1. Shoreline Hazard Mapping Update
High water levels over the past several years have caused extensive erosion and inland flooding along Lake Huron. To reflect these changes to the shoreline, Maitland Conservation is undertaking a mapping project to update the existing shoreline hazard mapping within our jurisdiction.
Updating the mapping will give us an improved tool to help reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage due to flooding and erosion. Shoreline hazard mapping is used to:
- plan safe development outside the hazard
- regulate safe development within the hazard
- educate emergency responders for flooding and bluff erosion events
Note: this mapping project does not include changes to Maitland Conservation’s shoreline policies.
A Public Information Centre was recently held in Goderich to give shoreline residents and landowners a chance to see how the project is progressing. If you weren’t able to attend, we’ve posted information sheets below that highlight key elements of the mapping update. Have a look and if you have questions please contact:
Patrick Huber-Kidby, Planning and Regulations Supervisor
[e] phuber-kidby@mvca.on.ca
[t] 519-335-3557 ext. 237
- Background and Objectives
- Study Area Map
- Reach 1 and 2 photos
- Reach 3 and 4 photos
- Hazard Definitions
- Bluff Erosion Cycle
- Lake Bottom Survey
- Climate Change Impacts
2. Imminent Bluff Failures and Bluff Safety – webinar available for viewing
Although the level of Lake Huron has dropped in recent weeks, the risk of bluff failure remains very high. The high water levels over the past two years have caused toe erosion (bottom of the bluff) in some areas that will cause top of bluff failures in the future. Landowners who live at the top of an eroded bluff should be aware of the risk for loss of life and property (at both the top and bottom of the bluff).
A presentation on the potential of significant bluff erosion and tips on bluff safety is available for viewing on YouTube:
The webinar is approximately 30 minutes in length. We have taken the questions asked during the webinar and compiled them into a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document.
If you have additional questions please contact Patrick Huber-Kidby at:
Patrick Huber Kidby, Planning and Regulations Supervisor
[e] phuber-kidby@mvca.on.ca
[t] 519-335-3557 ext. 237
3. Shoreline Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who responded to our shoreline survey in 2021. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your flooding and erosion concerns. The general results of the survey are posted below:
General Shoreline Survey Results – 2021
4. Shoreline Policies
Shoreline policies regulate development within the various natural hazards of the Lake Huron Shoreline.
To view the shoreline policies please click the link below:
Maitland Conservation Shoreline Policies
5. 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
- Shoreline Bluff Webinar – risk of bluff failure and bluff safety tips
6. 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 and then contact Patrick Huber-Kidby, Planning and Regulations Supervisor, to discuss your situation before undertaking any work. Patrick can be reached at 519-335-3557 ext. 237 or at phuber-kidby@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’re interested in an on-line presentation or shoreline photo, please contact Patrick Huber-Kidby at phuber-kidby@mvca.on.ca or call 519-335-3557 ext. 237.
