In 1990, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, in partnership with Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority, completed a Shoreline Management Plan for the Lake Ontario shoreline to guide shoreline management within their respective jurisdictions.
Shorelines are forever changing, and the 1990 Plan required updating to reflect these changes. Zuzek Incorporated, out of Waterdown ON, was retained to update the Plan, providing the necessary scientific and engineering analysis to update the shoreline hazard mapping and provide a report with general recommendations to manage the Lake Ontario Shoreline.
In November 2019, public open houses were held in each watershed to present progress of the Plan to-date and obtain public input and feedback on information presented. From this, the partnering conservation authorities and Zuzek Inc. gathered comments and responses from landowners, businesses and the community as a whole, in particular, those who are affected by the shoreline hazards.
In February 2020, Zuzek Inc. provided draft hazard mapping for the Lake Ontario shoreline, and the GRCA opened a month-long call for review and comments.
Earlier this week, the Draft Final Report was completed and added to the GRCA website. Visit grca.on.ca, and under ‘Programs and Services’, look for ‘Watershed Management’. From there, simply click on the ‘Lake Ontario Shoreline Hazards Management Plan’ tab and scroll down to ‘2020 Project Updates’ to review the report.
Comments on the Draft Final Report will be received until July 15th. Please submit comments to info@grca.on.ca or contact Cory Harris, GRCA’s Watershed Services Coordinator at charris@grca.on.ca or 905.885.8173 ext 226.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
