"Tales of pioneer hardship and deprivation have been told many times. Yet still we remember in wonder, that people accomplished so much with so little; that men and women with simple tools, their bare hands, and their own inventiveness cleared the land, drained the swamps, made their own clothing and provided their own food. Through all these difficulties God was with them and they wanted their children educated intellectually and spritually." from Norfolk Street United Church history

Friday, January 3, 2014

Lighthouse at Heart of a Bloody Battle Protected - Windmill Point Lighthouse Designated under Heritage Lighthouse Legislation






PRESCOTT, Ontario, January 3, 2014 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today designated the Windmill Point lighthouse, a site at the heart of a bloody battle in Upper Canada (Prescott, Ontario), as a heritage lighthouse under Canada's Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act (HLPA).

The HLPA, which was adopted in 2008, allows for the protection of federally-owned lighthouses on Canada's coastal and inland waters that have significant heritage value. Administered by Parks Canada, the HLPA helps ensure Canada's maritime history is protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Canadians have nominated hundreds of lighthouses to be considered for designation under the Act.

 "I am pleased that the centrepiece of the Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site will now be protected for the benefit of future generations. This lighthouse was a witness to historical events that have impacted Canada." - Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada 

Windmill Point Lighthouse is the key symbol of the Battle of the Windmill in Upper Canada. This four-day battle in 1838 between British troops and local militia defeated an invasion force of 300 American "Hunters" and Canadian rebels. It brought an end to the Rebellion of 1837-1838.


Located close to the American border, this lighthouse was initially built as a windmill before being converted to a lighthouse in 1874.


For over one hundred years, this lighthouse was associated with the system of navigation aids along the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes.


The heritage lighthouse and National Historic Site of Canada is administered by Parks Canada.

"I am thrilled that Canadian history is one of our government priorities and that we are taking action to protect and preserve cherished sites like Windmill Point Lighthouse, which has been an integral part of Eastern Ontario heritage for almost 200 years and an important tourist attraction for the area." - Gordon Brown, MP, Leeds-Grenville
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