Update to Shoreline Policies
Maitland Conservation’s shoreline policies regulate development within the various natural hazards of the Lake Huron Shoreline. An amendment to these policies was approved at the June 17, 2020 membership meeting.
This update allows shoreline landowners with primary structures at the bottom (toe) of the bluff to apply for retaining walls higher than 1 metre. This work still requires an assessment from a coastal specialist or engineer but reduces the need for a full coastal study. Retaining walls higher than 1 metre may only be proposed to protect an existing primary structure (cottage or house) and/or existing septic system. Please note that this applies for structures at or below the toe (bottom) of the bluff NOT on the bluff.
It is important to note that retaining walls are only a short term erosion fix to. Landowners should not expect these walls to prevent the loss of structures in the future. Maitland Conservation encourages landowners in these situations to move their structures away from the shoreline. Please contact us for options regarding decommissioning or relocating structures off these properties if erosion persists.
To view the shoreline policies please click the link below:
Maitland Conservation Shoreline Policies
View Presentations
We’ve created short videos relating to the shoreline and posted them on You Tube. Thank you to the Ashfield Colborne Lakefront Association for supporting the production of these videos. Thank you also to the landowners who assisted with the project. Click the links below to view the videos:
- Living with Erosion – shoreline and bluff erosion are part of life along Lake Huron
- Shoreline Processes – information on fluctuating lake levels and erosion
- Lake Levels – factors impacting lake levels and projections for 2020
Want more shoreline information?
- Thinking about a shore protection structure in your area? Be sure to review the new factsheet we’ve created: Shore Protection. Then contact Shannon Millar, Shoreline Technician, to discuss your situation before undertaking any work. Shannon can be reached at 519-335-3557 ext. 240 or at coastal@mvca.on.ca .
- Check out the other factsheets that have been posted on this page.
- Due to the COVID-19 situation staff are currently working remotely but Cottage Associations and landowners are welcome to reach out to us for on-line presentations on coastal processes and lake levels. We can provide these presentations in a variety of formats and staff are also available by phone and Zoom video conferencing. In addition, recent aerial photos are available to landowners if you would like to see the state of your shoreline without travelling. If you’re interested in an on-line presentation or shoreline photo, please contact Shannon Millar at coastal@mvca.on.ca or call 519-335-3557 ext. 240.
Flood Outlook for Port Albert
The Lake Huron water level is currently only 10 cm below the monthly record high (set in 1986) for September and 76 cm above the long-term September average. The lake level is expected to remain high throughout the fall and winter.
This means there will be a heightened risk of flooding and ice-related issues around the mouth of the Nine Mile River for the next several of months. There are three situations in which flooding can be expected:
- Waves produced by strong northwest winds cause sand to accumulate at the mouth of the river and obstruct river flow
- High river flows following rainfall or snowmelt may carry surface ice down the river causing ice jams to form
- The temperature drops quickly when the river is not frozen. The combination of very cold temperatures and open water may lead to the formation of frazil ice that obstructs river flow.
When these conditions occur, the Apple Lane and Maple Lane areas may flood rapidly. Flooding may impact structures and result in a loss of access to these areas. Given the current level of the lake, it is expected that flood levels will be higher than those experienced earlier this year.
Flooding of the Apple Lane and Maple Lane areas area is expected to be an ongoing issue throughout the winter. Residents should remain prepared for such sporadic events and are reminded that it is dangerous to attempt to drive or walk through flood waters. Children and pets should be kept well away from the flooded area. Residents are encouraged to call 519-357-0890 if they notice that flooding is occurring.
Because of the sporadic nature of these events this message is in effect until January 15, 2021 or until sufficient changes to local conditions warrant further updates.
Contact:
Stephen Jackson, Flood and Erosion Safety Services Coordinator
sjackson@mvca.on.ca or 519-357-0890
Media Inquiries:
Jayne Thompson, Communications Coordinator
jthompson@mvca.on.ca or 519-335-3557 ext. 226
