Brier Island is frequently inundated by fog and has witnessed 57 recorded shipwrecks. The first lighthouse was wooden structure and the first lighthouse on SW coast of Nova Scotia. In 1818 it was described as "so vilely constructed and ill lighted" it was a hazard. By 1832 it had been rebuilt, due to inefficiency. This light was an octagonal wood tower with a metal lantern. The building was painted white, with 3 red bands. A large fog signal building also stood on the site. This tower burned in 1944 and was replaced by the current concrete tower. Lighthouse Location: West point of island Lighthouse Structure: Octagonal concrete tower, white & red bands The lighthouse was built and first lit in 1944. Tower height: 060ft feet. Light height: 095ft feet. Light range: 17 miles. Light characteristic: Flashing White (1992). Light automated (destaffed): 1987