Southeast Leamington

Sustainable Management Strategy for Southeast Leamington

Background:
There are serious and longstanding concerns about the sustainability of the shoreline in areas of East Leamington. In spring of 2004, regulations staff from the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) observed significant damages to breakwalls, including damages to some recently constructed engineered structures. As well, large amounts of peat were found to be washed up along the shore, and many shoreline areas were found to be devoid of sand. These activities added to the concerns about the stability of the shoreline which have been documented for more than two decades.

Based on these observations and the expertise of Coastal Specialists and consulting engineers, it was realized that the technical criteria required to ensure that new buildings can be protected to Provincial standards were not in place. Additionally, during a significant rainfall event in spring of 2004, the stability of the dykes in East Leamington was compromised, raising further concerns about the long-term safety of residents and property in the affected area. It was determined a study was required to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the floodprone areas of Southeast Leamington.

This initiative involves all levels of government - Environment Canada, Parks Canada, the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources' Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure Program; and the Essex Region Conservation Authority, the organization responsible for administering the study. Representatives from each of these agencies, as well as from the Municipality of Leamington, comprise the Steering Committee. The study has also received support from the local municipality through resolutions of council.

This Sustainable Management Strategy for Southeast Leamington provides the science (coastal and ecological), engineering, socio and agro-economic research needed to develop a range of options to determine the long-term sustainable protection and management of the lands along the Lake Erie coastline between Wheatley, Ontario, and the southerly limit of Point Pelee National Park and the associated floodprone inland areas.

The Process:
Once the funding was secured (April 2005) to undertake this study, Baird & Associates was contracted as the consultant to carry it out. This consulting firm includes more than 50 coastal scientists and engineers dedicated to solving complex problems on the world's ocean, lakes and rivers.

Mr. Peter Zuzek, P.Geo., was the project manager for the development of the strategy. In addition to the Steering Committee, a Technical Review Committee consisting of experts in the field of Coastal Engineering, Coastal Geomorphology, Agriculture and the Environment was established. They were external to the study team, and reviewed the technical findings of the study. As well, a Stakeholders Group, comprising of representatives from five of the affected geographical areas, the Municipality of Leamington, and Point Pelee National Park of Canada. The Stakeholders Group provided input into the development of the draft Terms of Reference for the Sustainable Management Strategy for Southeast Leamington, and continued to provide input throughout the study.

A total of 38 previous studies spanning four decades was utilized by Baird in the preparation of this comprehensive Sustainable Management Strategy. As well, several datasets including records of sand mining permits and a large archive of newspaper articles and photographs were carefully reviewed. Observations made during site visits to the regional study area spanning from Port Alma to the tip of Point Pelee National Park were also utilized in the preparation of the study.

As the scientific analysis was completed throughout the preparation of the study, the information was shared with Council, stakeholders and the public (referred to collectively as 'stakeholders' in the balance of the document). As a result of technical findings, combined with input and feedback from the stakeholders group and technical committee, a range of options for the sustainable management of Southeast Leamington was developed. Science and nature, as well as issues of people, safety, traditional land uses, lifestyles, economics and opportunities were taken into consideration in developing the range of options for sustainable management of the affected area. These options were presented to stakeholders for input.

While these options are being considered by all involved stakeholders, no path forward has yet been formally adopted.