PORT BICKERTON, NOVA SCOTIA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, joined with local officials Saturday to officially transfer ownership of the Port Bickerton lighthouse to the Municipality of the District of St. Mary's.
"Lighthouses provide important and attractive economic opportunities for our local communities," said Minister MacKay. "Our government welcomes the opportunity to partner with groups to support tourism, history and culture in communities across Canada."
Under an established Treasury Board of Canada directive, Fisheries and Oceans Canada divested the property in fiscal year 2012-2013 to the Municipality of the District of St. Mary's and provided a $50,000 grant towards structural repairs. The municipality will lease the buildings to the Port Bickerton and Area Planning Association which for the past 15 years has operated a seasonal lighthouse interpretive centre on the site. The centre annually welcomes thousands of visitors.
"I would also like to commend the members of the Planning Association who volunteered their time and energy to ensure the future of this important symbol of our maritime heritage," said Minister MacKay.
Prior to the divestiture, the Planning Association required a licence from the Department to access the site for the purpose of maintaining the grounds and operating the interpretive center which marked its seasonal opening at the event. The interpretive centre celebrates lighthouses and the contributions they make to our heritage.
Located on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore, Port Bickerton is an operating light station and an important aid to navigation for area mariners. The Canadian Coast Guard will continue to operate and maintain the light inside the lighthouse.
The Government of Canada remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security.
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