Light Tower (Rear)

The Light Tower (Rear) is one of two identically designed towers in St. Louis Park, a municipal recreation space on the waterfront. Taller than its twin, the rear range tower is located in a grassy area of the park. It is a white-painted metal, tapered tower of slim proportions, set on a concrete base. An attractive, decorative metal cupola houses the light apparatus and is accessed by a circular, metal gallery platform accented by corbels. An additional small equipment platform crowns the tower. 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 the establishment of major industries in Lachine, which were attracted by the proximity of maritime and rail transportation corridors.

Architectural Value

The Light Tower is valued for its good aesthetic and very good functional design. It has elegant proportions and is an extremely rare example of a circular metal tower outside of Newfoundland. One of two matching towers at the site, it was built using the metal-working techniques developed in the early part of the 20th century for shipbuilding and boiler-making. The techniques consist of assembling slightly curved steel plates and fastening them with rivets to form a truncated cone. Steel was used because it was resistant and easy to maintain, provided it was properly protected against corrosion.

Environmental Value

The Light Tower reinforces the maritime character of its recreational setting at St. Louis Park. It is a well-known landmark in the region.

Sources: Joan Mattie, Québec, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, 89-172; Lachine Lighthouse, Bicquette Island, Québec, Heritage Character Statement, 87-088.

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

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

- the tapered massing composed of a concrete base, four cylindrical sections, an attractive metal cupola which houses the light apparatus and the additional small equipment platform;

- the metal construction and components;

- the circular gallery platform and railing supported by corbels;

- the sliding door system;

- the two lateral openings.

The manner in which the Light Tower reinforces the maritime character of its recreational setting and is a well-known landmark in the region, as evidenced by:

- its overall design and materials, which harmonize with its park and waterfront surroundings;

- its role as a landmark to pleasure boaters and Canadian Coast Guard vessels;

- its visibility and familiarity to tourists and residents of the region, due to its prominent location on a grassy picnic area of a popular municipal recreation park.