Algoma council backs volunteer effort to restore lighthouse catwalk; committee to fundraise

The Algoma Common Council voted to support a volunteer-led effort to restore the Algoma Pier Head lighthouse catwalk from the bridge to the lighthouse after a presentation from the Algoma Catwalk Committee on Nov. 3.

Jacqueline Helfer, treasurer of the Catwalk Committee, told the council the group aims to restore the catwalk’s visual footprint — about 12 vents — for aesthetic and historic reasons and is targeting $500,000 in fundraising. “We are targeting to raise $500,000 to support this effort,” Helfer said, adding the work would be undertaken at no immediate cost to the city and that the city would retain ownership of the restored elements.

Helfer recounted the catwalk’s local history, said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has given verbal approval for reinstallation, and emphasized the committee’s intent to preserve existing steel vents and refabricate pieces that cannot be saved so the finished feature matches the historic look. “We have already spoken to Rowan Construction, who is the winning bidder, and they have agreed to a preservation-minded demolition,” Helfer said.

Council members asked how much of the original catwalk the group would restore and whether replacement pieces would undermine potential landmark status. Helfer said the committee intends to restore only the bridge-to-lighthouse portion and that state preservation staff advised matching the original look-and-feel as closely as possible to preserve historic significance.

Councillors also asked about timing and maintenance. Staff and the committee said installation would take place after the North Pier construction is complete and that the group expects a multiyear fundraising timeline; the council was told the Army Corps will not contribute funding and that any written permission should be obtained before work begins.

A council member moved that the city support the committee’s effort to refurbish and reinstall the catwalk; the motion was seconded and approved by roll-call vote, with all members present voting in favor. The council’s support was framed as a nonfinancial endorsement to ensure the committee can continue fundraising and apply for grants and historic listings.

The committee said it will pursue grant applications and community events to raise funds, and will seek to place the lighthouse and catwalk on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the preservation effort. Next steps for the committee are to secure written permission from the U.S. Army Corps and proceed with formal fundraising and grant applications.