Sandy Point Lighthouse Gets A New Lease On Life

April 22, 2008

Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margaret's and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency shakes hands with Phyllis Nickerson, President of the Sandy Point Community Recreation Group, following the funding announcement for the Sandy Point Lighthouse. Pictured in the background is the Sandy Point Lighthouse.

The Sandy Point Lighthouse will get a new lease on life thanks to investments by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Upgrades to the lighthouse will provide more accessibility, enhance visitor appeal and assist in the preservation of Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage. The project was announced today by Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and to the Minister of International Trade on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA.

“ACOA is investing in the Sandy Point Lighthouse to make structural improvements that are key to its historic and cultural preservation,” said Parliamentary Secretary Keddy. “Through this investment in tourism infrastructure, our Government is demonstrating its commitment to support economic development in the community and surrounding area.”

The project includes the construction of a walkway along the beach, a stairway to the top of the lighthouse base and a railing to make the beach more accessible. The initiative also includes strengthening the lighthouse base, adding interpretive panels, and improving the lighthouse’s visual appeal.

ACOA is investing $ 38,274, Nova Scotia Economic Development is contributing $20,000, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne is contributing $10,000, and the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society is contributing $6,600 toward the upgrades and improvements.

“These enhancements to the historical Sandy Point Lighthouse will further attract visits from people of all ages, which will benefit the local economy,” said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Economic Development. “Heritage is an important contributor to the economy of this province.”

“Investing in the Sandy Point Lighthouse is an investment in Shelburne,” said Paulette Scott, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne. “These improvements will open Sandy Point to a wider audience, and in doing so, bring economic development benefits to the area.”

ACOA’s investment is being made through the Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.