Northwest Shoreline

This focus area includes the section of shoreline on Algonquin Island that follows Seneca Avenue. The shoreline is currently protected by a seawall. The wall experienced regular overtopping during the high lake level events. During these events, sandbags were piled along the wall to provide temporary flood protection.

View gallery

Sandbags installed behind a sheet pile wall along the northwestern shoreline of Algonquin Island.

Aerial view of sandbags and pumps installed behind a sheet pile wall on Algonquin Island.

Aerial view of seawall and sandbags along Northwest Shoreline Focus Area with houses in the background.

What we heard

A range of alternative concept designs were presented for this focus area, including a steel sheet pile wall, an impermeable berm with a stone buttress, or an impermeable berm with nearshore habitat. During the first round of engagement, the impermeable berm with nearshore habitat was presented as the highest ranked concept and the feedback we received supported this recommendation.

Preferred Concept Solution: Impermeable Berm and Nearshore Habitat

The preferred solution for the Northwest Shoreline is an impermeable berm and nearshore habitat.

This solution involves installing an impermeable berm along the shoreline on top of the existing seawall. The existing seawall will be supported by beach fill which will create a sloping nearshore habitat and include features like rock shoals, aquatic plants, and woody mattresses (cross-section N3A). The beach fill will be held in by a jetty feature on the south end which can be designed to allow for emergency vessel access in the future.