Trial Islands Lighthouse facts for kids
 |
|
| The lighthouse seen from Clover Point in Victoria, May 1, 2009 | |
 Trial Island Lighthouse
Location in British Columbia
|
|
| Location | Oak Bay British Columbia Canada |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 48°23′42.4″N 123°18′18.7″W / 48.395111°N 123.305194°W |
| Year first constructed | October 1906 (first) |
| Year first lit | 1970 (current) |
| Automated | Staffed by two full-time lightkeepers |
| Construction | concrete tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, red balcony and lantern |
| Height | 13 metres (43 ft) |
| Focal height | 28.3 metres (93 ft) |
| Original lens | 4th order Fresnel lens (1906–1970) flash (1970–present) |
| Range | 13 kilometres (7.0 nmi) |
| Characteristic | Fl G 5s. |
| Fog signal | none |
| Admiralty number | G5328 |
| CHS number | 212 |
| NGA number | 13700 |
| ARLHS number | CAN-506 |
The Trial Islands Lighthouse stands on the largest of the Trial Islands. This important lighthouse is managed by the Canadian Coast Guard. It is still looked after by two full-time lightkeepers who live there.
History of the Lighthouse
The first lighthouse on Trial Island was built in 1906. It used a special type of light called a Fresnel lens. This lens was very advanced for its time. It helped to make the light brighter and more focused.
Changes to the Light
The original Fresnel lens from 1906 was used for many years. It guided ships safely until 1970. In that year, a new, more modern light system was put in place. The old Fresnel lens is now on display. You can see it at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia in Downtown Victoria.
Future Plans and Protection
In 2009, there was a plan to make the lighthouse "automated." This means it would run by itself without lightkeepers. The idea was to save money. However, many people wanted to keep the lightkeepers.
The Oak Bay Heritage Foundation worked hard to protect the lighthouse. They wanted it to be recognized as a special historical place. Many people supported this idea. They shared their stories and comments on the "Friends of Trial Island" Facebook page. You can find it at here.
Thanks to all this support, the Trial Islands Lighthouse was given "heritage status" in 2015. This means it is now protected as an important part of history. It is a well-known landmark for the city of Victoria.
