Guarding from shoreline erosion and flooding is critical for any landowner at risk of property loss and damage. A properly-designed, well-maintained break wall will help keep the border between water and land intact.
If you are a waterfront landowner or considering becoming one, know that there are many factors to consider before undertaking a shoreline protection project.
PERMITS and ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Permits must be obtained from multiple levels of government before embarking on a shoreline protection project – Federal, Provincial, and your local Conservation Authority. Contractors who are experienced in these projects are versed on permit requirements and commonly navigate this aspect of the work.
FEDERAL
PARKS CANADA regulates shoreline stabilization projects with sensitivity to environmental responsibility as much as possible. Detail on requirements and favoured methods of shoreline stabilization is available at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/docs/r/poli/page08.
DEPARTMENT OF OCEANS AND FISHERIES CANADA (DFO) is the federal lead for safeguarding our waters and managing Canada’s fisheries, oceans and freshwater resources. The Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program ensures compliance with relevant provisions under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act. The program reviews proposed works, undertakings and activities that may impact fish and fish habitat.
Learn more at https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/reviews-revues/request-review-demande-d-examen-001-eng.html.
PROVINCIAL
In Ontario, the beds of most water bodies are Crown land. The MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY (MNRF) manages these lands – including shore lands – under the Public Lands Act. The Ministry’s stated focus is ‘to maintain the vitality of our watersheds and to prevent loss of life and property due to natural hazards such as flooding and erosion.’
The MNRF will determine your permit requirements depending on whether you are repairing, replacing, expanding or building a new erosion control structure. More on Ontario’s standards can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/maintain-repair-or-replace-erosion-control-structures-shore-lands.
LOCAL
Ontario’s 36 CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES are charged with administering Regulations under the Conservation Authorities Act. The Conservation Authority in your jurisdiction must be consulted with regard to a permit for construction and repairs of breakwalls.
TYPES OF BREAK WALLS
Shoreline stabilization refers to a variety of structures designed to prevent or reduce erosion. These works include methods of bio-engineering or rip-rap, as well as a variety of vertical shore walls as described below in the order of least to most costly, (noting that all methods of shoreline stabilization are expensive, ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 per foot). All walls are embedded below water level, or projected low water level in future.