Saturday, September 14, 2024 A century of history was celebrated this past weekend with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly refurbished Louisbourg Lighthouse, Cape Breton’s iconic landmark. This historic lighthouse, originally established in 1734 as Canada’s first lighthouse, stands as a symbol of the region’s rich maritime heritage. Marking the 100th anniversary of the current structure, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, joined the event on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
In addition to the formal ceremony, the community of Louisbourg gathered to enjoy live music, storytelling, a barbeque, and a festive boat parade, celebrating both the lighthouse and the community’s historical significance. The event also marked the completion of a major $1.3 million refurbishment project announced in 2023 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The project involved significant structural repairs to the lighthouse, including concrete restorations, surface cleaning, and recoating, with the final window replacements scheduled for the coming weeks. The Louisbourg Lighthouse, which has undergone multiple reconstructions due to battles and fires, was initially completed in 1924. It continues to guide local seafarers and remains a cornerstone of tourism in Cape Breton Island, sitting within the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, North America’s largest historical reconstruction.
Honourable Steven Guilbeault , Minister of Environment and Climate Change: “The Louisbourg Lighthouse is a cherished symbol of local culture and a beacon for visitors. This restoration not only preserves its legacy but also enhances the visitor experience at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, making it a fitting celebration for the lighthouse’s centennial.” Mike Kelloway , Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso: “Preserving historic sites like Louisbourg Lighthouse ensures they remain a vital part of our cultural fabric for generations to come.
It’s wonderful to see this lighthouse, a key Cape Breton landmark, receive much-needed upgrades, which will attract locals and tourists for another century.”.
