Description of Historic Place

The Lighttower at Henry Island is situated on an island promontory close to Port Hood, on the west coast of Cape Breton. It is a medium-height, wooden tower with a cast-iron lantern. The classical detail and elegant proportions of this tapered octagonal tower contribute to its striking appearance. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Lighttower is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Lighttower is associated with campaigns to provide aids to navigation in coastal locations. The tower is also associated with an important period of growth for Port Hood at the beginning of a period of expansion in the early 1900s.

Architectural Value
The Lighttower is a very good example of a tapered tower with symmetrical massing, classical details and plank on plank construction. The simple form of the tower is enhanced by the facades executed in painted wooden shingles without corner boards and by the fine-scale cove boarding of the cornice, all of which are evidence of its good craftsmanship.

Environmental Value
The Lighttower at Henry Island reinforces the present character of its coastal maritime setting and is a familiar landmark in the local area.

Sources:
Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 90-290; Heritage Character Statement, 90-290.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Lighttower should be respected.
Its aesthetic and good craftsmanship, for example:
- the symmetrical massing and octagonal, tapered form of the tower and octagonal cast-iron lantern with cone topped ventilator;
- the plank on plank wood construction;
- the facades executed in painted wood shingles without corner boards and the fine-scaled boarding of the cornice;
- the projecting pedimented window and door hoods, the lantern platform and the flared cove;
- the painted steel lantern railings with tube and elbow joint construction;
- the paint scheme of white and red painted sides;
- the multi-pane wood sash windows and the panelled door.

The manner in which the Lighttower reinforces the present character of its maritime coastal setting and is a familiar landmark in the region, as evidenced by:
- the picturesque qualities of its design and form, which complement the natural environment;
- its high visibility and familiarity to mariners and to residents of the Port Hood region.