Approximately 300 metres of shoreline bluff located south of Bethune Crescent in Goderich is being graded to create a gentler slope toward Lake Huron. Currently, the bluff has a nearly vertical drop to the water which has been identified as a public safety concern. To address this, the developer of Coast Goderich has received approval to grade the slope, including moving soil into the lake.

The bluff material being moved into the lake is at an unstable slope and would have eventually ended up in the water through natural erosion. This graded material will still be distributed by the lake and deposited along beaches to the south.

Maitland Conservation has approved the work based on the results of a Coastal Engineering Study provided by the developer and current Shoreline Development Policy.

The developer has also obtained permits from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). A permit is required from MNRF because part of the grading is on public land. DFO has reviewed the project to ensure the work will not negatively affect fish species in the area.

Buildings within Coast Goderich are required to be setback according to existing shoreline policies and the approved Plan of Subdivision. The developer will not be allowed to build any closer to the lake as a result of the bluff grading.

Work in the water is expected to conclude by March 15, 2021.

Click the link below to view the Coastal Engineering Report relating to this grading project:
Baird Report on Bluff Grading at Coast Goderich

For more information please contact:

Kirsten Snoek, Planning Assistant
Maitland Conservation
519-335-3557 ext. 239
planningassistant@mvca.on.ca