Frequently Asked Questions about the Lighthouse restoration

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Yes.

The PBHS is an incorporated, non-profit, registered charitable organization. We issue tax receipts for donations of $25.00 or more.

The Port Burwell Historical Society has already gathered a group of experts to assist us with this restoration project and we are recruiting additional subject matter experts to build out a complete team. 

So far, we have retained the professional services of:

· A structural engineering organization who specializes in timber frame construction. 

· An experienced heritage architect who was prime on the Ontario Legislature restoration and the Niagara Power Station project

· A certified economic development specialist

· A Legal team headquartered in London 

· An Accounting and Audit firm

We are currently conducting a search for:

· A general contractor / project manager

Once we have this core group assembled, we will assess any gaps we have and fill those with the appropriate professionals.

Port Burwell's Historic Lighthouse was erected by the Canadian Colonial government in 1840, making it the oldest wooden lighthouse on the Great Lakes .. The simple, but classic timber frame structure rises more than 65 feet above the ground. The quality of this construction is reflected by the fact that the building stood for over one hundred and forty years without any major reconstruction.

The lighthouse was run by the Canadian Government until it was taken out of active service. Fearing that the lighthouse might be demolished, it was acquired by the Village of Port Burwell in April of 1965. 

In 1985, the Council for the Town of Port Burwell enacted a bylaw establishing the Historic 1840 Port Burwell Lighthouse as a Historically Significant structure.

On January 1, 1998 the Village of Port Burwell was amalgamated with the Township of Bayham and the Village of Vienna to form the Municipality of Bayham and the ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the Municipality.

It appears that neither of these entities completed the required registration process to formally establish the Lighthouse as a Historically Designated entity.

All restoration work will be done with consideration of its historical importance. 

Once the entire restoration is complete, the PBHS will ensure our iconic Lighthouse is protected for future generations.

The PBHS was not able to apply for public grants for the restoration the Lighthouse as they were not the registered owners of the property. Up until the transfer, only the Municipality could apply.

Knowing that we were getting close to the negotiation finish line, we began to work the back channels to gain support from strategic partners for future grant applications.

Now that we have assumed the ownership of the Lighthouse, we are busy applying for two grants that have a very shortened application deadlines within August 2026: 

The Build Communities Strong Fund is a federal initiative that will provide up to $1 million dollars in matching funds. We have the official support of:

o Andrew Lawton, Member of Parliament, Elgin—St. Thomas—London South

o Hon Rob Flack, Member of Provincial Parliament, Elgin – Middlesex – London, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

o The County of Elgin

o The Municipality of Bayham

Elgin County Grant and Sponsorship Program for capital projects is a local funding initiative approved by the County Council for a significant capital project that aligns with the objectives of the County’s Strategic Plan and additionally provides a significant economic benefit to the community outside of the scope of Sponsorships. It can provide up to $250,000 in 2026. Bayham Mayor Ed Ketchabaw has been lobbying the Council on behalf of the PBHS for their support of our application.

The PBHS is an incorporated, non-profit, charitable organization. As such we are compelled to file annual reports with the Canadian Revenue Agency and the Charities Directorate. These include, but are not limited to:

· Annual audited financial reports

· Annual (or as necessary) Directors/Trustees and Like Officials Worksheet

· Amendments to our By-laws

As well, as a stakeholder, these documents will also be filed with the Municipality annually.

These documents are available to all Society members and are approved by the General Membership at the Annual General Meeting.

Our membership will also be provided a series of information sessions related to the progress of the restoration throughout the project life span. Information will include, but not limited to:

· Professional team members as they are hired.

· Project Budget, including fundraising initiatives and grant status

· Project Milestone achievements

PBHS intends to issue public updates throughout the project via social media

· Webpage dedicated to the restoration project (to be developed)

· Facebook posts

· Instagram posts