Chatham-Kent Lake Erie Shoreline Study

Chatham-Kent Lake Erie Shoreline Study

The study area stretches from Wheatley in the southwest to Clearville in the northeast and includes Rondeau Bay. This stretch of Lake Erie shoreline is approximately 90 km in length. A first for the Canadian Great Lakes region, this study explores the influence of climate change on future coastal hazards due to changes in storms and ice cover and the associated challenges for the coastal communities of Chatham-Kent. The Municipality with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and researchers from Zuzek Inc. and the University of Waterloo are collaborating on the study. Our goal is to increase the resilience of the Chatham-Kent community through the development of short- and long-term solutions to the existing coastal hazards and associated challenges.

Study Partners

• Supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Program
• Municipality of Chatham-Kent (C-K)
• Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA)
• A Steering Committee with representation from all levels of government
• The Community of Chatham-Kent

What are we studying?

First, we are modelling the influence of climate change on future ice cover conditions on Lake Erie and changes to severe coastal storms and waves. We are comparing the projected future storm surge and wave exposure with the current threats to the shoreline communities, infrastructure, natural areas, and beaches. Next, we will work with the community throughout 2019 to evaluate existing shoreline challenges and emerging threats due to climate change, such as at-risk road infrastructure, flooded communities, threatened buildings due to shoreline erosion, and beach erosion and sedimentation at the navigation channel to Rondeau Bay. Together we will co-create solutions to these challenges and long-term climate change adaptations for the hazards impacting our shoreline.

Current Status

April 24, 2020: The most recent study completed by Zuzek Inc. is now available. To request a copy, email ckies@chatham-kent.ca.

Background

At the Community Consultation Sessions held on June 19 and 20, 2019, the Study Team presented the results on the future impacts of climate change on coastal storms and summarized the results of the erosion and flooding vulnerability assessment, along with the risk to existing buildings and infrastructure. In addition, several Community Resilience Case Studies were presented. The Study Team also to engaged participants in discussions on “Building Community Resilience” and what adaptation strategies are needed to support this goal. Specifically, facilitated break-out sessions were held and three questions were posed for consideration:

Question #1 - A goal of adaptation solutions is to increase community resilience to shoreline flooding and erosion now and in the future. Resilience generally means “...building capacity to bounce back, and to learn, adapt, and improve so the community is better prepared for future climate change impacts”. From your perspective, what does COMMUNITY RESILIENCE mean? How could your community become resilient?

Question #2 - When making community decisions to deal with shoreline flooding and erosion, potential solutions can be ranked based on a range of criteria. Can you provide some examples of criteria that you think should be used?

Question #3 - 4 general types of adaptation solutions were presented - accommodate, avoid, protect, and retreat - for addressing erosion and flooding. Think about three areas: Flooding/erosion in low-lying areas; Erosion along high bluff areas; Erosion of the Rondeau Barrier Beach and Exposure of the Navigation Channel, Fuel Dock, and Wetlands to Coastal Storms. What actions could be done in the short-term and long-term?

Presentation materials from all of the community consultation sessions to date can be downloaded for viewing from the Document Library to the right.

How can I participate?

You can follow the progress of the study from this webpage. We will post reports and meeting notifications.

Presentation of Draft Adaptation Options

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, the Chatham-Kent Lake Erie Shoreline Study Team held two public consultation meetings and provided an update of activities and presented the draft adaptation concepts and management options for the following regions of the shoreline:

1. High Bluff Areas,

2. Erie Beach, Erie Shore Drive, and the Dyked Farmland,

3. Flood-prone Communities around Rondeau Bay; and

4. Federal Navigation Channel and Rondeau Barrier Beach.

The entire presentation can be found under the Document Library along with the specific Draft Adaptation Options that were presented.

Next Steps

• Revisions to the draft adaptation concepts considering the feedback received
• Preparation of the draft report
• Presentation to Council in February 2020 (target)
• Final report by March 31, 2020
• Third meeting planned with the Southwestern Ontario Shoreline Roundtable to present the study findings
• Continued dialog with senior levels of government and pursuit of funding opportunities

General Inquiries Related to the Study can be sent to: ckshorelinestudy@chatham-kent.ca