Coastal Erosion Protection – Engineered Stone Revetment Installation at Low Point Lighthouse

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) intends to implement coastal erosion protection measures at the Low Point Lighthouse in New Victoria, Nova Scotia. The shoreline at this site has experienced significant historical erosion, threatening the stability of the lighthouse foundation. Remnants of damaged rock-filled timber structures are currently visible, indicating previous failed protection efforts.

As part of the mitigation plan, CCG will construct an engineered stone revetment approximately 140 metres long along the shoreline surrounding the lighthouse. The anticipated design life of the structure is 50 to 75 years. The revetment will consist of a layered system of large engineered stone over filter layers and geotextile fabric to address the high proportion of fine-grained materials in the in-situ soil.

The revetment is designed to protect against erosion under projected year-2100 climate conditions and allows for future expansion in both height and length, if required. This initiative aims to prevent further shoreline retreat and preserve the historical lighthouse infrastructure.

All work will occur within the coastal footprint directly adjacent to the lighthouse. Sediment control measures will be implemented during construction to minimize environmental impact. No in-water work is planned, and no disruption to the marine environment is anticipated.

This project will protect federal heritage infrastructure and adapt coastal assests to the impacts of climate change.

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Latest update

May 15, 2026 - On September 2, 2025, the Canadian Coast Guard was transitioned from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to the Department of National Defence through an Order in Council. As such, the Department of National Defence is now a Federal Authority for the project, and the public comment period has been reopened to meet the relevant legislative obligations under the Impact Assessment Act.

The Department of National Defence intend to make a determination regarding whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, the Department of National Defence is inviting public comments until June 14, 2026 respecting that determination.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination - May 15, 2026

Contacts

Andrew McKinnon
Department of National Defence
1 Challenger Drive
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4A2
Email: andrew.mckinnon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Director Environment and Sustainable Management, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment)
Department of National Defence
National Defence Headquarters
60 Moodie Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2
Email: mnd.environment-environnement.mdn@forces.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Low Point Lighthouse, New Victoria (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Building and Property Development

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2025-11-25

  • Proponent

    Canadian Coast Guard

  • Authorities

    • Department of National Defence

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90027

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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