Eroding embankment along northeast battery on Bois Island showing exposed muzzle from cannon;
(right) a clay tobacco pipe fragment eroding out of the same embankment further south. (PAO)
Coastal erosion is on the provincial government’s agenda with efforts to come up with a mitigation plan to address the issue.
Provincial archeologists recently sounded the alarm about the problem after mapping out the rapid rate of coastal erosion on Bois Island near Ferryland.
A map showing how much the coast line of Bois Island has changed since 1951 (PAO)
Assistant Deputy Minister Susan Squires, says many municipalities are considering changes to their communities due to coastal erosion.
“Coastal erosion is a tough one. We can’t always stop it. The direction that we’re seeing around the world and in many places is it’s a risk-mitigated approach, moving from preventative measures, engineered structures and retreat. And that can be challenging for homeowners and communities to hear,”
“Government has funded things like breakwaters and whatnot for communities that have come forward with this.”