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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 20, 2026 - Waterfront Advisory CommitteeTHE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA TRACKLESS LOUNGE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Monday, April 20, 2026 5:00 p.m. 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 3.DELEGATIONS A.Nathan MacIntyre re Rip Current Information Project 4.ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A.Minutes of the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting held January 12, 2026 5.MATTERS OF BUSINESS A.Memo WAC-04/26 re Council Decisions – WAC Recommendations to Council B.Memo WAC-05/26 re 2026 East Beach Season Opening Information C.Memo WAC-06/26 re North Shore Resilience Update – Preliminary Results / Second PublicMeeting 6.ADJOURNMENT Rip current Information Project “Endeavouring to create understanding of Great Lakes rip currents and end rip current related drowning.” Bayham – Waterfront advisory committee What RiP is working towards: 1. A standardized system for communicating the presence of dangerous currents on Ontario Great Lakes beaches. 2. Educating the public, fire rescue services and municipalities in care of Great Lakes beaches of the accurate mechanisms of drowning. 3. Encouraging a broad educational approach in Ontario Public schools 4. Providing evidence-based education of Great Lakes dangerous currents for the purpose of fortifying a rich and robust water-smart culture in Ontario. 5. Convening a roundtable of Researchers, Federal/Provincial ministers, Municipal leaders, and concurrent agencies to address this issue province-wide, using Elgin County as a pilot. Standardizing Hazard Communication: Ontario Great Lakes Dangerous Currents Narrative Across Ontario’s Great Lakes beaches, the communication of water-related risk remains fragmented, inconsistent and, at times, absent altogether. Despite a strong and growing body of research (including the work of Chris Houser -Coastal Geomorphologists) there is currently no standardized, evidence-informed approach to informing the public about the real and predictable hazards present in nearshore environments. As a result, many beachgoers are unknowingly exposed to dangerous conditions, including structural and channelized rip currents, longshore currents, and other dynamic Great Lakes processes that significantly increase the risk of fatal and non-drowning. These are not rare or random events, they are identifiable, measurable, and most importantly, preventable through clear, consistent and evidence-informed communication. Purpose To bring together researchers, government agencies, emergency services, and public safety partners to align on a standardized, evidence-informed approach to communicating dangerous water hazards on Ontario’s Great Lakes. Objectives 1. Present existing scientific understanding of dangerous nearshore currents 2. Identify gaps in risk communication across jurisdictions 3. Explore a standardized communication framework 4. Discuss communication tools (signage, education, real-time messaging) 5. Advance a pilot initiative in Elgin County 6. Establish a path for ongoing collaboration Rip current Information Project “Endeavouring to create understanding of Great Lakes rip currents and end rip current related drowning.” Synopsis of Argument Issue Inconsistent and often absent hazard communication regarding dangerous Great Lakes currents on Ontario beaches is contributing to preventable fatal and non-fatal drowning occurrence. Existing approaches vary by municipality, resulting in gaps that undermine public safety. Background Ontario’s Great Lakes beaches attract millions of residents and visitors annually, including many unfamiliar with local water conditions. Research and field experience demonstrate that hazardous currents (e.g., rip currents, structural currents) are predictable and condition-dependent, not random events. Despite this, public messaging remains inconsistent across jurisdictions, with varying terminology, signage, and levels of accuracy. This inconsistency limits public understanding, delays appropriate response, and increases the likelihood of panic-driven incidents. Analysis The core issue is not solely public behaviour, it is the lack of standardized, evidence-based hazard communication across the province. Other public safety systems (e.g., road signage, weather alerts) demonstrate that standardization improves recognition, comprehension, and response time. The current fragmented approach creates misunderstanding of actual dangers, inefficiencies, duplication of effort and increased long-term costs