News Release - May 2, 2003

NR-C&A-03-04E

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES TRANSFER OF THE HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE AT POINT ABINO, ONTARIO, TO THE TOWN OF FORT ERIE

Fort Erie, Ontario - Mr. John Maloney, Member of Parliament for Erie-Lincoln, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government has transferred ownership of the historic lighthouse at Point Abino, Ontario, to the Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie.

The transferred property is located along the north shore of Lake Erie at the tip of the Point Abino peninsula 15 kilometers west of the Town of Fort Erie and consists of a five-story concrete lighthouse and a lightkeeper's residence.

The lighthouse site was transferred to the Town for the sum of $5,000.

The Town of Fort Erie is enthusiastic in accepting the transfer of this site. "This historic lighthouse, constructed in 1918, served as a beacon guiding mariners and recreational boaters along Lake Erie's north shore between the Niagara River and Welland Canal. Local residents and visitors alike can take pride in this property." said Mr. Maloney. "With the assistance of the federal government, in particular the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, we have been able to obtain this historic property for the Town of Fort Erie."

"The Town of Fort Erie is very pleased and excited about acquiring the Point Abino Lighthouse, a national historic site, and the light keepers' dwelling from the Government of Canada." said Mayor Wayne Redekop. "We have a very active committee working on preserving, promoting and displaying this symbol of our maritime heritage for our local residents and visitors alike."

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For more information:
D.G. Blanchard
Regional Director, Real Property Management
Central and Arctic Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(905) 639-4330