​The Living Shoreline is growing

Mahone Bay is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, stronger storms, and increased rainfall. These changes can lead to flooding, coastal erosion, and more contaminated stormwater flowing into the harbour.

Recently, Jordan Veinot of Coastal Action and the Edgewater team met to review progress on the Flood Protection and Shoreline Stabilization Project, better known as the Living Shoreline. This innovative project uses nature-based solutions alongside smart engineering to protect our community and our shoreline. Key features include rock sills, which run parallel to the shoreline to reduce wave energy and storm surge impacts, and tidal wetlands filled with native plants. These wetlands naturally filter stormwater, reduce flooding, and provide important habitat for fish and birds. The project also includes vegetated banks, planted with native shrubs and perennials that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

In recent work, construction crews have removed the original rock sill to expand the shoreline from 60 metres to an impressive 160 metres. The shoreline has been extended northward, with sediment laid as a base layer. Once the snow melts, a final layer of sand will be added to complete this stage, followed by Coastal Action planting the tidal wetland. A springtime volunteer planting event for the vegetated bank is also being planned by Coastal Action. While the tidal wetland will remain a protected wildlife corridor, the benefits will be enjoyed by the entire community for years to come. This expansion will strengthen protection along Mahone Bay’s harbour and further reduce the impacts of climate change.
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