Public Notice

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

November 25, 2025 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada must determine whether the proposed Coastal Erosion Protection – Engineered Stone Revetment Installation at Low Point Lighthouse, located in New Victoria, Nova Scotia, is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by December 26, 2025 to:

Andrew McKinnon
Bedford Institute of Oceanography
1 Challenger Drive
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2
902-292-4130
andrew.mckinnon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

Fisheries and Oceans Canada 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, DFO 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 is part of DFO's commitment to protecting federal heritage infrastructure and adapting to the impacts of climate change on coastal assets.