associated with emergency response and rescue operations. Recommendation That the Provincial/Federal government support the development and implementation of a standardized, evidence-informed hazard communication system for dangerous Great Lakes currents, including: • A consistent visual and language framework deployed across Ontario beaches • Alignment with evidence-informed best practices and current research (Dr. Chris Houser – University of Waterloo). • A coordinated federal–provincial–municipal implementation model • A pilot project in Elgin County, led by local emergency management, to validate and refine the approach prior to broader rollout Rationale 1. Public Safety: Improves early recognition of hazards and reduces panic-driven responses 2. Prevention-Focused: Shifts from reactive emergency response to proactive risk reduction 3. Cost Efficiency: Reduces strain on emergency services and avoids duplication across jurisdictions Rip current Information Project “Endeavouring to create understanding of Great Lakes rip currents and end rip current related drowning.” 4. Scalability: A validated model can be efficiently expanded across Ontario and adapted to other Great Lakes regions 5. Alignment: Supports provincial priorities related to community safety, emergency management, and evidence-based decision-making What is Not Being Requested • Continued reliance on fragmented, municipality-by-municipality approaches • Additional standalone studies without implementation • One-time awareness materials (e.g., posters) without system integration Rip current Information Project “Endeavouring to create understanding of Great Lakes rip currents and end rip current related drowning.” Short-term Considerations for Bayham – Waterfront Advisory Committee 1. Current State of Beach Safety Education Key Issue: Existing education is often inconsistent, overly generic, and not grounded in localized science. Arguments: • Overgeneralization of messaging: Most signage and outreach rely on broad warnings (e.g., “swim with caution”) that fail to explain why conditions are dangerous, reducing public compliance and understanding. • Lack of Great Lakes-specific focus: Much of the available material is adapted from ocean environments, despite fundamental differences in morphology, wave dynamics, and current behavior in the Great Lakes. • Reactive rather than proactive education: Education is often delivered at the point of crisis (e.g., during rescues or high-risk days) instead of building baseline knowledge before visitors enter the water. • Limited integration of science into public messaging: There is a gap between coastal research and what is communicated to the public; findings from experts like Chris Houser are not consistently translated into actionable guidance. 2. Strengthening Risk Communication (Especially Around Dangerous Currents) Key Issue: Risk communication must move beyond awareness toward behavioral change. Arguments: • Clarity and specificity drive action: Messaging that explains identifiable hazards (such as rip currents, structural currents near piers, and longshore currents) leads to better decision-making than vague warnings. • Visual and experiential learning is underutilized: Diagrams, videos, and real-world examples significantly improve comprehension of invisible hazards like currents. • Timing and placement of messaging matters: Information must be delivered before beachgoers enter the water (at parking areas, access points, and digital channels) not just at the shoreline. • Consistency across jurisdictions: Visitors move between beaches; inconsistent messaging between municipalities creates confusion and reduces trust in warnings. 3. Bayham’s Opportunity to Demonstrate Leadership Key Opportunity: Bayham is not starting from scratch, it is part of a county-wide pilot in Elgin County that is actively working toward standardized, science-based communication of dangerous currents across the Great Lakes. Implication: • Bayham’s decisions today should be forward-compatible • Avoid one-off solutions that may need to be replaced once regional standards are finalized Arguments: • Adoption of science-backed standards: By integrating standardized research from institutions like the University of Waterloo, Bayham and Elgin County can ensure its safety messaging reflects the latest understanding of nearshore hazards. • Pilot innovative communication strategies: Bayham and Elgin County will lead the province in testing improved signage, QR-based education tools, and real-time hazard communication systems. • Regional influence and scalability: As a municipality in Elgin County and on Lake Erie, Bayham can set a precedent that other Great Lakes communities can replicate, amplifying impact. Rip current Information Project “Endeavouring to create understanding of Great Lakes rip currents and end rip current related drowning.” • Alignment with tourism and safety goals: Leadership in safety enhances visitor confidence, supports tourism, and reduces liability exposure. 