Cape Bonavista lighthouse repairs progressing well

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today gave an update of the fire damage repairs at the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site.

"The cleanup and removal of damaged material from the lighthouse is progressing well," said Minister Aylward. "A conservator has made an inspection of the interior of the building to determine whether elements can be cleaned and saved or whether it will have to be replaced. Historic Sites staff are studying samples of wallpaper from the lighthouse prior to obtaining replacements and are preserving samples of building elements such as mouldings and architraves so exact reproductions can be made to replace damaged elements."

The fire started when lightning struck the lighthouse three times. The staff on site used a cell phone to contact the Bonavista Fire Department as soon as they were aware of the fire. Firefighters were at the site within five minutes and had the fire under control. The lightning strike destroyed the electrical system in the building and caused extensive damage on the second floor and in the stairwell. 

The dome of the Cape Bonavista lighthouse has been undergoing repair and restoration and, as a result, all artifacts had been removed from the building and were not damaged by the fire. The repairs should be completed by June 2002 and a grand re-opening will be held. The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation looks forward to a busy season at the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site in 2002.

Buildings owned by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are protected by an insurance policy which will cover the cost of repair and restoration following the fire of August 3, 2001. The firm of Sheppard Case Architects, Inc. has been contracted to oversee the restoration process.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2001 12 10                            3:20 p.m.