Nature-based Solutions in an Era of Shoreline Hardening

By Tyler Boswell

Tyler is an environmental planner who works at the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.

Housing and the environment are often viewed as being at odds with each other, but appropriate site design and environmental practices means that we can build homes that don’t compromise the natural processes. In the context of this article, only coastal processes will be discussed. However, further discussions could be had regarding development impacts on wetlands, watercourses, and other natural heritage features.

Luxury waterfront homes built right to the edge of the water, featuring a hardened shoreline with a steep recession into deep water

Luxury waterfront homes built right to the edge of the water, featuring a hardened shoreline with a steep recession into deep water

Luxury waterfront homes built right to the edge of the water, featuring a hardened shoreline with a steep recession into deep water

For decades, homeowners have installed shorewalls for various reasons: some install shorewalls to create so-called cleaner appearances, increase useable space, or protect existing development. These shorewalls typically have a lifespan ranging between 15 and 30 years. Added stress placed on these structures during times of high water levels, often causing extensive damage or collapse. These shorewalls should be regarded by homeowners as infrastructure that require routine maintenance. If homeowners don’t invest in routine maintenance, the damage to the shorewalls will increase, and the lifespan could be even shorter than the average range. If these shorewalls aren’t replaced when required, pollution in waterways, erosion of land, and sedimentation are all guaranteed to occur. 

Fall Storm on Lake Huron Swallowing the Pier at Bayfield. A fall storm has arrived at the shoreline of Lake Huron at Bayfield Ontario. The waves are swallowing up the pier.

If the above wasn’t enough to dissuade you from installing a hardened shoreline, it also diminishes the natural process. The waterbody, shoreline, and upland area all comprise a holistic system. Georgian Bay is powerful – ice, strong winds, and constant movement takes a toll on the shoreline. However, shoreline erosion is a needed process, as this is how the beaches that we enjoy so much were created. Installing a hardened surface stops this natural process from occurring and removes the riparian habitat from the holistic system. Even with a hardened shoreline, coastal erosion will still occur and negatively impact the natural process.

 A gradual shoreline that is vegetated and natural provides a transition between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This area is crucial for fish that require shallow waters and vegetation for survival; ducklings who are learning to fly, swim, and hunt; and finally, the reptilian and amphibian species that need both ecosystems to exist. A hardened shoreline does not promote habitat for these species and starves the coastal process. A gradual, vegetated shoreline not only provides essential habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species, but also serves as a natural defense against flooding.

Lakefront homes with both well-manicured and highly designed landscaping, AND a natural and undeveloped shoreline

A natural shoreline with gradually receding and undeveloped vegetation

This year’s heavy rains reminded Ontarians, particularly Torontonians, of the consequences of underinvestment in stormwater infrastructure. By respecting and learning from natural processes, such as softening shorelines, we can improve flood storage capacity, reduce risks to homes and properties, and support the diverse ecosystems that rely on these transitional zones. Investing in natural shoreline solutions offers a sustainable alternative to costly, high-maintenance infrastructure.

A car is partially submerged in flood waters in the Don Valley following heavy rain in Toronto. (The Canadian Press/AP pic) Creative Commons Licence Information 

The Toronto coastline, developed all the way to the water's edge, a breakwall being hit by waves, and a flooded road in the summer

Toronto Island after the 2017 flooding, photo by Laura Thipphawong

For property owners looking to naturalize their shores, a softened shoreline should look like a 30 metre (at a minimum, ideally!) strip that is undisturbed. Vegetation, including any gardens, should be native species with deep root systems to protect against excessive erosion. Each property has site-specific characteristics, and this may be true even between neighbours. It’s always recommended to do your research or consult an expert prior to enhancing your shoreline.

A natural shoreline with gradually receding and undeveloped vegetation

The back lot of a house on Georgian Bay, where the homeowners decided to keep the land almost entirely natural