4. Alignment with Blue Flag Objectives Key Point: Enhanced safety education directly supports the criteria required for maintaining Blue Flag status. Arguments: • Environmental education requirements: Blue Flag emphasizes public education (improving current- related messaging strengthens compliance with these criteria.). • Safety and services standards: Clear communication of hazards is a core component of Blue Flag safety expectations. • Demonstration of continuous improvement: Advancing education initiatives shows a commitment to evolving best practices, which is viewed favorably in certification reviews. • Public perception and credibility: Maintaining Blue Flag status signals a high standard of safety and environmental stewardship; robust education reinforces that reputation. Closing Position Through the Rip Current Information Project, I aim to bridge the gap between coastal science and public understanding. By strengthening education, improving risk communication, and aligning with internationally recognized standards, Bayham is positioned with a clear opportunity to lead the province in establishing the new benchmark for beach safety across the Ontario’s Great Lakes shorelines. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES TRACKLESS LOUNGE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Monday, January 12, 2026 5:00 p.m. PRESENT: CHAIR RAINEY WEISLER COMMITTEE MEMBERS MARNI WOLFE VAL DONNELL ASHLEY CARDINAL DEAN FRANKLIN ED KETCHABAW *Ex-Officio STAFF ATTENDANCE: CAO / DEPUTY CLERK THOMAS THAYER MANAGER OF PUBLIC WORKS / DRAINAGE SUPERINTENDENT STEVE ADAMS 1. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Weisler called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared. 3. DELEGATIONS 4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A. Minutes of the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting held October 20, 2025 Moved by: Committee Member Donnell Seconded by: Committee Member Cardinal THAT the minutes of the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting held October 20, 2025 be approved as presented. CARRIED 5. MATTERS OF BUSINESS A. Memo WAC-01/26 2026 Budget Update Moved by: Committee Member Wolfe Seconded by: Committee Member Cardinal THAT Memo WAC-01/26 re Budget Update – Operating and Capital be received for information. CARRIED 2 B. Memo WAC-02/26 Waterfront Advisory Committee-led Education Events for 2026 Moved by: Committee Member Cardinal Seconded by: Committee Member Donnell THAT Memo WAC-02/26 re Waterfront Advisory Committee-led Education Events for 2026 be received for information; AND THAT the Waterfront Advisory Committee appoint the following: • Committee Members Donnell and Cardinal to work with staff on the library environmental reading series in partnership with Elgin County Libraries. • Committee Members Donnell and Cardinal to work with staff on a junior stewardship/eco-scavenger hunt. • Committee Member Wolfe to work with staff for the make-a-pledge campaign. CARRIED C. Memo WAC-03/26 Waterfront Advisory Committee 2026 Meeting Schedule Moved by: Committee Member Franklin Seconded by: Committee Member Donnell THAT Memo WAC-03/26 re Waterfront Advisory Committee 2026 Meeting Schedule be received for information; AND THAT the following meeting dates be the Regular Meetings for the Waterfront Advisory Committee for 2026: • Monday, April 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm (Trackless) • Monday, July 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm (Beach, weather-dependent) AND THAT it be recommended to Council to permit the Waterfront Advisory Committee to remove the October 2026 meeting from its schedule due to proximity to the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections. CARRIED 6. