George Island Light

The George Island Light is situated on George Island, located in the middle of the North Basin of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. The lighthouse can be accessed by boat or via a short walk from the shore.

History

• The George Island Light was constructed in 1906 to aid navigation in the treacherous North Basin. It served as an important aid to mariners until 1981, when it was replaced by automated lighting. The last lighthouse keeper, Mr. Willard Olson, served on George Island every year from 1951 until his retirement in 1981.

Architecture

The lighthouse structure is a 15.5-metre (51 ft) tall square pyramidal steel skeletal tower painted red, with an enclosed lantern room on top painted white. The lantern has a focal plane of 20 metres (66 ft) and displays a white flash every four seconds visible in all directions.

Light Characteristics

The light is maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard and features a distinctive Fl (flash) pattern. Its range is reportedly 9 nautical miles, although this information may not be confirmed.

Current Status

The George Island Light is currently no longer an active aid to navigation, having been automated in place of human keepers. However, its historical significance remains, and it has been preserved as a notable landmark.

Heritage Status

The George Island Light is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, recognizing its importance as a historic lighthouse and navigational aid.

Notable Historical Events

While specific details are not available, the George Island Light played a significant role in maritime navigation during its operational years. Its automation marked an important shift towards modern lighting technologies in Canada's coastal regions.