Light Tower

The Light Tower is located on Knight Point in Souris, on the northeast coast of Prince Edward Island. It is a square, tapered, medium-height wooden tower clad in white-painted horizontal siding. The sturdy tower features a classically detailed bracketed cornice, a gallery with a guardrail, and a metal and glass lantern. The Light Tower is embellished with tall, gabled multi-pane wood windows. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

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 is associated with campaigns to improve the safety of maritime commerce at remote coastal locations by building navigational aids. The simplicity and economy of construction reflect the desire of the government to expediently build a large number of light towers. The fully automated light tower represents a pragmatic solution to light eastern coasts and harbours inexpensively.

Architectural Value

The Light Tower is valued for its good aesthetic design. The architectural design of the tapered form relies on pleasing proportions and scale for its attractiveness. The classically inspired detailing at the cornice, windows and doors is modest, and contributes to the overall weighty, solid appearance of the utilitarian tower form. The lantern is appropriately proportioned to the tower and also contributes to its sturdy and durable appearance. Its wood construction with fine-scaled horizontal bevel siding and large-scale detailing reveal good craftsmanship.

Environmental Value

The Light Tower reinforces the maritime character of its coastal setting and is a familiar landmark in the area.

Sources: Lighttower, Souris East, Prince Edward Island, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, 90-265; Lighttower, Souris East, Prince Edward Island, Heritage Character Statement, 90-265.

The following character-defining elements of the Light Tower should be respected.

Its good aesthetic and functional design, and good craftsmanship and materials, for example:

- the massing, which is comprised of a tapered low-height structure with a square footprint;

- the simple profile, which includes a prominent, octagonal lantern that is appropriately proportioned to the tower, and a gallery guardrail;

- the classical detailing of the bracketed cornice and the vertical alignment of the tall, slightly projecting shed and gable roofed windows and door;

- the wood frame construction with horizontal bevel siding without corner boards;

- the multi-pane wood sash windows;

- the surviving significant finishes and features of the original interior.

The manner in which the Light Tower reinforces the maritime character of its coastal setting and is a familiar landmark within the area, as evidenced by:

- its overall scale, massing, design and materials, which harmonize with its coastal surroundings;

- its local familiarity and visible role as a seacoast marker.