Ucluelet’s old lightkeeper’s house overlooking Amphitrite Point is getting a million dollar makeover.
In addition to reworking the entire inside of the house, renovation plans include a partially covered wrap-around deck, terraced outdoor seating, improved safety and accessibility of viewpoints and barriers, and pathway connections between the lighthouse area, parking lot and Wild Pacific Trail.
“We started in with the survey work and then we’ll go into program design for the space and landscaping architecture outside. It’s really exciting,” said Ucluelet’s manager of recreation and tourism Abby Fortune.
“One of the things we’re hoping to put in is an amphitheater. Can you imagine sitting up on that hill with someone giving a lecture on skunk cabbage with the water in the background? Or can you imagine a wrap around deck up there so we can watch big storms? Wouldn’t that be amazing?” she said.
The $1.36 million Amphitrite Point Project is funded through a $997,874 Investing in Canada Infrastructure government grant and $362,926 from district Resort Municipality Initiative coffers. The project bares no direct financial implication for Ucluelet taxpayers.
Ucluelet mayor Mayco Noel says this has been a long-time dream for the community.
“This is the first step of something positive after the Coast Guard lost 30 local jobs, and we know how much local jobs full-time are difficult (to come by). Actually giving us the ability to re-create these whole Coast Guard lands is something we can celebrate,” said Noel.
Amphitrite Point Park is a district owned and operated facility. Noel said part of the project also involves looking at infrastructure upgrades like parking and washroom facilities upgrades for the area.
Fortune went on to say they are exploring options for a beverage station, and that they will be seeking public input over the next few months.
“There is a huge tourism component and a huge Wild Pacific Trail component. As we work with other groups, whether it be the Historical Society or the Trail Society or Universities, we’ve got opportunities,” said Fortune.
Construction on the lightkeeper’s house is set to begin this summer and wrap up by late spring 2022.
nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
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