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Committee Member Wolfe Seconded by: Committee Member Donnell THAT the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting be adjourned at 5:30 p.m. CARRIED 3 CHAIR DEPUTY CLERK MEMO WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO: Waterfront Advisory Committee FROM: Thomas Thayer, CAO DATE: April 20, 2026 MEMO: WAC-04/26 SUBJECT: COUNCIL DECISIONS – WAC RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL BACKGROUND The Waterfront Advisory Committee had a meeting on January 12, 2026, from which one (1) motion included recommendations to Council. This was presented to Council at the February 5, 2026 Regular Meeting and the following motion was passed: Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT the recommendation from the Waterfront Advisory Committee and Museum Advisory Committee from their January 2026 meetings be received for information; AND THAT no Regular Committee Meetings are to be scheduled in October 2026. DISCUSSION Council has confirmed for the WAC that no regular Committee meetings will be held in October 2026 to ensure that staff can focus on the election and that Committee matters avoid becoming politicized so near to the election. This does not prevent the WAC Chair, in consultation with the Clerk and staff resource, from calling a special meeting of the WAC in case there are matters that need to be addressed in a short timeframe. Based on this, the final WAC meeting of the term will be July 20, 2026. All current WAC appointments will expire at the end of the Council term, being November 15, 2026. The next Council will be tasked with establishing the Committees they want, including establishing their respective Terms of Reference. It is expected that staff will recommend the Waterfront Advisory Committee be re-established during the new term due, in part, to the Municipality’s requirement to have a Blue Flag Management Committee as a part of being a Blue Flag beach. Any additional scope for the new iteration of the Committee will be up to the new Council. RECOMMENDATION THAT Memo WAC-04/26 re Outcomes of Recommendations to Council be received for information. MEMO WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO: Waterfront Advisory Committee FROM: Thomas Thayer, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: April 20, 2026 MEMO: WAC-05/26 SUBJECT: 2026 EAST BEACH SEASON OPENING INFORMATION BACKGROUND The operational season for the Port Burwell East Beach is generally considered to be the May long weekend through the Labour Day long weekend. Staff are responsible for preparation of the East Beach in accordance with Council’s established level of service and Blue Flag requirements. This seasonal preparation often begins in April This Memo covers season opening preparation information for the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC)’s information. DISCUSSION Pre-Season Beach Preparations East Beach seasonal preparation begins in April or when the weather permits. The following information has been provided by the Manager of Public Works in regards to East Beach preparations and approximate timelines before the May long weekend. The long weekend occurs early again this year, from May 16 to 18, 2026. Some items are further discussed later in the Memo. • Late April o Washroom preparations. Cleaning of exterior and interior • May – First week o Install all portable toilets in parking lots o Confirm functionality of wi-fi o May 4 - 15 – Parking lot grading and brine application • May – Second week o Beach Safety Signage and Safety Devices installation o Updated parking signage installed, if required o Beach grooming including moving of sand where applicable  Beach has increased in size over 2025 o Bio-Swale Spring Clean-up and Mulch o Picnic Table Placement/Net installation • Victoria Day Long Weekend – May 16-18, 2026 2026 Beach Contractor The Municipality’s beach facilities cleaning contract is expected to be the same as in 2026 for garbage receptacles, portapotties, and the physical washroom facility, with the same schedule for attendance and cleanings. This has been accounted for and approved in the 2026 Operating Budget. Beach Water Testing Beach water testing commences in May and ends in September. Under Blue Flag requirements, we are to test a minimum of five (5) times for streptococcal bacteria. This is done once each month from May through September and processed through SGS labs in London. As water/wastewater operations has transitioned to the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), there will be a different process for testing this year, that may involve OCWA or Bayham’s Water Systems Supervisor. Southwestern Public Health also tests weekly at the East Beach for e.Coli. This has been ongoing for many years successfully. The overall costs for water testing are minimal, and we expect no changes to frequency and process for 2026. Staff supply Swim, Drink, Fish (SDF) with a rolling four years of testing data every time a Blue Flag application is submitted, which is considered as a primary component of the application to ensure the East Beach is suitable for Blue Flag status. Education Events The