Bruce County Council has agreed to airlift the top of the Stokes Bay Lighthouse away for future preservation.
Council has agreed to spend 14 to 20 thousand dollars to have a Sudbury-based helicopter pilot airlift the top of the Stokes Bay lighthouse away.
The lighthouse was built in 1904.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is planning to tear down the lighthouse next week — news that prompted Bruce County Tourism to suggest saving the top.
The salvage operation has to be done by helicopter because there are no roads to where it’s located.
Staff want to see the lighthouse top lowered onto a Highways Department and taken to the museum in Southampton.
However, Museum Director Barbara Ribey says while she’s keen on accepting another vital part of local marine heritage — the museum budget currently can’t handle giving it an indoor or outdoor home.
But, she says an upcoming fundraising campaign might be able to help out.
County Councillor Milt McIver suggests it could be kept on display somewhere in Northern Bruce Peninsula instead.
County Tourism Manager Chris Hughes envisions the top of the lighthouse one day being part of an observation tower, similar to the one at Bruce Peninsula National Park.
He wants it to be an example of marine heritage that people can come and see and touch.
He’s trying to generate interest and possible financial support for the lighthouse airlift and says television networks from Toronto are interested in filming it when it happens.
Hughes says once they have the logistics figured out — the airlift can take place, but weather will be the biggest factor.
Councillor Mitch Twolan, the Chair of the Museum Committee, likes the idea and says lighthouses are an essential part of historical preservation and tourism throughout the county.
He says the fact it’s being flown by helicopter will create enough attention.
Councillor Gwen Gilbert also supports the airlift, saying it’s important to preserve heritage for future generations.
The lighthouse top will be lifted from its Stokes Bay location to the parking lot of Black Creek Provincial Park.
Hughes says from there, it will put into storage at a secure location until a decision on its final home is made.