Charlottetown waterfront study looks at future flooding

A new study of the Charlottetown waterfront looks at what wind, waves and sea level rise could mean in the present and into the future.

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The report, commissioned by the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation or CADC, proposes ways to protect against flooding while also improving public access to the waterfront.

Ottawa's Coldwater Consulting based the report on what it calls the "latest and most reliable climate change scenarios," predicting flood risk along the Charlottetown waterfront by 2045 and 2090.

And it suggests ways to deal with the impending threat of rising waters.

Looking for weak links

The report examines thecurrent state of waterfront infrastructure from the Hillsborough Bridge to the end of the boardwalk in Victoria Park.

"If there's a weak link in the chain, then it can affect far beyond where that's actually at," saidRonWaite,CADCgeneral manager.

One of the options is a large floating breakwater near the Charlottetown Yacht Club, but Waite says potential ice damage makes that a challenge because of the size of the structure that would be needed.

The report also proposes extending the waterfront boardwalk, elevating it where needed, to form a "ring dyke" that could protect the downtown area from flooding.

While an expensive idea, the report highlights how the expanded boardwalk could also "enhance access to and enjoyment of the waterfront".

Most exposed

The report highlights the Charlottetown Yacht Club as one of the most exposed areas for future damage,because of the age of the infrastructure andits exposure to the prevailing storm winds.

That's not news to the Commodore of the CYC, Stephen Murray, who says the not-for-profit corporation is looking for partnerships with all levels of government.

The club commissioned an engineering firm that costed out options for repairs to the seawall, with a $1.2 million price tag for fixing the Pownal and Lord's wharves, which are primarily made of timber walls and steel sheet and and are falling apart.

"So it is a very expensive exercise," said Murray.

Murray understands the need to take a comprehensive look at the waterfront, and is hopeful there will be some movement in the next 18 months.

'You have to take the time to do it right'

Waite also agrees it's hard to move slowly when there are large infrastructure dollars up for grabs.

"You always worry that you're missing out on an opportunity especially with large infrastructure funding but you have to take the time to do it right," he said, adding that upcoming federal infrastructure funding will focus on issues around climate change, a perfect fit for the waterfront project.

Next up, Waite plans to share the Coldwater report to collect feedback fromprivate landowners, government agencies and businesses along the Charlottetown waterfront.

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