P.E.I. announces shoreline protection project near Charlottetown hospital

A section of the Prince Edward Island shoreline near Murchison Lane in Charlottetown is pictured. (Source: Government of Prince Edward Island)

Prince Edward Island announced a new shoreline protection project on Murchison Lane in Charlottetown.

The project will improve safety, protect access to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and protect hospital lands from coastal erosion and flooding, said a news release. There is increased risk to the road and shoreline trail used by residents, patients, visitors and staff, said the release.

“Communities across the province are facing increasing challenges from coastal erosion and flooding,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Ernie Hudson. “We’re using an approach that combines nature-based solutions with engineered protection, while taking proactive steps to address a changing climate.”

The project will be completed in two phases.

In February, crews will install 350 metres of stone bank protection where the cliff is most vulnerable along the trail. The province will add offshore stone sills and restore vegetated and forested parts of the bluff to stabilize and foster the growth of the salt marsh to reduce the impact of onshore waves.

“Salt marshes function as a natural buffer, absorbing wave action and reducing shore erosion,” said the release.

The project is part of P.E.I.’s response to the State of the Coast report highlighting the growing risk of coastal erosion and flooding to the Island’s roads, trails and infrastructure.

The project will also provide information needed to develop better coastal management policies, said the province.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.