Submitted by The Friends
The Friends run a light-keeper/host program that allows members to stay on Flowerpot Island, greet visitors and run a snack shop. Although the pandemic severely curtailed the Host Program on Flowerpot Island for the last couple of years, directors and volunteers took the opportunity presented by the absence of visitors to make major renovations to the property, including new windows and steel siding. This made this season a great success and many plaudits were given by hosts and visitors alike.
The host committee offered stays to 30 applicants with 13 first time hosts and 17 previous hosts.
While we don’t keep track of the number of visitors to the light-station, it would be tens of thousands over the course of the season.
The organization’s finances continue to be in excellent shape thanks to the hosts and the donations made by many visitors. Some of the funds were used to support local community activities such as pickleball, as well as contributing to the Seabin initiative run by the Sources of Knowledge Forum and Parks Canada.
The Friends also fund maintenance and repairs for Big Tub Lighthouse.
Winter storms following the very high water levels of 2020 caused some damage to the lower tiers of shakes on Big Tub Light. These were repaired and reinforced and should now endure for many years.
Another activity affected by Covid was the Orchid Festival, which used to bring many visitors to the Saugeen Bruce in late May or early June. We would like to resurrect this program and are looking for volunteers to help organize and conduct it. Contact us through our website, https://www.friendsofthebruce.ca
Volunteers for any of our activities are always appreciated and feted at our AGM and BBQ which we will resume in 2023. In the meantime, you can enjoy the movies presented at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre – brought to you the Friends of the Library and the Friends of the Parks!
