Description of Historic Place

The Lightstation: Annex, integral to the Cove Island Lightstation is situated at the entrance to Georgian Bay. It is a small, stone, cottage-like structure with a gable roof abutted to the lighttower. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Lightstation: Annex is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
The Lightstation: Annex, built as an adjunct to the Cove Island Lighttower, is associated with the installation of lighthouses on the Great Lakes beginning in 1804. The need for navigational aids was also spurred by the opening of the Bruce Peninsula for settlement in the mid-1850s, the free-trade agreement with the United States in 1854 and the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie canal in 1855.

Architectural Value:
The Lightstation: Annex is a good example of a principal support structure influenced by elements of British classicism, for example as sen in its simple and symmetrical proportions. Designed as accommodation, it is based on the prototype of the simple Scottish cottage. It matches the robust detailing of the associated lighttower. It exhibits very good materials and craftsmanship.

Environmental Value:
The Lightstation: Annex reinforces the present character of its maritime setting on Cove Island. The structure is a regional landmark. .

Sources:
Joan Mattie, Four ‘Imperial Towers’: lighthouses at Lake Huron and Georgian Bay:
Griffith Island, Chantry Island, Christian Island, Cove Island, and three light station outbuildings at Cove Island: old dwelling (now refered to as fog plant annex), fog plant, and boathouse. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 90-216; Old Dwelling, Cove Island Lightstation: Cove Island, Lake Huron, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 90-216.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Lightstation: Annex should be respected.

Its modest design, high quality materials and construction, for example: the structure’s simple proportions including its two-storey form, gable roof, and end wall parapets with integral chimneys; the symmetrical disposition of the doors, windows and chimneys; the whitewashed exterior walls of rough faced, rusticated stone set in even courses, with a slightly projecting basement course.

The manner in which the Lightstation: Annex as part of the Cove Island Lightstation reinforces the character of the picturesque, maritime setting of Cove Island and is a regional landmark as evidenced by: its design, materials and physical attachment to the light tower, both of which make it an integral part of the light station; its association with the lighttower which is a symbol of the maritime heritage of Cove Island; its visibility and familiarity to those who sail in Georgian Bay makes it well known.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

The following character-defining elements of the Old Dwelling should be respected:

Its modest design, high quality materials and construction, for example:

- The structure’s simple proportions including its two-storey form, gable roof, and end wall parapets with integral chimneys.
- The symmetrical disposition of the doors, windows and chimneys.
- The whitewashed exterior walls of rough faced, rusticated stone set in even courses, with a slightly projecting basement course.

The manner in which the Old Dwelling as part of the Cove Island Lightstation reinforces the character of the picturesque, maritime setting of Cove Island and is a regional landmark as evidenced by:

- Its design, materials and physical attachment to the light tower, both of which make it an integral part of the light station.
- Its association with the lighttower, which is a symbol of the maritime heritage of Cove Island.
- Its visibility and familiarity to those who sail in Georgian Bay makes it well known.