[6] The six were built at a time when commercial shipping traffic was increasing on the Great Lakes between Canada and the U.S. because of new trade agreements and the opening of the Sault Ste.

[10] All six Imperial towers, along with a limestone lightkeeper's dwelling, were constructed by John Brown (builder) from Thorold, Ontario, a contractor and stonemason.

[11] The design aspects of the tower are virtually identical to those of the Point Clark Lighthouse, well described in a Government of Canada document.

The powerful "second order" Fresnel lens was manufactured by the Louis Saulter Company in Paris and installed by workmen from France inside the polygonal lantern with its three rows of rectangular glass panes.

The light is currently a valuable aid to navigation operated by the Canadian Coast Guard; it is the only Imperial Tower that is still using the original Fresnel lens.

Born in England, in 1817, George Collins went to sea at the young age of 12 where he traveled the world becoming a captain by his early 20s.

With his maritime experience, George Collins applied for the Nottawasaga Island light near his home at Collingwood.

[14] David McBeath, on the other hand, applied for the light keeper's position at Isle of Coves, and was initially given the job at Nottawasaga instead.

[15] William McBeath (1872 - 1876) Bryce Millar, (1876 – 1878) George Currie (1878–1902) is remembered for his part in the aftermath of the sinking of the schooner 'Regina' off Gat Point, Cove Island, on 10 September 1866.

[13] Russell Botham, (1947–1948) William (Bill) Spears (1949–1976) knew that his work must continue, transmitting information to Wiarton in addition to operating the light.