Cap au Saumon Lighthouse

The Cap au Saumon Lighthouse is a heritage lighthouse because of its historical, architectural, and community values.

Historical values

The Cap au Saumon Lighthouse is an excellent example of the Canadian government's efforts to make navigation on the St. Lawrence River safer. As part of this program, a light was first installed at Cap au Saumon in 1894. The current lighthouse was built in 1955 as part of an effort to modernize aging lightstations in the 1950s and 1960s. The Cap au Saumon lightstation was kept by only two families between its construction and automation: the Bouchards (1894-1940) and the Carres (1940-1982).

While the Cap au Saumon Lighthouse has only a minor association with the nearby communities, it has nevertheless played a key role as a local aid to navigation on the St. Lawrence, permitting the safe operation of coastal ships, Atlantic steamers, and the local ferries that travel between the Lower St. Lawrence communities. With the help of lighthouses like the one at Cap au Saumon, the St. Lawrence would continue to serve as a major artery for economic development in Canada during the 2oth century.

Architectural values

The Cap au Saumon Lighthouse is an excellent example of an octagonal, tapered, reinforced concrete lighthouse. The lighthouse's form recalls the classically-inspired tripartite division of base, shaft, and capital that was popular in architectural circles in the early 2oth century. With its simple, clean lines, well-proportioned tapered tower, and red-and-white paint scheme, the lighthouse is a superb example of the traditional Canadian lighthouse design favoured in the 2oth century.

The Cap au Saumon Lighthouse is constructed of reinforced concrete and was built according to a standard Department of Transport plan. Reinforced concrete was used as early as 1906 and remained a popular choice into the late 2oth century because it is fire-resistant, durable and convenient. The lighthouse's condition is a testament of the high quality of materials and the high level of craftsmanship employed in its construction.

Community values

The Cap au Saumon Lighthouse sits on a magnificent rocky bluff, high above the waters of the St. Lawrence. By virtue of its elevated profile and site high above the water, the lighthouse is highly visible to passing ships and establishes the dramatic maritime setting of the area.

Related buildings

Six related buildings, as listed in section 1, contribute to the heritage character of the lighthouse.