‘Coastal’ study to help restore Newcastle waterfront in Clarington

Restoring Newcastle’s waterfront is the goal of a Coastal Process Study to be done along Lake Ontario at Bond Head Beach and the Graham Creek Jetties.

The study is being funded in part by the federal government’s Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, which will provide Clarington with $100,000 over a two-year period. The municipality, in partnership with Ottawa and with technical support from the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, will head up the restoration study using ‘nature-based’ approaches.

“Transforming Clarington’s waterfront into a vibrant, inviting space is one of our key visions for the community,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “The Coastal Process Study and restoration of our Graham Creek Jetties and Bond Head beach are important steps in this effort, and we appreciate the government of Canada’s support in making that happen.”

The Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative combines science and action to address environmental challenges affecting Great Lakes’ water quality and ecosystem health by supporting local projects. Clarington’s Coastal Process Study will build on previous studies, such as the Lake Ontario Canadian Nearshore Assessment (2019), to advance recommendations outlined in the 2020 Lake Ontario Shoreline Management Plan.

The study will help guide restoration efforts to improve the functionality of the Graham Creek Jetties and Bond Head Beach, making them more resilient to environmental changes, particularly those posed by climate change. The study will also help in understanding how natural forces like waves, currents and sediment affect the coastlines and jetties, which are structures made of wood, stone, or concrete, built along coastlines or riverbanks to help with maritime navigation and protect the shore.

To learn about more initiatives under Clarington’s Corporate Climate Action Plan visit www.clarington.net/ClimateChange.