Manager of Public Works and members of the WAC have each been involved in outreach to local groups. At this time, the following organizations are interested in working with us for 2026: • Elgin County Libraries - Program late July-August to be confirmed for an environmental reading group for children. • East Elgin Environmental Leadership Program - Fall Clean-up of invasive plants within the bio-swale, and possible planting of native plants • Photographers of the Otter Valley – Second year of an environmental photography competition WAC members are also involved in a make-a-pledge campaign and the second year of a photography competition, the latter of which was highly successful in 2025. The following motion was passed at the January 12, 2026 meeting: Moved by: Committee Member Cardinal Seconded by: Committee Member Donnell THAT Memo WAC-02/26 re Waterfront Advisory Committee-led Education Events for 2026 be received for information; AND THAT the Waterfront Advisory Committee appoint the following: • Committee Members Donnell and Cardinal to work with staff on the library environmental reading series in partnership with Elgin County Libraries. • Committee Members Donnell and Cardinal to work with staff on a junior stewardship/eco-scavenger hunt. • Committee Member Wolfe to work with staff for the make-a-pledge campaign. Through this Memo, WAC members are encouraged to provide updates on the events they are involved with. Paid Parking Pilot 2025 was the first year of the paid parking program at the East Beach. At its November 20, 2025 meeting, Council received Report BL-05/25 re Port Burwell East Beach – 2025 Paid Parking Pilot. The program generated $99,806.47 in net revenues and a $61,553.01 net surplus position, which Council resolved to reserve for future beach-related projects. Council passed the following motion: Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report BL-05/25 re Port Burwell East Beach – 2025 Paid Parking Pilot Program be received; AND THAT Council establish paid parking at the East Beach as a permanent program for 2026 with the following amendments: • Pass through applicable HST and service-level user fees to users for hourly and daily transactions • Implement a non-resident seasonal parking pass for Monday through Thursday at a rate of $72 + applicable HST and user fees AND THAT the $61,553.01 service-level surplus from the 2025 pilot be identified in the 2026 surplus report as a reserve transfer for future capital works at the East Beach. AND THAT Council refer further discussion about accessing Infrastructure Ontario (IO) or other debt instruments for East Beach capital, including impacts of additional annual debt service, to the 2026 Operating Budget discussion. Since that time, Council adopted an updated Rates and Fees By-law to identify flow-throughs for taxes and applicable service fees. Staff have worked with HONK Mobile to make the appropriate fee structure amendments and establish a non-resident seasonal pass structure. Residents will once again be able to access Resident Passes free of charge. Applications will be accepted and reviewed the same way as in 2025. Residents will need a pass to park at the East Beach for free. Residents without a pass will be charged the standard hourly or daily rate, as applicable. In addition, Bayham has also received a net $18,256.50 in Provincial Offenses revenues from parking fines. These funds were received in March 2026 and will be booked as 2026 revenues. A Seasonal By-law Enforcement Officer (BLEO) has been hired. Ryan Giles is returning to Bayham for a second summer. Ryan starts with Bayham on April 27, 2026 and will be with Bayham through mid-September. The Seasonal BLEO operates primarily out of Port Burwell and is responsible for customer service, beach enforcement, beach parking enforcement, and general enforcement of the Traffic and Parking By-law in Port Burwell. It is unlikely a stand-alone paid parking report will be presented to Council in 2026. Instead, applicable revenues and expenses will be reported through the quarterly variance reporting approach employed by the Treasurer, and Council will be able to direct the reserve of any service-level surplus in early 2027. Signage – Potential Revisions At its August 21, 2025 meeting, Council received recommendations from the WAC and provided staff the following direction: Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT the Recommendations to Council from the Waterfront Advisory Committee be received for information; AND THAT staff be directed to consult with the appropriate body for dune grass location and post and rope; AND THAT discussions on PR-06 be referred