Restoration milestones
Grant Activities
In the short time since becoming the Stewards of the Lighthouse, the PBHS has applied for seven grants to assist with the restoration and preservation of the Lighthouse. We have been using the previous estimate($1.53M) provided by a+LINK to the Municipality in 2022 as the basis for our submissions while we await our own report from Tacoma Engineering.
The 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.
On Monday, September 7th, Elgin County committed to provide $150,000 to the restoration, contingent upon PBHS receiving Federal funding through the Build Communities Strong Fund.
That same week, the Aylmer Area Community Foundation approved funding for $10,000. The cheque was presented to the PBHS on Thursday, September 14th.
Engineering Assessment Begins
On September 1st, Tacoma Engineering began their structural exploration of the Lighthouse's current condition.
Various sections of the Lighthouse cladding were removed to allow for the examination of the foundation, the structural support columns and the cladding.
Over the next few weeks, Tacoma will be compiling their findings and providing us with a full, detailed report on what is the actual condition of the Lighthouse. Financing for this report was provided through the generosity of the Vienna Swans.
This report is intended to be more extensive than the preliminary report provided by a+LINK to the Municipality in 2022 that lead to the support collar addition.
From this report, we will formulate our Scope of Work and Project Plan.
Project Team Selection
Project Team Selection
Project Team Selection
The PBHS is pleased to announce that have engaged an Engineering firm, General Contractor, Project Manager and Historical Architect Advisor for our restoration project.
Each of these Subject Matter Experts (SME's) brings experience and expertise that will be necessary to ensure our restoration respects and protects the historical significance of our iconic Lighthouse.
The PBHS will augment our core team with additional SME's as circumstances and operations evolve.
Ownership Transferred
Project Team Selection
Project Team Selection
On Thursday, July 30, 2026, at a special meeting of Council, the Municipality of Bayham passed the following resolution:
THAT the Council of the Municipality of Bayham authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to execute all documents as may be necessary to provide for the transfer of real property described as PLAN 12 PT LOT 14, Municipality of Bayham, County of Elgin, to the Port Burwell Historical Society.
This transfer is the culmination of two years of negotiations with the Municipality with respect to our desire to restore the historic landmark.
On Friday, July 31, 2026 Mayor Ed Ketchabaw presented the symbolic key to the Lighthouse to Port Burwell Historical Society President Ken Kokko.
The Port Burwell Historical Society is now the official custodians and stewards of one of the oldest wooden lighthouses in Canada.
The Port Burwell Historical Society is committed to the restoration and conservation of this iconic structure and saving our lighthouse.