Silver and Gold Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 11

PRESERVING OUR HISTORY – By Stewart Patch Leading the way to healthier, independent lifestyles Senior’s Day is every Thursday! Save 20% * T he Beach Canal Lighthouse stands in the shadow of the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge and the James North Allan Skyway. Although the lighthouse is fifty five feet high, it is dwarfed by the adjacent bridge tower. Many people don’t even know it’s there. The structure we see today was constructed by John Brown of Thorold, entering service in October of 1858. This year marks its 160th anniversary. The brick keeper’s cottage was completed earlier, in 1857, making these two structures the oldest surviving buildings on the beach strip. They are designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The lighthouse, together with a second light on the outer end of the south pier of the canal, guided ships from Lake Ontario into the canal. This function ended in 1961 when the light was moved to the new lift bridge tower and the lighthouse was mothballed. In 2003, thirty-two people concerned about the preservation of these historical structures, attended the founding meeting of the Beach Canal Lighthouse Group (BCLG). The interest expressed resulted in the formal incorporation of the BCLG under the Ontario Historical Society in June of 2004. Since that time the BCLG has worked in conjunction with the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to ensure that the buildings are maintained. Most recently, the BCLG has entered into a partnership with the Hamilton Port Authority with the objective of leasing the land that these building stand on from the federal government, refurbishing the buildings and opening them as a museum. Help us restore and open the 1850s Beach Canal lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling; please contact us at 905-549-4090 or visit our website: www.bclg.ca Seniors, present your PC Optimum Card® to save 20% and earn points® on your purchases. We also provide the following services: • CPAP equipment + consultants • Compression fittings • Product consultation + rental • Mobility device repairs SPECIAL VOUCHER! Present this voucher at any of the following participating stores † for 10% off your purchase Burlington 3023 New St Oakville 448 Speers Rd 10 % OFF YOUR PURCHASE † 905 632-2312 905 844-1445 Hamilton Mountain 1575 Upper Ottawa St Mississauga St. Catharines 1077 N. Service Rd. 145 Carlton St 905 281-0166 905 560-5661 905 641-5200 †Offer valid from March 1st, 2018 to May 31st, 2018 at a specified Shoppers Home HealthCare ® retail location only. *Discount applies to our regular prices on merchandise purchased by seniors and their accompanying family members with a valid PC Optimum Card ® . Not applicable on sale items, government funded items, items requiring installation, custom-ordered items, and previously purchased merchandise. Offer based on the purchase total of eligible products after redemptions & before taxes. Not valid at Shoppers Drug Mart ® stores. Not valid in conjunction with Seniors Day discount and any other offers. See cashier for details.