After nearly two centuries of protecting fishers and mariners around one of Nova Scotia’s most dangerous and perilous coastlines, the historic Seal Island Lighthouse is now the one in danger of Demolition by Neglect. 

A Brief History
Located on a remote island 32 km off the Southwest coast of Nova Scotia, the Seal Island Lighthouse was originally constructed in 1831 in response to the many shipwrecks which occurred on nearby hazardous reefs and rocks. It has been safely guiding ship traffic in and past the Bay of Fundy ever since, helping to establish the primacy of Canada as a world shipping power. 

As North America’s second oldest wooden lighthouse, the Seal Island Lighthouse stands as a rare and important example of the colonial architecture of the day, while continuing to serve as a critical backup for fishers and mariners in the event of modern navigation failure. It was classified as a Federal Heritage Building by the Canadian government on November 19, 2009. 

Maintenance of this historic lighthouse is the responsibility of the Canadian Department of Fisheries Oceans and the Coast Guard. As per the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, they must maintain it in accordance with the criteria established within that Act.

They have failed to do so and are now consciously allowing the lighthouse to fall into disrepair. Instead of fixing it, they plan to let it crumble, while they erect a simple metal tower with a light. 

It is not too late to take action to preserve the Seal Island Lighthouse! Even after nearly 200 years, the “bones” of the building are remarkably solid, and the light tower continues to stand as a testament to the people who built it. 

Sign this petition and join us in urging the Canadian Government to renovate and preserve the lighthouse, ensuring its continued operation as a historic cornerstone of the Canadian navigational system.