WATCH: Parliament has passed second reading of Bill C-588, a private members bill which would preserve the Sambro Lighthouse. Global’s Ray Bradshaw reports.
HALIFAX – The future of one of Canada’s oldest operating lighthouse is looking a little brighter today.
On Wednesday night, MPs from all parties voted in favour of NDP C-588, that will preserve the Sambro Island lighthouse in Halifax. It has now passed second reading and will go on to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.
Sambro is a small fishing village in Nova Scotia, and people are very fond of their lighthouse which was built in 1758.
“It meant so much to me,” said Stephanie Smith of the Sambro Island Lighthouse Heritage Society. “Very emotional time for me to witness that happen. It seemed like a mark in history that I’ll never forget.”
The lighthouse had been declared surplus by the federal government, meaning it would likely have been left to crumble over time.
The society got 5,500 signatures in favor of saving the lighthouse, and support from all parties over the past two years. They say the oldest lighthouse in North and South America is worth saving.
“I’m so pleased that MPs were able to put aside partisan posturing and support the preservation of this national treasure,” NDP MP Megan Leslie, who pioneered the bill. “This is a victory for the many Nova Scotians who have advocated tirelessly for the Sambro Island Lighthouse.”
If Bill C-588 passes final reading, the Sambro Island Lighthouse will be under the Lighthouse Preservation Act, meaning Parks Canada would be responsible for maintaining the lighthouse.
“That means it would be protected for generations to come,” said Leslie.
The lighthouse will also soon be undergoing some renovations, thanks to a 1.5-million dollar grant from the federal government.
“They’ll be fixing some of the concrete, the interior, paint job of course, and some work will be done to the original lantern house,” said Smith.
Smith said she hopes that the rejuvenation of the lighthouse will attract more business, including tourism to Sambro.
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