Manager Denise Nickerson says the windstorm in December caused more damage than some long-term board members had ever seen. “The upper look-off, where there is a memorial, actually flew down by the lower parking lot,” she said.
The earth underneath steps going up to the lighthouse from the lower parking lot collapsed and large rocks smashed holes in the cement driveway. Fencing was ripped and pulled out in several places and lobster traps placed for decoration were crushed.
The Municipality of Yarmouth has made repair and restoration of the site its number one priority and is submitting an application for funding through Build Canada.
Deputy CAO Trudy LeBlanc says repair and restoration work will be done strategically and will include the installation of drainage and berms to reduce the possibility of further damage. “We know that storms will likely get worse,” she said.
Tenders for the repairs are being prepared and LeBlanc says even though the work may end up being done during tourist season, the site will remain as usable as possible. “We are going to try not to disrupt the tourism traffic and will be working with the Friends of the Light Society to ensure safety,” she said.
