Question Period Note: Surplus Lighthouses

• As navigational aid technology progresses over time, the Canadian Coast Guard continues to identify lighthouses as surplus to operational needs.
• We consider the heritage aspects of surplus assets and work with interested third parties in keeping with the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act when disposing of lighthouses.
• To date, 56 surplus lighthouses have been transferred and designated under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act. We may also provide financial support to new owners, according to our guidelines, to protect the heritage character of divested lighthouses.

• In 2010 the Department published a list of lighthouses and other properties with navigational aids where the real estate was considered surplus to the operational needs of the Department.
• Treasury Board policy requires federal Departments to identify as surplus, and dispose of, custodial properties which are no longer required for program delivery.
• The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act (HLPA) came into force in 2010. For surplus federal lighthouses to be designated heritage and protected under the HLPA, there must be a firm proposal in place to transfer ownership to an outside interest. These proposals typically include requests for grants or contributions to assist the acquiring party with maintaining the lighthouse and its heritage characteristics.
• DFO received special authorities from Treasury Board to facilitate the disposal of surplus lighthouses. These authorities (1) enable the sale or transfer of surplus lighthouses to non-profit community groups or an individual after other federal departments, provinces and municipal governments, and (2) allow for the sale of lighthouses and surrounding property for a nominal value where it is in the public interest to do so. The Department ensures that Indigenous groups are sufficiently consulted before transferring any property to an outside interest.

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