Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Coastal Erosion Protection – Engineered Stone Revetment Installation at Low Point Lighthouse

May 15, 2026 — The Department of National Defence must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the Department of National Defence is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by June 14, 2026 to:
Director Environment and Sustainable Management, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment)
Mailing Address:  National Defence Headquarters
60 Moodie Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2
E-mail:  mnd.environment-environnement.mdn@forces.gc.ca

or

Andrew McKinnon, Project Engineer
Mailing Address:  1 Challenger Drive
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2
E-mail:  andrew.mckinnon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

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.