Leamington Shoreline Association has published the Pelee Peninsula Shoreline Update.
This update supports LSA’s efforts to keep local communities informed of progress on shoreline projects currently underway as well as ensuring that shoreline residents are aware of important Pelee Coastal Resilience Committee workshops that are scheduled for this November.
The update is found below.
PELEE PENINSULA SHORELINE UPDATE
Finally, after many years of pursuing assistance and funding to assist our communities, we are coming together to address critical shoreline issues. Municipalities, Communities, First Nations, Provincial and Federal Governments working together to resolve long overdue shoreline concerns. Improvements have and are happening along our shorelines and there are more exciting announcements and developments coming our way.
Hillman Marsh Restoration Project (Phase 1,2,3)
On behalf of the Leamington Shoreline Association, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who commented on our recent post regarding the Hillman Marsh Restoration Project. Your feedback is invaluable, and it’s clear that many community members are passionate and concerned about the preservation of the Hillman Marsh. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we can help to ensure the long-term health and beauty of the Hillman Marsh.
Phase 1 – East Beach Road South Headland Upgrade
The rebuilding of the East Beach Rd. protective breakwall and construction of pilot base for the new barrier beach is complete. (see the before and after photos below) The pilot barrier beach, originally designed to be over 100ft. in length had to be shortened significantly due to the instability and depth of the peat in that area. This is positive proof for the need for pilot programs; they are a real life tests that provide the opportunity to learn in the field.
As a pilot test for future wetland restoration, a small area behind the pilot barrier beach was planted and seeded with native vegetation.
Water turbidity monitoring continues and a second sensor will be added in the future.
Before Construction
After Construction
Phase 2/3 – Barrier Beach Design, Construction and Habitat Restoration
Environment and Climate Change Canada has just approved $4.2 million in funding to complete the engineering work, modeling and begin constructing the new Barrier Beach.
The rebuilding of the recently destroyed barrier beach, is currently under design by the SL Engineering and partner firms. Construction is currently planned for the spring of 2026 but there is significant technical work and permits required before a firm construction schedule will be known.
To assist in the design, four wave sensors have been deployed in the marsh basin in the area of the sandspit and a short distance off shore in Lake Erie. (see Phase 2-3 Conceptual Drawing Below – this is a very early concept sketch prepared in 2023 that will be refined significantly as the project progresses)
Marsh habitat and aquatic vegetation restoration will be integrated into the project design and implemented at the appropriate time throughout the project.
Phase 2-3 Hillman Marsh Conceptual Drawing
(this is a conceptional drawing for illustration purposes only)
Hillman Marsh Vegetation Comeback
Some aquatic vegetation species are making a comeback: Over the past several years, there has been a remarkable increase in native vegetation throughout the Hillman Marsh basin. Large patches of North American Lotus and White Water Lilies can be seen in the shallows around the marsh basin. There was a very large crop of Duckweed this year. Hopefully, these are all signs of the Hillman Marsh water quality improving.
Invasive Plant Species
Unfortunately the invasive plant species Hydrillla verticillata was discovered in the Hillman Marsh west management cell and it is closed to the public until treatment is complete. An Aquatic Herbicide treatment is scheduled October, 7-31, 2024. Shoreline owners will receive a notification call 48 hours prior to treatment.
Hydrilla Treatment Area – Outlined in red
Phragmites Control
There is some encouraging news regarding two moth species that are natural enemies of this very invasive plant, that may be used as a natural biological control agent to help our wetlands reestablish a natural balance. They do not kill the plant, the larva bore holes in the stalk that weakens the plant and it falls over and does not seed, thereby slowing the spread.
There are a number of pilot programs on going throughout Canada using this method. There has also been some preliminary discussions on Phragmites control in the Hillman Marsh. ERCA plans to submit a proposal for some funding for this activity in their 2025 budget year.
East Beach Road Drainage System Protective Breakwall Project
Last year, at the request of East Beach Residents, the Muncipality of Leamington initiated an emergency project under the Municipal Drainage Act and funded by the Municipality, and area residents, to repair damaged areas of breakwall along East Beach Road shoreline. That project has been completed and the shoreline is being monitored to ensure its integrity.
