Shoreline Protection
River water quality and ecosystem health depend on a natural shoreline.
Did You Know?
- A natural shoreline provides shade and a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
- It also filters polluting runoff and prevents toxic blue-green algae growth, making it safer for us to swim, fish, boat, and enjoy other activities.
- Shoreline vegetation provides stabilization functions and minimizes erosion.
- Municipal by-laws in Chelsea, La Pêche (chapter 19), and Cantley require a 15 m buffer zone of native vegetation be maintained, yet most of the shoreline lacks that important buffer. A 5 m wide cleared strip is allowed for river access.
- Private boat launches are not permitted because they allow rain runoff to flow directly into the river.
- A permit is required to install a dock.
CONSIDER HOW YOUR DOCK IS BUILT
The narrow band of earth known as the shoreline is one of the most ecologically sensitive pieces of the planet most of us are likely to encounter, and any successful shoreline structure pays homage to its surroundings. When building a dock, consider all of the following, dock shape, dock size, dock materials, hardware, and anchors. For example, because it can leach chemicals into the environment, pressure-treated wood is banned for waterfront use in some areas of the country and, in all cases, construction should take place well back from the shoreline, with the finished dock being left to thoroughly dry and “age” before being launched into the water.
What We’re Doing
shoreline surveys
Our program to survey the shoreline for buffer zone clearings and private boat launches.
shoreline regeneration project
We are supporting a project to help private waterfront property owners regenerate their shorelines.
shoreline protection awareness
It focuses on protecting the Gatineau River and watershed including lakes
What You Can Do
reduce impact on water quality
Waterfront residents can reduce negative impact on the water quality by managing run off, maintaining a good septic system, eliminating household toxins, building fauna friendly docks etc.
minimize boat wakes
Slow down when boating to reduce your wake.
maintain a shoreLine buffer
If you live on the water, maintain a 15 meter buffer zone of native vegetation along your shoreline and don’t use fertilizers or pesticides.
Shoreline Protection News
Gatineau River Vision 2030 Survey Results
679 people, representing all types of river users, shared their voices to help create a vision of what the river could look like in 2030.
Recommendations on River Access and Dock Regulations
River Access In August of 2020, Friends of the Gatineau River provided its recommendations on motor boat management and the...
FOG Shoreline Protection Presentation to the Municipality of Chelsea
FOG Shoreline Protection Presentation to the Municipality of Chelsea Summary of Meeting See Presentation (Power Point)