View of the Light Tower from a distance, showing the paint scheme of red and white spiral stripes, which speaks to the functional nature of the structure, 1989.
Photo: Parks Canada Agency / Agence Parcs Canada, 1989.
- Built
- 1901
- Recognized
- 1990
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
The Light Tower, situated at the entrance to Heart’s Content Harbour, is a cylindrical, cast-iron tower painted in red and white spiral stripes. Its profile is emphasized by the lantern cap, with its sculptural volumes and prominent weathervane. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
The Light Tower is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.
Historical Value
The Light Tower illustrates the theme of navigational aids in Newfoundland when it was a British colony with an economy based almost solely on the sea. Its construction also illustrates the theme of growing industrialization around the turn of the 20th century.
Architectural Value
The Light Tower is a very good example of a utilitarian structure constructed with cast-iron technology to an excellent functional design. It is one of approximately twenty-six lighthouses of prefabricated iron and steel construction, thought to be the only surviving examples of their type in Canada. Favoured because of their inexpensive cost, ease of erection, low maintenance requirements and long-term durability, these structures reflect the desire to achieve a design that would withstand the rigours of the Newfoundland coast.
Environmental Value
The Light Tower reinforces the character of its maritime setting and is a familiar landmark to mariners in the region.
SourceJoan Mattie, Six Newfoundland Lighthouses: Green point; Heart’s Content; King’s Cove Head; Little Denier Island; North Head; Brigus; Random Head, Newfoundland, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 89-198, 89-199, 89-200, 89-201, 89-208, 89-211; Lighthouse: Heart’s Content, Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, Heritage Character Statement, 89-199.
Character‑defining elements
The character-defining elements of the Light Tower should be respected.
Its utilitarian design, cast-iron construction technology, for example:
- the simple, well-proportioned massing of the tower which consists of a smooth tubular form composed of a base, shaft, lantern platform and lantern, sculpted cap and prominent weathervane;
- the cast-iron construction system, comprised of rounded rectangular segments bolted together on the interior face;
- the paint scheme of red and white spiral stripes, which speaks to the functional nature of the structure.
The manner in which the Light Tower reinforces the character of its maritime setting and is a familiar landmark, as evidenced by:
- its overall composition and appearance situated at the entrance to a harbour on the rugged, exposed Newfoundland coast;
- its high visibility to passing sea-going vessels.
End of the register’s text
Location
Heart's Content, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
47.88222° N, 53.38500° W
Get directions (opens in a new tab)Being on the register doesn’t make a place open to visitors. Many are private homes or businesses; please view them from the street.
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Heart's Content Lighthousewithin 100 m · 1901
Society of United Fishermen Lodge SUF #11.4 km · 1868
EnhancedHeyfield Memorial United Church Registered Heritage Structure1.5 km · 1877
Heart's Content Cable Station1.6 km · 1875
Heart’s Content Registered Heritage District1.6 km
Cable Staff House #21.6 km · 1888
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.