Bobby Morrissey announces $700k in federal funding for $1.6M shoreline protection at Cedar Dunes Park and West Point Lighthouse
On July 24th, 2020, Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, and the Honourable Ernie Hudson, Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Social Development and Housing and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Alberton-Bloomfield, announced funding for the construction of new shore protection infrastructure in Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, including at the West Point Lighthouse.
The Government of Canada is investing $700,000 and the Government of Prince Edward Island is providing $910,000 for this project through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
The project will protect the dunes from coastal erosion caused by climate change along the shoreline by building a sandstone seawall extension between the parking lot and waterline to prevent flooding of the park and damage to the lighthouse. Five intertidal reefs will help break the waves prior to the water reaching the shore to reduce the amount of shoreline being washed away. Another sandstone structure will also be built at the southern tip of the beach to keep the sand from getting swept into the harbour.
These structures will also prevent storm-driven erosion and improve the ecosystem of the shoreline, which will help preserve the local environment and keep it safer for residents and visitors.
As our local communities continue to experience the frequent and intensifying weather events caused by climate change, reducing the impact of natural disasters such as erosion and flooding is critical to keeping Canadian families safe, protecting local businesses, and supporting a strong economy.
Quotes
“These new structures to minimize erosion in Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and at the West Point Lighthouse will protect the dunes and shoreline from the impacts of climate change. This project will promote the restoration of the shoreline following massive erosion due to previous storms. We are not only protecting our environment and restoring ecosystems, we are providing needed jobs for the region as we move forward through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“As Islanders, our shorelines play a vital role in our communities. This restoration work will ensure this area is protected and enjoyed by Islanders and visitors alike for years to come.”
- The Honourable Ernie Hudson, Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Social Development and Housing and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Alberton-Bloomfield
