Front Range Lighthouse Restoration

Situated at the mouth of the Saugeen River, the Range Light is one of the most photographed icons along the entire Bruce coast.

This navigational beacon holds a revered status in Saugeen Shores, akin to the famed Imperial Tower Lighthouse on Chantry Island.

For over a century, the front light on Lake Huron has been paired with another beacon further up the Saugeen River, providing mariners with two points of light to visually align their safe passage into the Southampton Harbour. A third navigational beacon at McNabb Point was paired with its counterpart on a pier at Chantry Island, until an accident in 1907 claimed the latter (see further below).

While GPS guides today’s sailors, the pair of harbour range lights and foghorn still work, with the Marine Heritage Society dutifully maintaining the trio of beacons.

Front Range Damage and Restoration

 After decades of pounding by the lake, the winter of 2019/20 was particularly harsh with high water levels, storms, and ice. The Front Range Light sustained severe damage and part of the concrete walkway collapsed.  

MHS volunteers raised $70,000 from generous donors and went to work on the beacon. Local companies like Seaman and Sons Builders, and Good Impressions Woodworking, also stepped up with their expertise to help replace the plywood, add weather proofing, install cedar shingles, fix the upper windows and door, improve the ventilation, and finish with a fresh coat of paint.

The restoration was completed in 2022 and the Front Range Light is picture perfect once again.

The Lost Light

In the 1890’s, the mainland and island were almost connected by a ‘Long Doc.’  The Chantry Range Light was situated at the tip of the Island Doc and aligned with another beacon at McNabb Point on the mainland. This provided mariners with two points of light to visually navigate through a 400 ft ‘Gap’ for anchoring their ships in the Harbour of Refuge.

 Tragically, the Chantry Range Light was thrust into the lake after being struck by a boat during a storm. The Erie Stewart sailing vessel ran into the pier on October 7, 1907. The ship and range light were then battered to pieces. On clear days, when riding on the MHS Tour, you can see down through the water to the shipwreck's outline and the remnants of the former dock's cribs, offering a glimpse into this moment of history.