Plans for construction of a new lighthouse in Sylvan Lake are moving ahead and fundraising is underway.
The attractive beacon for the lake will go on the original site by the marina as part of Lighthouse Park which is being developed by the Town of Sylvan Lake, committee member Susan Samson told members of the Rotary Club of Sylvan Lake last Wednesday. The club and its members are spearheading the project.
Many of the features will be the same as the lighthouse which was demolished due to structural concerns in 2013. It will be modelled after the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, will tower 50 feet high and will include a raised observation deck so people can walk around the entire lighthouse and view the marina and lake.
Stairs to the deck will be wide enough to make a nice setting for group photos.
The plan, said Samson, is to have the building completed for July 1st, 2015.
One of the fundraising options being offered is for people to buy a brick and have their name or message engraved on it. The bricks will then be displayed around the base of the lighthouse. The bricks are $100, $200 or $300 depending on size.
Through this initiative the committee hopes to raise $200,000, said Samson.
Brochures are now available providing more information and a display will move around to different locations in town. It’s currently at the library.
The buy a brick campaign was launched in conjunction with Rotary’s Canada Day activities on the pier.
Committee members will also be attending some of the summer Farmers’ Markets and making presentations to various organizations in the fall.
Asked about cost of the lighthouse, Samson said they’re working with the figure of $200,000. “It’s more doable because the Town of Sylvan Lake is building the park (in which it will sit),” she said.
The brochure also describes various sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $500 to $25,000. Included is purchase of framed lighthouse prints which are also displayed at various locations around town.
For more information, contact Susan Samson at 403-887-3387 (susamson56@gmail.com) or Nancy Numan at 403-887-4188 (nnuman@atb.com).