How Cape Bretoners are working to prevent coastal properties from going underwater
As climate-driven sea level rise and increased storm activity continue to impact coastal properties in Cape Breton, residents are faced with the challenge of protecting their homes and businesses from the changing environment. With options ranging from armour stone barriers to living shorelines, individuals must carefully consider the best approach for their specific situation.
One notable project that has successfully addressed the threat of rising sea levels is the Nova Scotia Community College’s Sydney waterfront campus. Recognizing the potential for the site to be underwater by the year 2100, the design team raised the entire campus by 1.25 meters. This involved driving over 800 steel piles through decades of fill to reach solid bedrock. The added cost of these measures accounted for about two percent of the project’s budget, totaling $7 million to address all climate change effects.
Similarly, Cape Smokey Holdings is taking proactive measures to protect their condo village project in Ingonish Harbour. By raising the shoreline of the peninsula by two meters and fortifying it with armour stone, the development aims to withstand future storm events. Project manager Martin Kejval emphasizes the importance of working closely with insurance companies to ensure that the properties can be adequately insured against potential damage.
In contrast, homeowner Susan Reeves has opted for a more natural approach to combat coastal erosion on her residential property. Partnering with an ecological restoration company specializing in living shorelines, she has implemented a strategy involving stakes, logs, branches, and shrubs to stabilize the bank. While this method initially showed promise, subsequent storms have posed challenges, leading Reeves to reevaluate the sustainability of this approach.
The use of armour stone, while effective in redirecting wave energy, can also contribute to erosion on neighboring properties, a concern that Reeves is keen to avoid. Despite the higher initial cost, Reeves acknowledges that investing in armour stone may be necessary in the future to protect her property from further damage.
As residents in Cape Breton navigate the complex decisions surrounding coastal protection, the need for innovative solutions and collaboration with experts in the field remains crucial. By considering a combination of approaches, from engineered barriers to natural shorelines, individuals can better prepare for the ongoing impacts of climate change on their coastal properties.
