Lighttower

The Langara Island Lighttower is a tapered hexagonal tower situated on the edge of a cliff, with a prominent well-proportioned lantern. Its simple form is enhanced by its monolithic, smooth-surfaced concrete construction. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building

The Langara Island Lighttower is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

The Langara Island Lighttower is illustrative of campaigns to provide aids to navigation on the west coast of Canada. The tower is associated with the growth of trans-oceanic traffic to Prince Rupert.

Architectural Value

The Langara Island Lighttower is a very good example of a functional lighttower design. The proportions of the medium-height, hexagonal structure contributes to its modern silhouette. It exhibits good quality craftsmanship and materials.

The Environmental Value

The Langara Island Lighttower is compatible with its maritime setting on Langara Island. It maintains an unchanged relationship to its modest, cleared site. It is a familiar landmark for commercial marine traffic of the area.

Source: Lighttower, Langara Island, British Columbia, Heritage Character Statement, 96-087.

The following character-defining elements of the Lighttower should be respected:

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

- the medium-height, tapered hexagonal design;

- the smooth-surfaced concrete construction;

- the cylindrical metal lantern with its domed ventilator and weathervane;

- the simplicity of the scale and proportions of the brackets and edge profile of the lantern

deck;

- the simple formed openings for the windows and pedimented door;

- the structural system;

- the circular form of the guardrail that reflects the lantern shape.

The manner in which the Langara Island Lighttower is compatible with the character of its maritime setting on Langara Island and is a familiar landmark for commercial marine traffic as evidenced by:

- its unchanged relationship to its modest cleared site;

- its visual prominence on the cliff edge.