Other Name(s)
Bear River Lighthouse
Bear River Lighthouse
Phare de Bear River
Links and documents
n/a
Construction Date(s)
1905/01/01
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2016/09/16
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Bear River Lighthouse is a wooden square-tapered tower that measures 9.8 metres (32 feet). Located in a wooded area on the western shore of the mouth of Bear River, the lighthouse marks the entrance to Bear River from the Annapolis Basin. Built in 1905, it is the first lighthouse on the site.
Heritage Value
The Bear River Lighthouse is a heritage lighthouse because of its historical and community values.
Historical values
The Bear River Lighthouse is a very good example of the Canadian government’s efforts to improve and maintain coastal lighthouses. As a secondary coastal light marking the entrance to Bear River from the Annapolis Basin, the lighthouse warns vessels of the rocky shoals near the channel leading into the river.
The Bear River Lighthouse supported the development of the scallop fishing and lumber industries, which were significant economic activities of the town of Digby nearby. Tourism was also an important industry in the village of Bear River, which was renowned for its artistic community and its high-tide changes twice daily. The lighthouse guided mariners navigating the river’s rocky shoals.
Community values
The Bear River Lighthouse reinforces the maritime character of the area due to its visibility from the water. The lighthouse sits in a rugged, densely forested coastal environment.
Due to its proximity to the world-renowned Bay of Fundy, the Bear River Lighthouse is highly valued in the small coastal community of Digby. The lighthouse contributes to the town’s growing tourism industry.
Character-Defining Elements
The following character-defining elements of the Bear River Lighthouse should be respected:
— its location in a wooded area on the western shore of the mouth of Bear River;
— its intact, as-built structural form, height, profile, and balanced proportions, based on the standard design of square, tapered, wooden towers;
— its square, wooden structure of timber frame construction with tapered sides rising from a square base;
— its superimposed square, wooden gallery, supported by the coved cornice that transitions from the tapered walls;
— its plain metal railing that surrounds the gallery;
— its square lantern room with its pyramidal roof and cylindrical metal ventilator;
— its sole entry door, raised above the foundation, that projects from the plane of the south façade and is surmounted by a plain pediment;
— its traditional red and white exterior colour scheme consisting of white for the tower, gallery, and lantern, accented by red features such as the gallery railing, roof ventilator and the foundation;
— its visual prominence in relation to the water and landscape.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Federal
Recognition Authority
Government of Canada
Recognition Statute
Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act
Recognition Type
Heritage Lighthouse
Recognition Date
2015/02/15
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
- Developing Economies
- Communications and Transportation
Function - Category and Type
Current
Historic
- Transport-Water
- Navigational Aid or Lighthouse
Architect / Designer
n/a
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
Heritage Conservation and Commemoration Directorate Documentation Centre
3rd Floor, room 366
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec J8X 0B3
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
14594
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a