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Colchester Reef Light

W4J5+X6 Essex, ON, Canada

Name and Location

The Colchester Reef Light is located at W4J5+X6 Essex, ON, Canada, serving as a vital aid to navigation in the Great Lakes region.

Construction and History

The Colchester Reef Light was constructed in 1999 as part of a broader effort to improve maritime safety on Lake Erie's north shore. The lighthouse is made of concrete, with a height of 21.9 meters (71 feet) and a vertical length of 11.8 meters (38.7 feet).

Architecture and Materials

The Colchester Reef Light features a distinctive white skeleton tower design, making it easily recognizable from the water.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a fixed red light (Fl) beacon, visible at a range of 5.2 kilometers (3.2 miles). The light's period is set to 4.0 seconds, with a height above sea level of 21.9 meters.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, but guided tours are available to explore the interior of the structure. The surrounding area offers scenic views of Lake Erie's shoreline, making it an excellent spot for photography or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the lighthouse grounds, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie's north shore, with its picturesque shoreline, sandy beaches, and surrounding wetlands. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, including birds, fish, and other aquatic species.

Technical and Operational Details

The management authority responsible for the Colchester Reef Light is the Canadian Coast Guard, which ensures the lighthouse's continued operation and maintenance. The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of Lake Erie.

Further Information

Details

NameColchester Reef Light
City
CountryCanada
Coordinates41.932379, -82.891982
Year of construction1999
Storiesnotmar.gc.ca/eng/services/list/2009-inland-waters/i552e2009.pdf, https://wikidata.org/wiki/Q5142104
Architectural stylewhite skeleton tower
Construction materialconcrete
Focal height21.9
Tower height21.9
Access descriptionguided tours are available
Accessibletrue
Landscape typesand beach, rocky outcroppings, and lush vegetation
View descriptionstunning views of Lake Erie's north shore
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiesscenic views of Lake Erie's shoreline
Nearby attractionsLake Erie's shoreline, sand beach, rocky outcroppings, and lush vegetation
Light characteristicFl (fixed red light)
Light range5.2
Automatedtrue