Sediment bypass project minimizes erosion

Submitted by Maitland Conservation

The Southern Lake Huron Adaptation Plan is moving forward, in 2026, with work progressing on sediment bypass in the Town of Goderich. 

This project reconnects long standing infrastructure and routine maintenance activities, such as dredging, with nature based restoration using mechanical sediment transport.

Sand that has been trapped on the north side of the harbour, where it can no longer support natural beach formation, will be moved to a complex of artificial shoals, fish habitat, and feeder beach at the south end of Goderich. 

Relocating this sand is an important step in reducing down shore impacts caused by sediment starvation. Along this stretch of Lake Huron, the bluffs are made mostly of clay, with only a small portion being sand. As a result, every grain of sand really matters in helping beaches and dunes form naturally, during lower lake levels, creating stronger natural defences against erosion when lake levels rise.

Funded by local municipalities, the Canada Water Agency, and Natural Resources Canada, this project represents a shift away from traditional strategies to minimize erosion impacts. Instead of trying to resist natural coastal processes, the plan works with them by enhancing habitat and ecological opportunities rather than limiting them. 

The project has been co-developed with a range of rights holders, technical experts, and agency partners from all levels of government.

This sediment bypass pilot is just one piece of a broader, collaborative effort. Task forces are also meeting this year to identify ways to better equip local municipalities and decision makers with knowledge and tools relating to lakeshore development and long term planning around our evolving relationship with Lake Huron.

To learn more, visit Maitland Conservation.