Save Jones Island Rear Lighthouse

06/11/2026

We have received a response from DND_MDM to our letter of Apr 24th where we requested an independent engineering assessment and financial analysis supporting their decision to demolish the lighthouse. They say that they have completed both. However, they have not shared either of these documents. They further state that "demolition of the existing structure has been put on pause and that any future plans for demolition will be communicated in advance. As long as there remains a requirement for an active aid to navigation at this location, the Canadian Coast Guard will retain custodianship of the site and remain responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all associated structures".

They warn against any attempt to enter the building, citing safety concerns.

The fact remains that the CCG first noted damage to the building in 2023 and yet no repairs (or insufficient repairs) have been made. This is not reasonable protection of a public asset.

We will continue to attempt to gain access to the documents requested as these should be public documents.

We have also been in touch with our MPs office to determine any next steps they can recommend/provide.

It would be much more efficient and productive to meet with the officials on this matter. We will continue to pursue that as well.

Will keep you posted

06/01/2026

Update: Last week MP Scott Aitchison met with the Minister responsible for lighthouses. The ask included a request for a meeting with the key decision maker(s) for Jones Island Rear Lighthouse. The Minister has agreed to hold off demolition until after the new navigation tower is in place. This leads to many questions that need to be answered. Scott's office has formally requested a meeting be set up. We should hear something within the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, thank you everyone that signed the petition. It was a good showing (over 1900 signed petitions) and is a clear statement of the community's desire to retain the lighthouse.

05/04/2026

I haven’t posted much in the past week. Have been lucky enough to spend some time in Scotland. Did some research on lighthouses here. There are 208 in Scotland and Isle of Mann lighthouses managed by the Northern Lighthouse Board Scotland and the Isle of Man

Lets do what we can to save ours

04/30/2026

Thank you to James Bowler and The Chamber for supporting our effort

Parry Sounders rally to save historic lighthouse

04/22/2026

Petition: https://c.org/hYBZWjCxGG, We have reached 1501 signed petitions.
Check out My Parry Sound Now for an inteview by Andrew Mendler. Thank you Andrew for your support,

04/21/2026

Petition: https://c.org/hYBZWjCxGG

Thank you Andrew Mendler for sharing our story. See "Parry Sound residents fighting to save Jones Island Lighthouse from demolition." Your support is much appreciated and very helpful. Check it out below. https://www.myparrysoundnow.com/76595/news/community/parry-sound-residents-fighting-to-save-jones-island-lighthouse-from-demolition/

04/19/2026

And the petition signatures keep coming....a day ago. Thank you all. Petition: https://c.org/hYBZWjCxGG Stay tuned for more media coverage this week.

04/17/2026

Petition: https://c.org/hYBZWjCxGG 1232 petitions signed. Great progress.....

04/15/2026

Petition: https://c.org/hYBZWjCxGG A great day. 957 Petitions signed so far.
Architectural Value: The Jones Island Rear Range light tower is a combined dwelling and tower structure. Its domestic scale and aesthetically pleasing proportions are characterized by a tapered tower rising from the centre of a simple hipped roof. Its simple yet elegant design is well suited to its role as a navigational aid. The light tower was carefully constructed using proven building technologies and standard materials for the time which have withstood the harsh climactic conditions of Georgian Bay for over 130 years.

Sign the petition to save this lighthouse

04/14/2026

Petition: https://c.org/hYBZWjCxGG 545 Petitions signed so far
Why is this lighthouse important:
- It is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, its architectural and environmental values
- Built in 1894, it was manned from 1894 into the 1990s
- In this post lets look at the Historical Value: It was constructed in response to an increase in regional trade due to the expanding exploitation of natural resources within the Georgian Bay areas and the transfer of bulk commodities between Canada's east and west. With a range of 8 nautical miles, it serves as a coastal beacon and is one in a series of five range lights that directs vessels into Parry Sound. It's construction contributed to resource based development along the shore, as well as to the development of Parry Sound.