Hillman Marsh Leamington Road 1 Protective Berm Restoration Project
When the Hillman Marsh barrier beach was breached in 2019, it created a dangerous situation where Lake Erie waves could now reach and potentially breach the Rd. 1 Berm, flooding a large area of farmland and endangering the lives and livelihoods of the area residents.
The Caldwell First Nations together with Leamington Municipality and Essex Region Conservation Authority have received approval for $15 Million of funding through the federal government’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund (DMAF) to restore the integrity of the Hillman Marsh Road 1 protective berm. This has been a long time coming, Kudos to everyone involved in making this happen.
Pelee Coastal Resilience Committee
An exciting new committee funded initially by Environment and Climate Change Canada was formed in the fall of 2023 to pursue funding opportunities for coastal studies. Recently, Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Resilient Coastal Communities program selected our committee for funding to to develop a Coastal Resilience Plan for the Pelee Peninsula Coast. The committee is made up of municipalities, conservation authorities, Caldwell First Nations, community associations, local businesses, social and environmental agencies and senior levels of government. Some direct funding is being provided by the County of Essex, Municipality of Leamington, Kingsville, Essex and Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA).
The Committee developed a vision and strategy to prepare an Action Plan to guide coastal resilience projects designed to improve coastal resilience using sound practices of equitable, inclusive and sustainable shoreline methods. The first step is to develop and prioritize baseline coastal social, economic, ecological and physical characteristics. Then assess vulnerability to climate change and shoreline hazards.
Throughout the life of the project, from 2024 to 2027, the committee will engage the communities through interactive workshops to define shoreline issues and develop an action plan to improve coastal resilience along the coast of Lake Erie within the two littoral cells that converge on the Pelee Peninsula. The Pelee West littoral cell stretches from the mouth of the Detroit River to the tip of Point Pelee National Park and the Pelee East littoral cell extends from Port Alma to the tip of Point Pelee National Park. Project details can be found on the website: www.peleecoastal.ca . Please visit the site regularly for updates on meetings, notifications of community engagement opportunities and workshops. (See the map below for area of coverage)
To engage the community and ensure the projects focus on community needs and issues, group workshops will held. Everyone is invited. This is our chance to get involved to share ideas on the needs and issues of our shoreline communities. The first set of workshops are scheduled as outlined in the Action Plan Invitation below.
Pelee Coastal Resilience Committee and Action Plan Invitation
An important goal for the Coastal Resilience Committee, of which on behalf of the Leamington Shoreline Association, I am a member, is continuous engagement with the communities and stakeholders in the study area. The Committee’s commitment goes beyond just engaging in conversations. They want to co-develop the climate change adaptation solutions needed to increase the coastal resilience of the Pelee West and Pelee East littoral cells with community members and stakeholder. Please consider attending one of the following workshops to learn more about the project and how you can help future generations have a beautiful and resilient coast to enjoy with their families. Please use the website to register for a meeting. (www.peleecoastal.ca).
Date, Location and Time
Monday Nov. 18 The Village Resource Centre — 108 Talbot Rd. Wheatley, ON 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Monday Nov. 18 The Village Resource Centre — 108 Talbot Rd. Wheatley, ON 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday Nov. 19 Grovedale Arts and Cultural Centre — 103 Park St., Kingsville ON 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday Nov. 19 Grovedale Arts and Cultural Centre — 103 Park St., Kingsville ON 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Please RSVP by registering through the website https://peleecoastal.ca/engagement/
For more information about the workshops contact Jan ice Forsyth jforsyth@foresightconsulting.ca
In Conclusion:
As you can see, there is lots of exciting projects happening in and around our shorelines. The Pelee Peninsula Coastal Resillience Committee has a far-reaching potential to greatly improve our coastal resilience. As the community representative of this committee, I urge everyone to join us at the community workshops to help develop this ever so vital Pelee Peninsula Coastal Action Plan.
Thanks for your continued support.
Wayne King
Leamington Shoreline Association
