Victoria, British Columbia - The Canadian Coast Guard is responsible for many light stations across Canada that help to keep Canadian waterways safe. At the same time, the safety of personnel is the highest priority. Therefore, the Canadian Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to cease light keeper functions at both the Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations in British Columbia due to recently identified safety risks. Aids to Navigation at both sites will continue to operate and support the safety of mariners and other users travelling on the waters off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.
A geotechnical investigation and geological hazard assessment found that many of the buildings at both Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations are within an area of increased vulnerability. The soil conditions mean that some facilities are no longer safe to use. While the Canadian Coast Guard is working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to investigate long-term options for the sites, the priority is to ensure the safety of the light keepers, who will be moved out of the buildings before the winter weather creates additional challenges.
The two light house towers and other heritage buildings will remain in place and under the care of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The Canadian Coast Guard will continue to operate navigational aids from both sites using available technologies such as solar power and automated lights.
The light keepers will be offered an alternate position at other light stations or within the Canadian Coast Guard. The Canadian Coast Guard is grateful to the many light keepers who have worked at the Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations over the years.
Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations hold cultural and historical interest to the people of British Columbia and Canada, and especially to those who live in the area and hikers using the West Coast Trail. The Canadian Coast Guard is working with other departments and stakeholders, who also use the two sites for non-Canadian Coast Guard related purposes, to plan next steps.
The Canadian Coast Guard continues to keep mariners safe on the British Columbia coast with more than 3,500 other navigational aids, 121 vessels, 15 Lifeboat Stations, four Inshore Rescue Bases, and five environmental response depots.
