The Minister of Tourism, Greg Deighan, announced today that the Department of Tourism will assist six Island lighthouses in opening for business for the 2001 season.
The Minister explained that the Province has entered into a lease agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans who own the lighthouses. The agreement will permit the lighthouses to operate as tourism attractions this summer. Tourism PEI and the PEI Department of Transportation and Public Works will carry out work at the six sites to make them safe and accessible for the public.
If the Province had not negotiated this agreement with DFO, it's unlikely that these lighthouses would have been able to open to the public this year," said Mr. Deighan.
The Minister said that DFO is currently reviewing its involvement with lighthouse properties throughout Atlantic Canada. At this point, the future of these landmarks is uncertain. We are urging the Federal Government to recognize the historic and tourism value of these lighthouses and to make a commitment to their preservation," said Mr. Deighan. Lighthouses have long been symbolic with Atlantic Canada. They have been prominently featured on tourism advertising for many years," noted the tourism minister.
The six lighthouses covered by the Province's agreement with DFO are operated by local community groups. The assistance being provided to these popular sites will enhance the experience of visitors.