Lighthouse Rock Marker Initiative 2020

Members involved:

• ‍‍Marnie Cryderman
• Allison Ryan
• Matt Grossman
• Keith Martin

Purpose:

To ensure the safety of boaters and snowmobilers while on Kahshe Lake. To install permanent lighthouse towers at locations that mark rocks and assist boaters and snowmobilers with navigation on the main channels of Kahshe Lake. Where possible, these permanent towers will continue to replace existing floating columnar towers.

Goal:

To source HDPE marine board for the lighthouse construction; create AutoCAD drawings based on the original design from Kahshe Lake resident, Michael Bradley (MB); cut pieces for eight new lighthouses; assemble with SS fasteners; investigate mounting systems used by MB for existing lighthouses installed on the lake and fabricate mounting system; Order solar lights as used previously by MB for lighthouses; Install.

Outcome:

In 2018, through an online apparel fundraiser, Kahshe Lake cottager Lauren Koenig, raised money to fund this initiative. In 2020, lighthouse materials were purchased. In 2021, pieces were cut, four towers were assembled and solar lights were sourced and purchased. In 2022, four permanent lighthouse towers were installed on Kahshe Lake; two at Hens and Chicks, one at the far east end of Kahshe, and one going into Grants Bay, both on top of existing concrete bases. In 2023, four more towers were installed; one marking the top of Boyd Island (RM05), one to the east of Chief Island/west of Erin Island (RM12), and one north of Erin Island (RM09). A new location for a permanent lighthouse tower was identified south of the Twin Islands, on the mainland to aid navigation through this narrow part of the east-west navigation channel.