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Environment

    

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Shoreline Erosion

The coastline of Prince Edward Island is characterized by easily erodible sedimentary rock, composed mostly of sandstones and claystones.  Erosion is the natural wearing away of soil by the action of water, wind, and ice. It is one of the many infinite forces of nature which we have grown accustomed to throughout our existence.  Prince Edward Island is a prime example of where the demand for scenic waterfront property has led to a battle between the natural forces of erosion and our determination to stop, or at least slow down, the loss of shorefront property.

It is this natural process of erosion that supplies our beautiful Island beaches with sand.  If all erosional shorelines were armoured, eventually the coastline would become starved for sediments, causing major changes in the appearance of the shoreline.

Average shoreline erosion rates vary from 0.5 metres (1.6 feet) per year on the south and east shores of PEI to as much as 1.5 metres (5 feet) per year on the north and west shores.  The higher erosion rate on the north and west coasts is directly attributable to the high degree of exposure to storm conditions.  

Prince Edward Island will be severely affected as the influence of global warming takes hold in years to come.  Climate change will bring with it higher tidal fluctuations, increased incidents of storm surges and increased erosion along shorelines.

The provincial Department of Environment, Labour and Justice does not provide financial assistance to landowners for either storm damage repairs or shoreline protection work.  Following significant storm events, landowners who have property impacted by storm damage may contact the Office of Public Safety at (902) 894-0385 to inquire if financial assistance is available.

Resources

• PEI Shoreline Erosion Information Sheet
• Shoreline Erosion at West Point, Prince Edward Island (2008)
• Climate Change and Erosion 
• Coastal Change at the Summerside Rifle Range
• Coastal Erosion and Shoreline Classification in Stratford
• Geomorphic Shoreline Classification of Prince Edward Island

Find licensed contractors for erosion control work: