Marine Heritage Society Wins Architectural Restoration Award for Saugeen River Front Range Light Project
Saugeen Shores, October 18, 2024 – The Marine Heritage Society (MHS) has been awarded a prestigious honor by Architectural Conservancy Ontario (ACO) for leadership in the restoration of the Saugeen River Front Range Light in Southampton.
The ACO is composed of professional architects, designers, and heritage experts who volunteer their skills and advocacy for the preservation of heritage buildings for future generations to enjoy.
Over nine decades of ACO history, the non-government group has saved hundreds of structures in Ontario and increased public awareness of the cultural, economic, and environmental benefits of preservation over demolition.
During its annual Heritage Awards ceremonies, ACO leaders recognize the work of other groups committed to preserving historic community assets through their own research, restoration, and craftsmanship. Previous award-winning sites include rejuvenated schools, chapels, theaters, and other structures across the province.
This year’s ceremony, held at the Arta Gallery in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, featured thirty-three nominees across eleven award categories.
The Marine Heritage Society was recipient of the Peter Stokes Restoration Award for small-scale projects. Peter Stokes (1926 - 2013) was one of Canada’s most notable restoration architects, with a lasting influence seen in preserved buildings in Upper Canada Village, Ottawa’s capital region, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and other locations across Canada.
Attending the award ceremony were MHS board members Deb Kaufman, Vicki Tomori, and Chair Wayne Kaufman who thanked ACO leaders and highlighted the community effort for all attendees. Later, Wayne added, “It was a privilege for MHS volunteers to work on the restoration and we are honoured the ACO recognizes the Range Light as a beacon of community cooperation for other groups to follow.”
Vicki Tomori, Wayne Kaufman and Deb Kaufman
MHS members in Toronto accepting the ACO award.
Architectural Conservancy Ontario is the largest heritage advocacy organization in the province. Deb Crawford, the Chair of ACO, oversees 15 branches across Ontario and remarked, "ACO is privileged to recognize the passion, determination, and hard work dedicated to restoring the Saugeen River Front Range Light by the Marine Heritage Society. The Peter Stokes Restoration Award recognizes the exemplary restoration of a heritage structure in accordance with best practices and policies for conservation in Ontario. Thanks to the research and dedication of the members of the Marine Heritage Society, the Front Range Light will light the way for mariners for years to come."
The MHS was nominated several months ago by the Municipal Heritage Committee of Saugeen Shores. Upon hearing the news Committee Chair Cheryl Grace remarked, “While the Range Light restoration is considered a small-scale project by the judging standards, it required a big-time effort to fundraise and repair the beacon. The town is grateful to the Marine Heritage Society for leading the community effort and to the ACO for recognizing this important landmark.”About the Front Range Light
1903 photo of Southampton Harbour with Range Light in the distance.
This 'pepper pot' light, built in 1903 at a cost of $1,085, pairs with another beacon upriver. Together, they provide mariners with two points of light to visually align their safe passage into Southampton Harbour.
While today’s commercial fishers and boaters rely on GPS technology, the pair of harbor Range Lights and foghorn are kept operational to provide supplementary guidance for those on the water and to showcase the region’s marine history.
The front Range Light is also one of the most photographed lake icons, branding Bruce County internationally as a tourist and marine history destination. It is documented in the MHS-authored book Southampton’s Watchful Beacons and, due to its steadfast presence since 1903, was designated a historic site under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.
Preservation Challenges
Wind, waves and time take their toll.
The winter of 2019/20 was particularly destructive, with high water levels, storms, and heavy ice causing significant damage and increasing vulnerability to water infiltration.
In response, Marine Heritage Society volunteers coordinated efforts across private and public groups to assist with research and repairs. The restoration aimed to preserve historical accuracy while integrating concealed improvements for long-lasting durability and safety.
Fundraising efforts, which faced challenges during the pandemic lockdowns, included online events like a virtual jazz concert. The generosity of local citizens, businesses, service clubs, and the town helped meet the financial goal. Additionally, firms like Seaman and Sons Builders and Good Impressions Woodworking contributed their time and expertise. Building Knowledge Canada provided advice on waterproofing and ventilation techniques to enhance resilience against harsher weather.
Hands-On Effort
. Beneath the Surface – Where 1903 meets today’s building science
to keep water out, let humidity escape, and dry shingles quicker.
Community partners overcame challenges in transporting supplies by hand over the uneven pier and positioning a matrix of scaffolds to withstand waves. They addressed issues of interior condensation, rot, and pest infiltration, implementing a membrane to prevent water entry while allowing vapor and humidity to escape, supplemented by increased ventilation. Handling lead paint was also a concern, necessitating careful removal to prevent toxic flakes from scattering.
Respecting history, the team conserved the angled wooden soffit, outside deck, original railings, and formed tin roof. However, the water-worn cedar shingles were replaced with 3,700 tapered cedar shakes, hand-painted by volunteers and fastened with power staples for improved grip in high winds, alongside hand-pounded oval-headed nails in traditional practice.
Innovations for this range light included a new air gap for cedar shakes to dry from both sides, along with galvanized steel angle irons around the base to deflect waves away from the structure. Interior stairs were reinforced for safety, and Lexan glass and a fiberglass door similar to the original design were added to prevent vandalism.
Picture Perfect Once Again
The historic range light now enjoys an extended working life, reduced maintenance, greater safety during public tours, and has been restored to a more picture-perfect 1903 icon of Southampton Harbour and the Lake Huron coast.
Fun Facts
VIP Visit – The Honourable Edith Dumont, 30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, toured the Front Range Light in August 2024 as part of her official duties when commemorating the 25th anniversary of Saugeen Shores. MHS restoration projects align with Her Honour’s interests in collaborative efforts to strengthen communities.
Open Houses – Public tours took place during the Canada’s Historic Places celebration in July 2024, and during the annual Marine Heritage Festival in July 2024. Stay tuned to MHS channels for more open houses in 2025.
Rear Range Rejuvenation – This second beacon upstream the Saugeen River is now being refurbished by MHS volunteers. This past CTV News reports shows some of the action. This project should be completed by end of this year and MHS will provide a more detailed update on its website.
About
Founded in 1933, the volunteer-driven ACO has saved hundreds of buildings across the province and raised awareness of preserving community heritage. ACO’s activities include educational lectures, hosting heritage days, publishing the Acorn journal, offering preservation advice for property owners, providing skills-building for next-generation professionals, conducting design charrettes to solve restoration challenges, and celebrating success by other groups – now including the Marine Heritage Society – through the annual ACO Heritage Awards program. For more information, please visit the ACOntario website.
The MHS connects the past to the present by helping preserve the pristine shoreline and enhancing awareness of nautical history dating back to the 1880s. This volunteer-driven, non-profit organization operates in an ethical, fun, and safe manner for the well-being of the local community and positive engagement with visitors from across Canada and around the world. For details on tours, events, volunteer opportunities, and more, please visit the Marine Heritage Society website.