Founded in 2010, the Canadian Lightkeepers Association promotes awareness and understanding of Canada's requirements for staffed lightstations. Specifically, we aim to: [more]

Nanaimo

Entrance Island lightkeeper spots dangerous water spouts.

Posted Sat, 2011-02-19 11:32
Date Published: 
2011-02-19
Source: 
Victoria Times-Colonist

Keen-eyed lightkeeper spies water spouts: Staffed lighthouses needed to warn of 'tornadoes over water': advocates.

(Victoria) - Inky-black clouds first caught the attention of lightkeeper Glenn Borgens as he looked out from the lighthouse on Entrance Island, off Nanaimo, Thursday morning.

Then the weird weather became more dramatic as five water spouts dropped out of the bottom of the clouds.

"It was quite something to see," said Borgens, who, as the first spout developed, phoned the Canadian Coast Guard so warnings could be broadcast to marine and air traffic.

Waterspout.jpg

BC' s coastal guardians face threat of extinction: Lighthouse staff face uncertain future.

Posted Tue, 2010-06-22 17:09
Date Published: 
2010-06-22
Source: 
Nanaimo Daily News

Just 50 of Canada's lighthouses -- including Entrance Island near Nanaimo -- are still staffed by keepers. As the Coast Guard tries to automate those few staffed beacons, and declares close to 1,000 lighthouses 'surplus,' some wonder if the remote and romantic life of lighthouse keeper is at an end

For 134 years a handful of hardy souls have made their home on tiny, windswept Entrance Island. In all that time their job has been largely unchanged: To maintain the lighthouse, provide navigation assistance to boaters and aid people in distress.