Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The Town of Lincoln will deploy a six-kilometre bioengineered buffer system to combat Lake Ontario shoreline erosion.
Flooding has costly and devastating impacts on communities. Lake Ontario shoreline erosion is driven by fluctuating water levels, severe storms and intense wave action, heavily impacting waterfront communities, homes, and infrastructure. Managing these risks requires working with natural processes rather than against them.
With a contribution of up to $33.7 million from the federal government through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), the town will be better protected from the impacts of flooding and shoreline erosion.
Funding will be used to upgrade approximately one kilometre of roadway and relocate more than three kilometres of roadways inland. Shoreline protection measures extending almost three kilometres in total will be installed along key roads and parks. Shoreline areas and new road infrastructure will be further fortified by constructing more than six kilometres of tree buffer strips that will help to reduce erosion and absorb runoff. These measures will ensure long-term protection for current and future developments along Lincoln’s shoreline.
“Ongoing severe weather patterns have posed significant threats to our community, especially in the areas surrounding Lake Ontario. These shoreline protection upgrades will play a crucial role in making Lincoln a safer, more prosperous, and resilient community. By supporting both our natural and built infrastructure, we are not only protecting our environmental assets but also fostering economic development. This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable growth and climate resilience, ensuring a better future for all residents,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton.
“Lake Ontario is an essential part of the identity, culture and lifestyle of the residents of Lincoln. But climate change is leading to an increased risk of flooding and erosion, threatening to wash away the livelihoods, homes and shoreline that have made up the community for centuries. Through the federal government’s largest investment in Lincoln’s history, we are rebuilding the shoreline so it can provide enduring benefits for years to come,” added Chris Bittle, MP for St. Catharines.
Featured image: MP for St. Catharines Chris Bittle, Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton, members of Lincoln council and staff celebrate an investment from the Government of Canada to protect Lake Ontario’s shoreline. (Town of Lincoln)
