Description of Historic Place

Situated near the tip of the Long Point Peninsula, the Light Tower overlooks a marshy area characterized by sand ridges, scattered poplars and ponds. The tall, tapered, octagonal structure rises 27.4 metres (90 feet) to its metal lantern. A classically-influenced design, the tower is divided into three parts, echoing the base, the shaft, and the capital of a classical column. A pedimented porch protects the entrance and triangular lintels cap the windows. Elevated, or floating walkways link the Light Tower to the adjacent lightkeeper’s house and meteorological tower. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Light Tower is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
The Light Tower is closely associated with the provision of navigational aids for the heavy marine traffic passing the hazardous Long Point Peninsula. The present structure is the third lighthouse on the site, which, since 1830, has been maintained as an important landfall light for ships using the Welland Canal, one of Canada’s most important waterways. The strategic importance of the lighthouse is emphasised by its continuing presence in the face of changing water levels and foundation erosion.

Architectural Value
The Light Tower is valued for its very good aesthetic design. The structure’s tri-partite division into base, shaft and capital indicates a classical influence. Using the then relatively new technology of reinforced concrete, the design imitated traditional stone and brick masonry light towers but with smoother surfaces and more sharply edged details. With its very good functional design, the Light Tower also exhibits high quality craftsmanship that is evidenced in the pedimented porch and triangular lintels that cap the windows.

Environmental Value
The Light Tower is compatible with the maritime character of the Long Point Peninsula, which is an important region for shipping. The Light Tower is well known to the shipping community and is a regional landmark.

Sources: Mary Cullen, Long Point Light Station, Lake Erie, Ontario, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 86-077; Long Point Light Station, Long Point, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 86-077.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Light Tower should be respected.

Its very good aesthetics and functional design with classical influences, and very good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example: the building’s octagonal form and massing, tall profile and flared platform topped by an iron lantern; the classical, tripartite arrangement forming a classical column based on the three elements of base, shaft and capital; the windows with triangular lintels, the string course delineating the base and the upper course encircling the tower below the capital; the reinforced concrete construction; the white-painted exterior and the red-painted lantern.

The manner in which the Light Tower is compatible with the maritime setting on Long Point, and acts as a regional landmark as evidenced by: the structure’s very good aesthetics and materials, which harmonize with the adjacent lighthouse structures in the natural marshland setting; the Light Tower’s high visibility to the shipping community and to those visiting the park, given its scale and prominent location.

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 Long Point Lightstation, the third on the site, was built in 1916 by the Department of Marine. It is the property of the Ministry of Transport and operated by the Coast Guard. See FHBRO Building Report 86-77.


Reasons for Designation

The Tower at Long Point Lightstation received a "Recognized" designation because of its importance to the historical theme of shipping on the Great Lakes, its architectural design and craftsmanship, and its importance as a local and Lake Erie landmark.

The building continues to serve its original function although, like the two previous lighthouses on the site, it is threatened by changing water levels and foundation erosion.

The lighthouse's landmark status and association with nagivational themes as represented by Long Point Lightstation are particularly significant in view of its location and the heavy commercial shipping in the area. Unlike many of the early reinforced concrete lighthouses which were over-designed, structurally unsophisticated, and aesthetically primitive, the Long Point structure is an efficient, well executed design. It is a sleek column based on the three classical elements; base, shaft and capital, assembled in an assured but unpretentious, well balanced and proportioned design that is entirely appropriate to the function of the building. Complimentary detailing at the door, windows and the flared lantern support is discreet and well executed.


Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of this property is determined by the integration of siting, aesthetic design and workmanship, and thematic association.

This simple structure of reinforced concrete is well proportioned and executed in the three classical elements (base, column, capital) complimented by simple classical details at doors and windows as described above.

It is difficult to perceive of any alterations that can be made to this simple, pure structure which would not have a severe impact on its heritage character. Requirements for additional space should be met by constructing new facilities away from the immediate vicinity of the tower.

The problems of foundation erosion may have to be addressed due to persistent high water levels on Lake Erie both now and forecasted for the future. Two approaches to this could be considered. The preferred approach would be to raise the tower and insert the necessary foundation section. This approach would be technically challenging but is possible considering the vertical distance required is not great. It would preserve the heritage character of the tower over the long term. The second approach would be to raise the grade around the building. Alterations to the building should be minimal and fully reversable but the historic character would be severely affected by the higher grade. If an approach such as this second were adopted, areas subject to change should be fully documented.