Description of Historic Place
Located on the southeast side of Forteau Bay in the Strait of Belle Isle, the Lighthouse at Point Amour, at 32 metres, is the tallest lighthouse in Newfoundland and the second tallest in Canada. The lighthouse has a tapered, limestone and brick shaft, capped by a step and flared capital, upon which rests the lantern. A two-storey, gable-roofed dwelling, also constructed of limestone, is attached to the lighthouse by its rear wing. Both the lighthouse and the dwelling are distinguished by their smooth stone wall surfaces and classically inspired symmetry and details. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage Value
The Lighthouse is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.
Historic Value
The Lighthouse is associated with trans-Atlantic shipping, particularly the gulf entrance to the Belle Isle route. It is an excellent and early example of a major coastal light, and is the second tallest in Canada. When built, it embodied the latest techniques in lighthouse construction and technology of the time. The workmanship is outstanding.
Architectural Value
The Lighthouse is valued for its excellent aesthetic and very good functional design. The tall tapered tower and attached dwelling contribute to the remote picturesque setting of Point Armour. The very good functional design of the Lighthouse is evidenced in its limestone masonry construction and height of the tower. Its very good craftsmanship is evident throughout.
Environmental Value
The Lighthouse reinforces the maritime character of its isolated costal setting. The age, height and strength of its design, combined with its critical location, make the Point Amour Lighthouse a distinctive architectural and heritage landmark.
Sources: M. Bush, Point Amour Lighthouse, Point Amour, Newfoundland and Labrador, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 83-038; Point Amour Lighthouse, Point Amour, Newfoundland and Labrador, Heritage Character Statement, 83-038.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements of the Lighthouse should be respected.
Its good aesthetic design, very good functional design and good craftsmanship and materials, for example:
- the utilitarian character of the building, which is reinforced by its solid proportions, its smooth masonry construction, and the height of the tower;
- the shaft, which is capped by a step and flared capital upon which rests the lantern and rail;
- the attached dwelling, which is a substantial, gable-roofed form with a rear wing connecting it to the light tower and two enclosed entrances;
- the high quality and highly functional construction of limestone masonry;
- the exterior of the tower, which is covered in English firebrick, which is in turn covered with vertical wood battens and wood shingles;
- the cast and wrought iron lantern, which may be original to the building.
The manner in which the Lighthouse is compatible with the maritime character of its isolated coastal setting and is an architectural and heritage landmark, as evidenced by:
- its overall scale, massing, design and materials, which harmonize with its isolated coastal surroundings;
- its critical location on the southeast side of Forteau Bay in the Strait of Belle Isle;
- its visibility within the area due to its height and prominent sitting on limestone cliffs.