to the Capital Budget deliberations; AND THAT staff be directed to investigate options to streamline signage at the East Beach. Attached to this Memo is draft signage developed by the Manager of Public Works and By-law Enforcement Officer. Staff reviewed sign needs and existing signage in consultation with the By-law Enforcement Officer and developed updated signage for the East Beach. The proposed signs would replace multiple existing signs with a clearer, more user-friendly design using pictograms. Each pictogram highlights common and ongoing issues at the beach; however, the signage does not include all items outlined in the Parks and Recreation No. By-law 2023-061. A minimum of nine signs would be required across the beach. The estimated cost for signs and posts, excluding labour, is approximately $3,500, which includes two additional spare signs. Blue Flag Application Update In December 2025, staff made application through SDF for Blue Flag status at the East Beach for the 2026 year. The application timeline is generalized below: Date Step in Process January-March (current year) SDF reviews applications and reaches out to applicants to confirm information or request additional, missing information if applicable March SDF invoices applicant ($1,250). SDF may follow up with any additional questions or clarification on item March/April SDF advises if application and award is being recommended to the international panel April/May Applicant advised if successful May/June If successful, announcement can be made public. Applicant is sent a Blue Flag for the year. At this time, the Municipality has yet to be invoiced. We have not received any updates regarding recommendations for status, etc., nor have we received any requests for clarification or additional information to support our 2026 application. Given the above-noted table, we would expect feedback shortly along with 2026’s invoice. If successful, staff would expect a flag-raising to be scheduled for late May or early June, depending on when 2026 status can be made public. This is similar to 2025, and may be used as an Education Event in the 2027 Blue Flag Application, if applicable. RECOMMENDATION THAT Memo WAC-05/26 re 2026 East Beach Season Opening Information be received for information. WELCOME TO PORT BURWELL EAST BEACH BEACH OPENS AT 5:00 A.M. & CLOSES AT 11:00 P.M. In order to maintain our Blue Flag status and for the safety and enjoyment of our patrons, the following activities are prohibited. NO GLASS CONTAINERS NO CAMPING NO BBQ OR COOKING DEVICES NO FIRES OROPEN FLAMES NO JUMPINGOR DIVING NO URINATINGOR DEFECATING NO LITTERING NO DOGS BETWEEN8 AM & 8PM FROM VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND TO OCTOBER 31 MUST PICK UP DOG WASTE REMOVE LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT NO RECORDINGWITHOUT CONSCENT NO TENTS OVER10 FT BY 10 FT NO SMOKINGNO VAPING NO MOTORIZED VEHICHES, ATVDIRT BIKES, OR SNOW VEHICLES NO SPORTS OUTSIDESPORT AREANO ALCOHOL NO FIREWORKS NO PROFANE OR ABUSIVELANGUAGE OR MUSIC WELCOME TO PORT BURWELL EAST BEACH BEACH OPENS AT 5:00 A.M. & CLOSES AT 11:00 P.M. In order to maintain our Blue Flag status and for the safety and enjoyment of our patrons, the following activities are prohibited. NO GLASS CONTAINERS NO CAMPING NO BBQ OR COOKING DEVICES NO FIRES OROPEN FLAMES NO JUMPINGOR DIVING NO URINATINGOR DEFECATING NO LITTERING NO DOGS BETWEEN8 AM & 8PM FROM VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND TO OCTOBER 31 MUST PICK UP DOG WASTE REMOVE LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT NO RECORDINGWITHOUT CONSCENT NO TENTS OVER10 FT BY 10 FT NO SMOKINGNO VAPING NO MOTORIZED VEHICHES, ATVDIRT BIKES, OR SNOW VEHICLES NO SPORTS OUTSIDESPORT AREANO ALCOHOL NO FIREWORKS NO PROFANE OR ABUSIVELANGUAGE OR MUSIC MEMO WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO: Waterfront Advisory Committee FROM: Thomas Thayer, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: April 20, 2026 MEMO: WAC-06/26 SUBJECT: NORTH SHORE RESILIENCE UPDATE – PRELIMINARY RESULTS / SECOND PUBLIC MEETING BACKGROUND At the April 15, 2024 meeting, the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) received Memo WAC- 05/24 re Long Point Littoral Cell Working Group Funding for Coastal Resilience. The Memo covered the timeline between summer 2023 and April 2024 in regards to an application made to the Environment and Climate Change Canada Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative for funding to enhance coastal resilience to natural hazards and climate change risks on the north shore of Lake Erie between Port Glasgow. The Memo further advised that if “funding is