CELPIP Reading Part 3: Reading for Information

A. The Marlow Bay Lighthouse was built in 1872, after a series of shipwrecks near the entrance to the harbor. Local fishermen had complained for years that the rocks were impossible to see in fog, and the town council finally agreed to pay for a tower. The original structure was made of wood and stood just twelve meters tall, with a single oil lamp that had to be refilled every few hours throughout the night.

B. For almost a century, the light was operated by keepers who lived in a small house beside the tower. The best-known keeper, Agnes Fowler, took over the job in 1931 when her husband became ill, and she continued alone for more than twenty years. Her logbooks, which recorded the weather and every passing ship, are now among the town's most valuable historical records.

C. In 1958, the wooden tower was replaced with the concrete one that visitors see today. Ten years later, the light became fully automatic, and the keeper's house was left empty. The lamp is now powered by electricity and controlled by a sensor that switches it on when it gets dark. Although the lighthouse still guides boats into the harbor, nobody needs to stay on site anymore.

D. Today, the lighthouse is the town's most popular attraction. The keeper's house has been turned into a small museum, where Agnes Fowler's logbooks are displayed alongside old maps and photographs. From June to September, volunteers lead tours to the top of the tower, and on clear days visitors can see across the bay to the islands. Entry to the museum is free, but donations help pay for repairs.

[A]

Canadian cities are experiencing an unprecedented increase in urban wildlife populations. Toronto reports a 40% rise in raccoon sightings over the past five years, while Vancouver has documented growing populations of coyotes in residential neighborhoods. These animals have adapted remarkably well to city environments, learning to navigate traffic patterns and exploit human food sources. Wildlife management experts attribute this trend to habitat loss in surrounding areas and the abundant resources available in urban settings, including garbage bins, pet food, and landscaped gardens that provide shelter and sustenance.

[B]

The presence of wildlife in urban areas creates significant challenges for city planners and residents alike. Property damage from animals seeking food or shelter can be costly, with insurance claims related to wildlife encounters increasing by 25% annually across major Canadian cities. Additionally, public safety concerns arise when large animals like bears venture into populated areas, prompting emergency responses and temporary area evacuations. Municipal governments are investing heavily in specialized wildlife control units and public education programs to address these growing concerns.

[C]

Successful coexistence strategies are being implemented in cities across Canada. Calgary has introduced wildlife-resistant garbage containers and established wildlife corridors that allow animals safe passage through urban areas. Montreal's innovative approach includes community education workshops that teach residents how to secure their properties and respond appropriately to wildlife encounters. These programs emphasize prevention over removal, encouraging residents to eliminate attractants like unsecured compost bins and accessible pet food rather than relocating animals.

[D]

Research conducted by Canadian universities reveals fascinating insights into urban animal behavior. Studies show that city-dwelling animals develop different social structures and feeding patterns compared to their rural counterparts. Urban coyotes, for instance, tend to be more solitary and nocturnal than those in wild habitats. Scientists have also observed that some species are evolving physically in response to city life, with urban birds developing different vocal patterns to communicate over traffic noise, and some mammals showing increased problem-solving abilities when accessing human-created food sources.