When the forces of nature—sped up by climate change—put Walton’s beloved 150-year-old lighthouse at risk of disappearing forever, the people of Walton and the Municipality of East Hants refused to give up. More than a building, the lighthouse is a Municipal and Provincial Heritage property, an anchor of the local economy, and a symbol of the strength and resilience of Nova Scotians. Losing it would mean losing a cornerstone of the community. But Walton is a place where people band together—and this was no exception.
Year after year, the Walton lighthouse stood tall against the elements, but in 2016, volunteers noticed the shoreline was eroding faster than before. “The organization that operates the lighthouse brought it to our attention that the shoreline was eroding a little quicker than anticipated,” says Evan MacDougall, Manager of Parks and Buildings for the Municipality of East Hants. By 2020, the Municipality commissioned a study to create a model of future erosion for the area. The study confirmed that about half a metre of shoreline was disappearing each year. At that rate, it wasn’t a question of if the lighthouse might be lost—it was a matter of when. The time for action had come.
The ocean and the impacts of climate change are tough foes. But the tight-knit community’s love for their lighthouse runs deep—so does their love for each other. They knew that responding to this climate change challenge wasn’t just about protecting a building; it was about protecting people too. If the lighthouse was at risk, so were the thousands of visitors who came to see it every year. Losing the lighthouse would be heartbreaking for the entire community.
Nova Scotians know that building a stronger province means facing challenges head-on, refusing to back down, and leading by example. In Walton, just as they had rallied to keep the lights on after the lighthouse was decommissioned in the 1970s, they came together again, and through the Municipality, developed an ambitious plan to move it 45 metres away from the eroding shoreline and back onto solid ground.
Responding to climate change requires focus and action. The Walton lighthouse project brought together community members, expert contractors, and government, demonstrating what can be accomplished when people work toward a common goal. The Municipality provided logistics, working alongside contractors to make the vision a reality.
John Olgilvie, Vice President of the Walton Area Business Development Association, the group that operates the lighthouse, spoke about the importance of community leadership. “Communities need to be the ones to spearhead things, because they live it, and they live right there,” he says. “It’s something we had to do, and I’m very appreciative of the leadership from the municipality to make it happen.” Evan MacDougall from the Municipality of East Hants echoed that sentiment. “When we put it in the capital budget, there was no question about approving it and moving the lighthouse,” he says. “We had great contractors. The non-profit group was easy to work with. Everything just kind of fell into place.”
On moving day, the lighthouse did what it’s always done—it brought people together. As onlookers held their breath, the structure made a safe 45-metre journey to its new home. It wasn’t a huge distance to cover, but what a huge impact on the heart and soul of the community.
Today, the lighthouse stands strong, welcoming visitors to climb its stairs and take in the same breathtaking views that people have enjoyed for 150 years. More than just a landmark, it remains an economic driver, drawing tourists who support local businesses.
The Walton Lighthouse story is a story of climate, economic and community success—it’s a powerful example of what’s possible when Nova Scotians come together to meet challenges head-on. When we support one another and take action on the things that matter most, we can move Nova Scotia forward and unlock our province’s potential.
Walton Lighthouse in East Hants
Aerial of the Walton Lighthouse in East Hants