Erosion and Flooding

Erosion is the process of movement and displacement of sediment caused by natural forces like wind, rain, ice, waves, and storms. Coastal erosion refers to erosion specifically occurring is coastal ecosystems often resulting in land recession, and reshaping landforms like cliffs and dunes. Canada has the longest shoreline of any other country with 243, 000 km which makes up 29% of the world’s total coastline. This makes coastal erosion an especially important ocean issue in Canada.

Some ecosystems compared to others may be at a higher risk of coastal erosion. The erosion process is typically slow, but climate change has accelerated coastal erosion rates and the threat of flooding in communities all around the world.

The negative effects of coastal erosion will be observed across the country but will be most prominent in communities along the coastline. When seeking solutions for coastline erosion and flooding risk, all environmental and human factors must be considered before choosing a particular method or combination of methods. Research, monitoring, and strategic planning should be used to protect communities most at risk and to ensure the future of Canada’s coastline. 

Erosion/Flooding Coastal Champions

  • Over 80 years old, this environmental stewardship organization works to conserve, restore and manage wetlands to protect these sensitive habitats and waterfowl who depend on them. Find them here.

  • TRCA works to protect and restore Toronto’s watersheds and associated resources to support resilient communities. The group is in partnership with the City of Toronto, and will be undertaking flood and erosion control work. Find them here.

  • A leading initiative which studies implementation of coastal flood protection approaches that protect and enhance coastal and marine ecosystems. The “Living Dike” project works to minimize the loss of coastal ecosystems and establish flood protection for coastal communities. Find them here.

  • Based in Nova Scotia, this member based environmental charity is a leader in tackling issues related to biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental justice. They have a Living Shorelines initiative, a softer approach to erosion and flooding control with use of natural approaches like growing plants along shorelines. Ecology Action Centre created a Living Shorelines Toolkit to educate those along the coast of natural prevention approaches. Find them here.

  • A Canadian environmental charity offering a variety of programs to communities across the country that work to engage and help shoreline owners enhance and protect the health of lakes and rivers. Their Love Your Lake program works to help improve the health of shorelines along properties, and The Natural Edge Program that works to revitalize natural shoreline with native plants which help prevent erosion and flooding. Find them here.

  • A Canadian environmental charity offering a variety of programs to communities across the country that work to engage and help shoreline owners enhance and protect the health of lakes and rivers. Their Love Your Lake program works to help improve the health of shorelines along properties, and The Natural Edge Program that works to revitalize natural shoreline with native plants which help prevent erosion and flooding. Find them here.

  • The David Suzuki Foundation works to protect the natural environment and promote sustainability through research, education and analyzing environmental policies. The Organization has created a report on protecting coastal communities and studies on natural assets’ role in coastal risk and resilience. find them here.