Winterfest supports lighthouse restoration
Supporters of the Nottawasaga lighthouse restoration project are organizing a day of winter activities at Devil’s Glen Country Club.
Proceeds from Lighthouse Winterfest on Jan. 26 will go to the Nottawasaga Lighthouse Preservation Society’s efforts to restore the Collingwood landmark.
Fundraiser co-chair Bill Patrick, working with Roberta Hirst, said they decided to host a winter activity day to be inclusive to those who don’t downhill ski or snowboard. People are encouraged to come out for a day of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or to sit by the fire. There will be ski demos, a Birds of Prey presentation, games, live and silent auction, and other activities throughout the day.
Patrick said he hopes the event will grow over the years, gaining popularity and profitability.
The fundraiser supports the Nottawasaga Lighthouse Preservation Society’s goal of acquiring and restoring the lighthouse on Nottawasaga Island.
The lighthouse is structurally sound but the stonework has been compromised by the elements. A lightning strike in 2004 caused a large section of the exterior stonework to collapse.
In an attempt to mitigate further damage until the restoration can occur, the lighthouse has been braced and has been clad in weather proofing material. Meanwhile a $2-million campaign is underway to save the 85-foot limestone lighthouse, constructed between 1855-1858, one of six Imperial Towers constructed by Scottish stonemason John Brown. It is one of six nearly identical light stations built on Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, including Cove Island lighthouse off Tobermory, Griffith Island near Wiarton, Christian Island, Chantry Island off Southampton and Point Clark. The Nottawasaga Lighthouse was decommissioned in 2003.
A full list of activities and tickets are available online at lighthousewinterfest.ca.
For skiers and snowboarders, an adult pass costs $130 and a child pass costs $55 (prices include reduced fee lift tickets).
For non-skiers (without lift tickets), admission costs $80 for an adult and $20 per child ($50 tax receipts issued for adults).
Admission includes breakfast, lunch and après ski with a locally brewed beer. Devil’s Glen Country Club is located at 1793 County Road 124, Duntroon.
For more information about the Nottawasaga Lighthouse Preservation Society, visit www.nlps.info.
