the Burlington Skyway Bridge to act as a beacon and gateway to the region.