Coastal ecosystem restoration
Forillon National Park
Having become a leader in climate change adaptation in the country, Forillon National Park was awarded the 2020 Award of Excellence to an agency from the Canadian Park Council for its Cap-des-Rosiers beach restoration project.
Cap-des-Rosiers natural dynamics restoration and coastal ecosystem enhancement final report
Adapting to climate change
For a few years now, visitors access the tip of Penouille via the elevated boardwalk.
Climate change has a range of repercussions for Forillon Park. Shore erosion has been aggravated by rising sea levels, changes in temperature and a decrease in sea ice. With the construction of roads and buildings that are not suited to a coastal environment, many shores have become fragile. Shoreline erosion has damaged some of the park’s beachside facilities and threatened the integrity of natural and cultural components.
Not so long ago, a storm could be completely halted by the ice present when it hit. Now, however, because very often there isn’t any ice before early January, a bad storm will produce considerable impact. The other major factor is sea levels. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that sea levels are rising in Quebec
Christian Fraser, Research Associate
Solutions
Technology is a valuable ally for research teams.
One of the solution is to redevelop facilities in consideration of the coastal dynamic and the risks of coastal erosion, and restore natural components.
The expertise provided by the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) has played a critical role in efforts to better understand coastal erosion and develop methods for adapting to this new reality.
There are many benefits to this approach: a medium- and long-term decrease in maintenance and repair costs; the maintenance of a sand beach at Penouille and the return of the Cap-des-Rosiers beach for the enjoyment of visitors; and the protection of natural and cultural heritage.
Here's how the project unfolded.
- Modifying beach access
- Greening back shores
- Developing facilities in keeping with beach dynamics
- Moving the monument commemorating of the Carricks
Cap-des-Rosiers beach has regained its natural profile... just like in the old days!
Paved infrastructures are incompatible with an environment as dynamic as a shoreline.
In order to maintain the balance of the strip of land providing access to the sand spit, the paved trail was replaced by a raised boardwalk. In addition, the new route of access was laid out further from the beach.
Roads and riprap protection built alongside shorelines only aggravate the phenomenon of erosion, causing beaches to disappear altogether.
With the removal of the riprap and the Cap-des-Rosiers road, visitors can now enjoy a magnificent seafront. A new multi-use trail has been created to showcase the area's many attractions. Let us also remember that the new road 132 in this area now passes through the forest, far from the dynamic coastal landscape.
Coastie Initiative
Participate in this citizen science project in just a few clicks
The Coastie initiative uses photos that you take to help scientists monitor coastal change over time. By taking a Coastie, you participate in community science. How can you get involved? It’s simple! Visit one of Coastie locations, take a photo by placing your smartphone on the stand and submit it to the Coastie team.
- Penouille
- Cap-des-Rosiers
- Petit-Gaspé
- L'Anse-aux-Amérindiens
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