successfully received, it is expected that public participation will be sought as a component of the overall analysis and review conducted in support of any resilience strategy for the north shore of Lake Erie. During this consultation, it is further expected that the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) will be encouraged to provide comment.” The WAC passed the following motion: Moved by: Committee Member Donnell Seconded by: Committee Member Pieters THAT Memo WAC-05/24 re Long Point Littoral Cell Working Group Funding for Coastal Resilience be received for information. At its April 28, 2025 meeting, the WAC received Memo WAC-08/25 re North Shore Resilience Update – Public Advisory Committee Appointments. The Memo provided an update on the structure of the project including an overview of Public Advisory Committee members and the project’s schedule. The WAC passed the following motion: Moved by: Committee Member Cardinal Seconded by: Committee Member Wolfe THAT Memo WAC-08/25 re North Shore Resilience Update – Public Advisory Committee Appointments be received for information. DISCUSSION Since the April 2025 WAC meeting, the North Shore Resilience Working Group, Public Advisory Committee, and Technical Advisory Committee have met regularly to review the project and preliminary results from data collection in 2025. Central Elgin was a new addition to the Working Group in 2025. All Elgin County lower tier municipalities bordering Lake Erie are now involved in the Working Group. The Public Advisory Committee has been active as a key part of the project for one year. Bayham was appointed three representatives to the Public Advisory Committee, however, John Seldon resigned in 2025 due to time commitment constraints. No replacement was appointed. The Technical Advisory Committee exists to review data, methodology, and results to ensure a scientifically robust study approach. It is comprised of a number of high-profile sector academics and professionals with experience in coastal dynamics and sediment transport, including Dr. Chris Houser (Dean of Science, University of Waterloo). Preliminary Results Recent results were presented during a series of three Open House events in March 2026 along with dune restoration initiatives. These Open Houses were afternoon and evening offerings at the following locations, which were chosen because they were generally different from the first round of Open Houses in early 2025: • March 24, 2026 – Birds Canada Headquarters – Port Rowan • March 25, 2026 – Port Stanley Arena – Port Stanley • March 26, 2026 – Rodney Community Centre – Rodney Data and preliminary results of the sediment budget generally show that sediment erodes from the existing bluffs and underwater lakebed adjacent to the bluffs. Sediment from groundwater and waterways also contributes. This sediment flows east along the north shore of Lake Erie from Port Glasgow to Long Point. Sediment becomes caught in and around the harbours in Port Stanley, Port Bruce, and Port Burwell, with Port Burwell being the largest sediment “sink” in the littoral cell. The majority of the sediment is deposited in deep waters off of the Long Point sandspit, which does not build or maintain the spit due to the depth of the water in the region. There is some sediment loss into the deeper waters of Lake Erie that is still being modelled. The Working Group is investigating further funding to potentially establish and implement recommendations to promote natural sediment flow and build resilience throughout the littoral cell. Recommendations are currently unknown until some final aspects of the numerical sediment modelling are complete. Dune Restoration Dune restoration projects were implemented in Long Point, Port Bruce, and Port Burwell between April and November 2025. The Port Burwell restoration was support by Council. It was located on the east end of the Port Burwell East Beach, adjacent to the drainage swale. Volunteers attended the site in October and November 2025 to plant native grasses with the support of the Public Works department. Signage respecting the project will be erected in 2026 to erect visitors to stay off the site so the grasses can propagate. The schedule for the project is below. Currently we are in Q1 of Year 3, with additional Committee meetings anticipated. Much of this information is available on the North Shore Resilience website, which is updated regularly to keep members of the Working Group and general public apprised of the study’s progress. RECOMMENDATION THAT Memo WAC-06/26 re North Shore Resilience Update – Preliminary Results / Second Public Meeting be received for information.