Searchlights (Victoria)

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These two searchlight towers are part of Fort Rodd Hill. The tower on the left is the Defence Electric Light No. 1 (built 1903). Facing south across the Juan de Fuca Strait, Defence Electric Light No 1 is situated near the water’s edge at the western extremity of the Fort Rodd Hill complex. The single-storey flat-roofed, irregularly shaped concrete building has a rounded front and a rear shed extension.

Historical Value:

Defence Electric Light No 1 is one of the best examples of a structure associated with the upgrading of the night-time capabilities of the Esquimalt-Victoria coastal defence. It is one of two original defence lights (built in 1903) and an integral part of the Searchlight system.

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The tower on the right is Searchlight Emplacement No. 6, erected in World War 2. A 60-inch, 800-million candlepower searchlight was installed inside the concrete structure.