The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is proposing changes to its Lake Erie shoreline policy.
LTVCA wants to push back the distance for new development and additions along Erie Shore Drive in Chatham-Kent a further 15 metres from the lake because of the higher than average lake levels, shoreline flooding, and increased erosion affecting several properties in the area that could continue into the winter. A study currently underway suggests erosion rates are projected to increase due to reductions in winter ice-cover as a result of climate change.
LTVCA spokesperson Jason Wintermute said the current setbacks along Erie Shore Drive based on a 100-year erosion allowance that was established in the early 2000s are not enough and could put new homes at risk.
"The entire purpose of the regulations that we are enforcing are entirely for public safety and to a certain extent is to prevent property damage as well," said Wintermute.
Wintermute said the current policy needs to be updated to keep the public safe and to meet current provincial guidelines and insists the changes are not meant to push people out.
"As soon as somebody abandons the property and the shoreline protections aren't being maintained anymore that presents a problem for the neighbours as well," he added.
Wintermute said it's a complicated situation and he expects some backlash over the revised "no new development" policy.
"There will be some people who think they are totally reasonable and there will be other people who think they are way far-reaching and that we shouldn't have anything to do with this," Wintermute said.
Residents have complained the current policy is unclear and difficult to understand.
There will be minor changes for Erie Shore Drive, Bates Drive, and Rose Beach Line with the biggest change happening along bluff reaches where erosion rates are potentially going to increase significantly. The conservation authority promised no significant changes for Erie Beach, Erieau, Shrewsbury, and Rondeau Bay Estates.
The policy will be reviewed again when the CK Lake Erie Shoreline Study is complete in early 2020.
Comments or concerns on the policy can be emailed or mailed prior to October 3, 2019 to admin@ltvca.ca or to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, 100 Thames Street, Chatham, Ontario, N7L 2Y8.
Comments will go before council and the LTVCA Board.