Kincardine Lighthouse restoration completed Dec. 4

The Kincardine Lighthouse is once again a shining beacon at the Kincardine Harbour.

The navigational light was removed in August and scaffolding put up around the lighthouse so Phoenix Restoration of Whitby could complete the restoration project on the iconic structure.

The $300,000 project included repair and painting of the lantern roof and wood brackets, a new lead-coated copper deck and new frames on the top windows. The improvements not only make the lighthouse look better, they make it more efficient.

The tower windows were reinstalled so they sit at a 90-degree angle, rather than sitting at the same angle as the tower, to prevent them from leaking. New framing was also installed.

Cost of the repairs to the lighthouse was $279,901, plus engineering. The budgeted amount (including engineering) was $460,000, with a one-third grant from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

The project was to be completed in early November, but the light was actually turned back on Dec. 4. The marine museum artifacts were being put back into the lighthouse this week. The museum is operated during the summer by the Kincardine Yacht Club.

The remaining work to be completed, is restoration of the keeper's house at the base of the lighthouse, which has been included in the 2018 Kincardine capital budget.