From Sand Dunes to Shorelines: The Cedar Dunes Project’s Epic Battle Against Erosion
Funding provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Innovation and beauty go hand in hand in West Point, Prince Edward Island. An innovative shoreline project at Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is helping to reduce the impacts of climate change and erosion, while rebuilding beautiful sand dunes for which PEI is known.
What is coastal erosion?
Erosion occurs along coastlines when land is gradually worn down by strong waves, currents, tides, and other coastal processes. It can lead to losing land, flooding, damages to infrastructure, and changes to coastal habitats.
The construction of new shore protection structures in front of the Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and the West Point Lighthouse are helping to protect the 450 metres of shoreline from the impacts of climate change and restore the shoreline to its natural state after erosion from previous storms.
Intertidal
[ in-ter-tahyd-l ]
An area where the ocean meets the land between high and low tides.
The new structures include 120 metres of sandstone-concrete seawall extension, seven intertidal reefs, and a terminal sandstone structure at the southern tip of the beach, providing a clearer boundary line. These provide the area with the capacity to adapt to the effects of coastal erosion by providing a barrier between the sand dunes and the impact of waves and rising sea levels. This can also prevent flooding which can occur after erosions.
These structures also have a calming effect. Creating areas of calm water where sand can accumulate and not be washed away. The accumulation of natural sand helps the overall ecosystem of the shoreline work to encourage the growth and stability of the sand dunes.
All this work also helps ensure access for residents and tourists, making Cedar Dunes Provincial Park not only a popular destination, but a beautiful one at that!
Quick facts:
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- $26.9 billion of this funding is supporting green infrastructure in Canadian communities.
- The Government of Canada has invested more than $332 million in over 120 infrastructure projects across Prince Edward Island under the Investing in Canada plan.
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