Queen’s Wharf Lighthouse

Nominated for the Peter Stokes Restoration Award: Small-Scale/Individual/Small Business

The Queen’s Wharf Lighthouse is one of Toronto’s oldest surviving maritime structures, dating to 1861. Once a beacon for vessels entering the harbour, it now stands landlocked due to shoreline infill, serving as a rare remnant of the city’s 19th-century waterfront history. Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, it is a vital cultural asset symbolizing Toronto’s growth as a port city and its connection to Lake Ontario.

Clifford Restoration Limited was retained by the City of Toronto to complete a full exterior restoration of this historically significant structure. The project presented notable challenges. The wood structure had suffered decades of deterioration from weather and pollution. Peeling lead-based paint, failed mortar joints, and decayed wood all required specialized conservation efforts. The metal lantern was corroded and in poor condition, and the public setting limited access and required careful planning to ensure public safety and minimize disruption. Despite these issues, the team successfully cleaned and repaired the woodwork, restored the lantern and cupola, and repainted the structure using historically accurate colours. Lead paint abatement followed strict safety protocols, and Dutchman wood repairs ensured that original materials were conserved where possible. All work followed best practices in heritage conservation and was guided by input from heritage consultants and City staff.

The revitalized lighthouse now functions as a heritage focal point—prompting curiosity and conversations about Toronto’s waterfront history. Its renewed presence enhances the cultural landscape and offers an accessible touchpoint to the past in a contemporary urban setting. This project exemplifies heritage leadership on a small but impactful scale.

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Queen’s Wharf lighthouse, before and after restoration

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