Friends consider accepting deed to Head Harbour light

A straw vote on April 21 by board members of the Friends of Head Harbour Lightstation (FHHL) gave the nod to President Terry Greene's query. At the public meeting held in Campobello's Masonic Hall, she had posed the question whether the Friends should accept the deed to the lightstation offered under certain conditions by federal and provincial government agencies. Greene had prefaced her query by listing the conditions set forth and noting that the Atlantic Lighthouse Council of Nova Scotia had expressed interest in being considered for ownership of the property.

The deed was offered for $1, a hundred-year contract, with no environmental restrictions. Responsibilities center on maintaining the tower and fog building and preserving the site unchanged. The 51-foot tower was built in 1829 under pre-Confederation requirements that construction involve heavy-beamed wood, shingles, and red and white color. These requirements must continue to be observed. The Canadian Coast Guard will maintain the tower's light, fog alarm and helipad. The Campobello Whale Watching Team, which will repair the island's rescue vessel, also counsels the Friends on funding opportunities. With community help, the Friends look to develop a five-year project to refurbish the site for worldwide
tourist appeal.

Greene outlined repairs the Friends consider essential. The tower's outside must be repainted first and later the interior, as well as the four adjacent buildings. Security guards, a construction manager and a traffic director must be hired. Acceptance of the deed also calls for setting maximum numbers touring the site at intervals to protect the property. A community walkway or bridge should be built for easy access and increased safety.

Liability being considered has to date indicated that insurance at $3,000 to $5,000 yearly would provide coverage of at least $1 million. The property value now stands at $101,000, but, as Greene pointed out, it will increase in value over the years. "And fundraising will surely be successful if we own the lightstation." East Quoddy Light is Canada's most photographed, she said, and the Campobello community as well as the larger public view it as a cultural and historic treasure to be preserved. Of the two small buildings owned by the Friends adjacent to the tower, Greene suggested they might serve as income producers by creating a bridal suite in one and a gift shop in the other.

Glenn Larsen, a consulting lawyer in St. George, and Glenn Frye of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will both address the Friends at public meeting later in May. "There are so few of us," Greene stated. "Many minds and hearts are needed, and we must know at the end of May if we should proceed." In addition to Greene, officers of the board are Vice President Robert Hooper and Secretary Ivan Corey, with members Mac Greene, Thelma Malloch, Danny Anthony, Joe Howlett, Nicholas Newman and Dwayne Fitzgerald, who had served previously as president. When Greene noted that the board can number 14, four of the meeting participants promptly volunteered to serve if elected. She thanked them for their support and added, "Membership in the Friends is open, and we need fresh ideas."

After Larsen and Frye have talked with the group, a public meeting will be held to confirm officially that the Friends will accept the deed. Greene concluded, "Then maybe we'll plan for Lighthouse Day dedication."