Port Colborne is the southern terminus of the Welland Canal, which links Lakes Erie and Ontario, allowing shipping to bypass Niagara Falls. (Port Weller serves as the northern terminus.) Today, the canal is an important part of the St. Lawrence Seaway system, which allows ocean-going ships to travel to and from all five of the Great Lakes.

The first lighthouse was constructed in 1834. The light was replaced in 1903 by a light on the breakwall on the east side of the canal, now known as the Inner Light. In 1928, the Outer Light was built on the west breakwall. Today, both lights guide vessels through the canal.

References (see links)

A Traveler's Guide to 100 Eastern Great Lakes Lighthouses, Penrose, p. 96

Inner (left) and Outer Lights