Notice of study completion for the Shorewood Promenade shoreline rehabilitation study

The Town of Oakville has completed the Shorewood Promenade Shoreline Rehabilitation Study and the Project File is now available for public review. The purpose of the study was to assess the problem of shoreline erosion and evaluate alternatives to reduce risk to public and private property. Shorewood Promenade shoreline was identified as a high priority erosion site following the 2019 record breaking high Lake Ontario water levels.

The recommended solution to reduce erosion risk within the study area includes construction of an armour stone revetment to protect the toe of the natural bluff. The recommended solution was evaluated along with two (2) other alternatives and was selected based on various environmental, social and cultural, and economic considerations. The recommended solution addresses the long-term sustainability of the shoreline and considers such factors as lake levels, wave events, ecological function, tableland uses and impacts on adjacent shoreline sites.

The presence of bank swallows, which are designated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Species at Risk Act (SARA), were confirmed during the course of the study.

Town staff and our consultants are working closely with the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) to obtain the necessary approvals for this project to demonstrate an overall net benefit to banks swallows, subject to the ESA and SARA.

The study was carried out in accordance with the requirements as described in the Municipal Engineers Association’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) document (October 2000, as amended in 2015), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

Project File now available for public review:

The Project File has been prepared to document the planning and decision-making process for this study.

By this Notice, the Project File is being placed on the public record for a thirty (30) day review period from and including June 3, 2021 to July 3, 2021.

In recognition of current COVID 19 restrictions the Report will be made available on our website and special accommodations to view hard copies will be determined on an as needed basis.

Interested persons may provide written comments to one of the Project Team members listed below by July 3, 2021 (30 days after the notice date of June 3, 2021).

Kristina Parker

Jennifer Farrow

A request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e. requiring an individual/comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g. require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name for the ministry.

Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for additional conditions or a request for an individual/comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy those potential adverse impacts, and any information in support of the statements in the request. This will ensure that the ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request.

The request should be sent in writing or by email to:

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

Director, Environmental Assessment and Permissions Branch, MECP

Requests should also be sent to the project team members by mail or by e-mail.

This Notice is issued on June 3, 2021 Information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public Record.