Two members of the Marine Heritage Society in Saugeen Shores have been honoured by the province for their volunteer efforts.
Bob Trelford and Mike Sterling have received recognition from the Ontario Heritage Trust for their work to restore the Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage and Lighthouse on Chantry Island back in 1997.
Sterling says the historic island is an important part of Southampton’s branding and the lighthouse and cottage had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being lost forever when he and Trelford got involved in the restoration.
Trelford says he and Sterling “got down and dirty,” and worked for three years to get most of the job done.
Sterling says the project was ultimately a success and they met their goal of having the site open for public tours in 2001, along with other timing and financial goals.
10 thousand people have visited Chantry Island since tours began.