The Municipality of Cumberland is set to employ two full-time workers at the Cape d’Or lighthouse this summer as ongoing enhancements at the location progress. The park situated on the Bay of Fundy shore previously housed a four-bedroom inn and restaurant until 2025 when the municipality terminated its lease with the operator due to minimal oversight challenges impacting decisions about the site’s future.
Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy announced that $75,000 has been earmarked for upgrades encompassing fencing, trails, signage, and buildings this year. He emphasized the uniqueness and iconic status of the site while highlighting the necessity to address the liability posed by the cliffs and surrounding topography.
Although the site operated without staff last year, interpretive guides will be present to welcome visitors during the upcoming tourist season. However, there will be no dining or overnight accommodations. Details regarding operating hours and tour information are forthcoming.
Gilroy mentioned that the total cost of repairs, including asbestos abatement, new siding, roof replacement on one building, and deck renovation, is still being assessed. Additionally, discussions are underway between the municipality, along with the Town of Amherst, and the province regarding staffing the visitor information center near the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border as the tourist season kicks off.
The Amherst visitor information center transitioned to seasonal operations earlier this year, following the permanent closure of several provincially run visitor information centers across Nova Scotia in February.
