Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Upper Light Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Belle Isle, Newfoundland and Labrador
Also known as Upper Light, Feu supérieur
Upper Light Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Photo: Transport Canada (1988).
- Built
- 1857–1858
- Recognized
- 1990
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
Located on the barren and rocky terrain of Belle Isle, the Upper Light is a circular , limestone tower encased in fire brick and clad in pine shingles painted in white. It has a prominent lantern with a copper roof. At its base is the attached Keeper’s Residence, a small, wood structure with a side gable roof. The designation is confined to the footprint of the tower.
Heritage value
The Upper Light, is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.
Historical Value
The Upper Light at Belle Isle is strongly associated with the establishment of aids to navigation. Its construction along with the Keeper’s Residence and Lower Light, marked a major step in the development of the route around Newfoundland.
Architectural Value
The Upper Light is a good example of a stone lighttower designed to be fireproof and draftproof. Evidence of its good functional design include a structure encased in brick, the interior four flights of iron stairs leading to the lantern, the iron floors and the hatch doors giving access to each floor.
Environmental Value
The Upper Light establishes the picturesque character of its coastal maritime setting and is a landmark to commercial vessels and local area fishermen.
Sources:
Margaret Coleman, Keeper’s Dwelling, Upper and Lower Lights, Belle Isle South West, Newfoundland, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 88-132.
Upper Light, South West Belle Isle, Newfoundland, Heritage Character Statement, 88-132.
Character‑defining elements
The following character-defining elements of the Upper Light should be respected, for example:
Its functional design, for example:
-The simple massing that consists of a circular limestone structure encased in brick, a lantern with a copper roof and an entrance shed well integrated into the tower.
-The pine shingles, which cover the layer of white fire brick and which are essential to prevent the deterioration caused by extreme weather conditions.
-The interior four flights of iron stairs leading to the lantern, the iron floors, and the hatch doors giving access to each flight of stairs.
-The red and white colour scheme.
The manner in which the Upper Light establishes the picturesque character of its coastal maritime setting, and is a local landmark in the area, as evidenced by:
-The overall massing, profile and arrangement of the Upper Light with its attached dwelling, surrounding secondary buildings and Lower Light, which form a grouping of structures that dominates and establishes the setting.
-The high visibility of the Upper Light to passing sea going vessels.
End of the register’s text
Location
Belle Isle, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
51.88284° N, 55.38607° W
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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.