Final Restoration Stages Of Swallowtail Lighthouse On Grand Manan Underway Despite Obstacles

Swallowtail Lighthouse is known across the Maritimes as the gateway to Grand Manan. It's the first thing you see when you arrive on the island and the last thing you see when you leave, except this summer the iconic lighthouse looks a little different. Covered in scaffolding, the lighthouse is in the midst of massive restorative work, and lightkeeper Ken Ingersoll says there have been a few unanticipated challenges along the way, such as navigating severe water damage and rot within the 163-year-old structure.

"We've had a couple obstacles, and one of them was that we found some rot in tower, and now that's been addressed," said Ingersoll.

Now in the final stages of restoration, shingle application to the exterior of the lighthouse will take place in September followed by restoration of the Keeper's House.

The unexpected obstacles have inevitably led to an increased project cost. The final budget to ensure the structural integrity and historical appearance of the Lighthouse and Keeper's House is $573,000, which is nearly $100,000 more than originally anticipated. The good news is that all but $30,000 of that has already been raised, thanks to funding from all three levels of government and the generous donations of community groups and members, not to mention a telethon on CHCO TV in the spring that raised $55,000 towards restoration. Ingersoll, who co-hosted the telethon, says the success of it speaks to the importance of Swallowtail to islanders and beyond.  

Swallowtail keepers society is currently seeking donations via e-transfer on their website: swallowtaillighthouse.com. Ingersoll says those who've already donated can help by simply spreading the word. Grand Manan Mayor Bonnie Morse says, despite the delays and hiccups, there is tremendous enthusiasm across the island for the unveiling of the new and improved Swallowtail in the weeks ahead.

Ingersoll says those who might not get to the island this fall to see Swallowtail unveiled can anticipate a Grand Re-opening Ceremony in the spring. What he's most excited for, however, is that Swallowtail will be standing for generations to come.

"As we walk away from this project, this tower will be here for at least another 100 years," said Ingersoll.