MELDRUM BAY—The Dawson Citizen’s Improvement Association (DCIA) is “in discussions” with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) regarding the transfer of the Mississagi Lighthouse to the association.
“Yes, we are currently discussing the possible transfer of the lighthouse with the DFO,” DCIA Chair Rick Bradley told The Expositor. “We are waiting for an appraisal of the lighthouse and property by the Federal Department of Public Works. “The Manitoulin Tourism Association (MTA) has been encouraging us to move forward with this and we will be meeting with them to look at ways they can assist us with this transition. We are hoping that the federal government will offer financial help as well to help bring the lighthouse up to standards.”
The MTA has a longstanding agreement with the Canada Coast Guard to maintain and use the lighthouse property, which was built in 1873 by the Department of Transport of Canada as a tourism attraction for Western Manitoulin. In turn, the MTA has a seasonal agreement with Mary Eadie who operates the Mississagi Lighthouse and Heritage Park.
The MTA has recently begun seeking partners to help manage Manitoulin attractions that they oversee such as the Cup and Saucer Trail and the Mississagi Lighthouse, as the MTA has changed its strategy and is looking to turn its attention towards increasing tourism to the Island.
“Our job is to promote the Island attractions, but we need to make sure it is being cared for so we can confidently use it as one of Manitoulin’s flagship sites to promote,” MTA President Ron Berti told The Expositor. “The MTA is a not-for-profit group of volunteers and we just don’t have the resources to care for and bring these sites up to par. That’s why we are looking for partnerships.”
Mr. Berti told The Expositor on Monday that he and other representatives from the MTA would be meeting with the DCIA later that evening to discuss the lighthouse.
“We have heard from individuals, but not the group as a whole yet,” explained Mr. Berti. “Right now with the lighthouse and the Cup and Saucer, we are just raising the issue and gathering information—seeing who is interested in helping manage these attractions. We have our next board meeting in September, but nothing will be decided (regarding the attractions) until after our annual general meeting at the end of September.”
The Expositor contacted the DFO regarding the Mississagi Lighthouse, however they were unable to answer The Expositor’s inquiries by press time Monday.
