History of the Digby Pier Light
[RELATED: Digby pier light is back ]
1887 – original light erected on the Digby pier
1903 – Digby pier light replaced
1926 – replaced again
1960s – ceased operating as a navigable light
1969 – declared surplus by Canadian Coast Guard
1970 – moved to Saint John Coast Guard base
1973 – given to Saint John for the opening of the new City Hall and placed beside Loyalist Plaza
1981 – Saint John Waterfront Development took over maintenance
2009 – Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland first mentions the light to then Saint John Mayor Ivan Court
2011 – Town of Digby makes further inquiries
Aug. 14, 2012 – Town of Digby formally requests the return of Digby Pier Light
Oct. 19, 2012 – light returns to Digby on board the Princess of Acadia ferry
June 2013 – Cleveland plans ‘Let’s get lit’ party
Whereas: The Digby Lighthouse was originally built and placed at the end of the Digby Pier in 1903; and
Whereas: In the late 1960’s the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) de-commissioned the lighthouse and in early 1970 the lighthouse was transported and stored in the nearest DFO location; which was Saint John; and
Whereas: In 1973 the lighthouse was given to the City of Saint John during the opening celebration of the new City Hall and was placed adjacent to the city’s Loyalist Plaza; and
Whereas: In recent months, due to pending waterfront development plans in the Town of Digby and the City of Saint John, the Mayor of Digby initiated a request to have the Lighthouse returned to the Town; and
Whereas: It is with this deep respect and understanding that the City of Saint John Mayor Mel Norton and Members of Common Council recognize the value of history and heritage and the importance for a community to enjoy and embrace such markers in a community; and
Whereas: In true maritime fashion and in keeping with our hospitable nature, Saint John has agreed to the Town of Digby’s request for the return of the Lighthouse.
Now therefore: I, Mayor Mel Norton, of Saint John do hereby proclaim The Return of the Digby Lighthouse to the Town of Digby on October 19, 2012 at the Saint John waterfront and urge my fellow citizens to join us as we bid farewell to the Digby Lighthouse.
-Oct. 19, 2012
