Port Weller West in St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Williamson Point
In commemoration of Ethel and Cyril Williamson
Photographed by Kevin Westell
1. Williamson Point Marker
In 1946, Cyril (Cy) Williamson, who previously served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, became the keeper at the Port Weller lighthouse located on Lake Ontario at the northern terminus of the Welland Canal. He was accompanied by his wife Ethel, their sons Bruce and Douglas, and their dog Tippy.
Cy was responsible for the lighthouse's operations 24 hours a day. The main light revolved at a predetermined rate, emitting a flash of light visible for up to 22 nautical miles. The foghorn provided an audible warning to ships during foggy or misty conditions, alerting them to the presence of land or other obstacles.
The successful operation of the lighthouse and foghorn ensured the safety of ships entering, exiting, or passing through the canal, which was always the Williamsons' primary focus.
During their time living in the lighthouse keeper's dwelling, Cy built Ethel a ham radio. Ethel became one of Canada's first female ham radio operators. She often helped Canadian servicemen
this page online
Ethel and Cyril lived and worked at the Port Weller Lighthouse for almost 25 years. Their dedication and hard work serve as a reminder of the vital roles lighthouse keepers played in maritime history and the impact their work had on the safety of seafarers.
Erected 2024 by City of St. Catharines.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels • Women. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the The Welland Canals series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.
Location. 43° 13.425′ N, 79° 13′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Port Weller West. It can be reached from Welland Canals Parkway, on the left when traveling north. It is within Malcomson Eco-Park, on the paved walking path that runs parallel to (and elevated slightly above) Welland Canals Parkway. Approaches:
#1. From the small parking lot near the end of Welland Canals
Photographed by Kevin Westell, May 30, 2025
2. Williamson Point Marker in context, when approaching from north
From right (foreground) to left (background):
- the paved walking path
- Williamson Point viewing area
- Welland Canals Parkway (partially hidden)
- the Welland Ship Canal
- the far shore is the base of Port Weller's east pier
- the paved walking path
- Williamson Point viewing area
- Welland Canals Parkway (partially hidden)
- the Welland Ship Canal
- the far shore is the base of Port Weller's east pier
#2. The Williamson Point viewing area is easily visible from Welland Canals Parkway (across from the small craft dock on the east shore of the canal), and accessible by clambering up the steep 3-5 metre grassy slope. (no parking though)
#3. It is also accessible from the network of walking paths within Malcomson Eco-Park.
. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Welland Canals Parkway, St Catharines ON L2M L2M, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome To Malcolmson Eco-Park (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named
Photographed by Kevin Westell
3. Williamson Point marker in context, viewed from Welland Canals Parkway
Regarding Williamson Point. Williamson Point is NOT a geographical "point" (not a promontory or peninsula); but instead a raised scenic viewing place with seating.
The paved walking path adjacent to Williamson Point follows the path of a double-track rail line, used during construction (1931-1931) of the Welland Canal, to transport rocks and dirt to create Port Weller's east pier.
The lighthouse keeper's dwelling still exists, but is not publicly accessible. It is a "Recognized Federal Heritage Building"; Parks Canada calls it "Former Lighthouse Keeper's Dwelling - Port Weller" in their web
Photographed by Kevin Westell, November 5, 2020
4. Tip of Port Weller west pier (viewed from tip of east pier)
- 1931 foghorn tower (foreground, wind vane on top)
- 1949 lighthouse and foghorn building (background, red skeleton tower)
- Cherry-picker truck for scale
- 1949 lighthouse and foghorn building (background, red skeleton tower)
- Cherry-picker truck for scale
Currently at the tip of Port Weller's west pier, there are two adjacent buildings: the "1931 foghorn tower", and the "1949 lighthouse and foghorn building". Neither is publicly accessible. Both are two kilometres north, and visible from the road just east of Williamson Point. The best public viewing is from the tip of Port Weller's east pier (43.2445, -79.2156) (which is publicly accessible, but 2 km north of parking).
The 1931 foghorn tower is a 12-metre white tapering post with a black exterior ladder. (The original giant speakers have been removed.) It is no longer in use. The tower is a "Recognized Federal Heritage Building"; Parks Canada calls it "Former Foghorn Building" in their web site and records.
The 1949 lighthouse and foghorn building is a white squarish block building, with a narrower white block 2nd storey then a red skeleton tower on top. Both its lighthouse and its foghorn are currently in use.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
