Ferryland is the proud new owner of its iconic lighthouse.

The federal government has turned the historic landmark over to the town as part of a program that shifts proprietorship of lighthouses to local communities.

Mayor Leo Moriarity says acquiring the building — now the home of Lighthouse Picnics, a popular draw for tourists and hikers — is a positive step for the town.

"You can do what you want with it," said Moriarity. "You can develop it, you can keep it, you can maintain it and you can be assured that what you do will stay."

Fisheries and Oceans Minister Keith Ashfield said the deal shows its divestiture program is working.

"It's a bit of a slow process right now, but I expect activity will pick up and there will be a lot of interest shown," said Ashfield.

Moriarity said the lighthouse, built in 1870, is a good investment for the regional tourism industry on the Southern Shore.

"We might have to put a bit of paint on it," said the mayor, "but it will be at least 10 years before we will have to do anything really major."