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 flood prone inland areas.
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 flood prone areas of Southeast Leamington.
In April of 2018, significant lake storm events resulted in breakwall and property damage. Permits are required to undertake these repairs. Apply for or download a permit application here. ERCA will endeavour to process and approve these applications in a timely manner.
ERCA approvals do not remove a property owner’s responsibility to obtain other municipal, provincial or federal approvals that may be required. Breakwall works must also satisfy the requirements of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). ERCA is currently reaching out to both DFO and MNRF to try to facilitate approval processes with these agencies that will allow breakwall repairs to occur in a timely manner.
At this time, ERCA is not aware of any financial assistance that is available to property owners to help with breakwall repairs.
Resources and Reports:
Southeast Leamington Fact Sheet – Shoreline
Southeast Leamington Fact Sheet – Inland
Sustainable Management Strategy for Southeast Leamington – Executive Summary
Sustainable Management Strategy for Southeast Leamington
Southeast Leamington Phase 1 Report