BEACH BEACON
Keeping watch over the Hamilton Burlington Waterfront.
What's happening at The Beach Canal Lighthouse Group.
Volume #1February 2004.
The Beach Canal Lighthouse.
Lighthouse Background
The first Hamilton Beach lighthouse, built in 1838, was made of wood as were many in the 1800s. When construction of the lighthouse was complete, a lighthouse keeper was hired to maintain the light and building. The lighthouse keeper worked in conjunction with the ferryman and both resided in homes near the Canal. This lighthouse's main structural flaw was the fact it was wood. Due to the passing steamer ships, the wooden pier and lighthouse were susceptible to the random spray of embers. On several occasions, it was reported that the ferryman and lighthouse keeper had to rip off pieces of the pier and throw them into the Canal because they had caught on fire and threatened to destroy the entire pier.
On July 18, 1856, the steamship Ranger was passing through the Canal when sparks strayed and caused a major fire that destroyed the lighthouse, a ferry, a house, and a local log house that were all in the same vicinity. After the fire, a temporary lighthouse was built. It was eventually replaced in 1858 by the structure, which stands today.
John Brown, who also constructed the six Imperial Towers on Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, was hired to build the 1858 lighthouse. It was constructed of white dolomite limestone that is over five feet thick at chest height, and is about 55 feet high. It is almost identical to the lighthouse built by Brown on Christian Island in Georgian Bay.
When the lighthouse stonework was complete, an interior spiraling staircase was installed. Then the lantern room was added with the light. This lighthouse was one of the first to use coal oil, rather than the traditional whale oil. This began a new trend in preferred energy sources, which angered many whalers, since it threatened their livelihood. Nevertheless, the lighthouse was maintained without major repairs until 1958.
In 1958, a powerful storm swept through the region and the lighthouse that was thought to be invulnerable sustained water damage. Water had penetrated the lighthouse damaging its structure and lantern. A few months after the storm, timber planks were bedded in concrete to make the foundation of the lighthouse stronger so that it could withstand the exterior elements.
In 1961, the lighthouse was replaced with a more modern beacon located at the end of the south Canal pier. The new lighthouse is powered by electricity. The beam of light can be seen approximately 15 miles from the Canal. The old stone lighthouse officially ceased operations in 1968, marking the end of manned lighthouses at the Burlington Canal. The stone lighthouse was not torn down because the cost was too high. This saved the lighthouse for our posterity.
The lighthouses on the Burlington Canal have been a symbol of Hamilton Harbour's growth and development. Since the Canal was first opened to vessels over one hundred years ago, it has helped to develop the areas of Burlington, Dundas and Hamilton and it remains a significant symbol of our history of industrialization and development.
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Want to help restore a Lighthouse?
You are not alone. In fact there's a local group and there's also a local Lighthouse they're going to save, and they're looking for people who want to join in the fun.
The Beach Canal Lighthouse Group is a new, but rapidly growing gathering of local folks who are determined to acquire, restore and preserve the 1858 Lighthouse (and the 1857 Keeper's House) beside the lift bridge at the Burlington Bay Canal. The oldest structure on the entire Burlington-Hamilton Beach strip, they've been ignored for too long. At last, help is on the way.
The group is raising funds and building local partnerships to restore the limestone tower and brick house in time for their 150th Anniversary in 2008. Both are in remarkable condition for their age. The group hopes they'll again be a magnificent sight, with a working light tower and indoor/outdoor exhibits reminding visitors of the fascinating history and importance of the canal area to the development of the entire region.
Want to help restore a Lighthouse?
Email: or call (905) 681-6233 for details.
(Reprinted from The Burlington Post.)
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Pete Coletti, the last keeper of The Burlington Light, has been elected a honorary member of The Lighthouse Group. Pete held the position for 25 years and is now retired down east.
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We all would like to thank The Beach Rescue Unit for donating the use of their facilities for us to hold our monthly meetings.
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A special thank you to Alice Selbie who helped out the group by taking on the role of Secretary/Treasurer during the initial phase of organization of the group.
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Your Lighthouse Group Interim Officers are:
Executive Director:
David Auger (905) 681-6233
Directors:
Elizabeth Nebesny (905) 549-0397
Bert Oldershaw (905) 549-1899
Brian Butler (905) 543-8452