Shoreline Protection - Whitby, Ontario

Public Notice

Whitby Harbour Shore Protection – Public comments invited

August 12, 2026 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada must determine whether the proposed Whitby Shore Protection, located in Whitby, Ontario is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Fisheries and Oceans Canada are 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 September 12, 2026 to:

Small Craft Harbours - Ontario & Prairie Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Chris McDermid, Environmental Advisor
501 University Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6
Telephone: 431-335-7530
Email: chris.mcdermid@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

The proposed project

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is proposing to install additional shoreline protection at Whitby Harbour. Clean rip rap stone will be used to repair and extend existing shoreline protection at two locations: the west (marina) side of the Yacht Club breakwater (#301) and the north side of the sawtooth breakwater (#602). A timber frame superstructure adjacent to the Yacht Club breakwater will be removed prior to the rock placement.  The total volume of stone required has not yet been confirmed.

The rip rap will be placed to match the existing shoreline alignment along the breakwater structures. Additional rock will also be placed in an upland swale adjacent to the south end of the Yacht Club parking lot.

Where feasible, mature trees within the project footprint will be relocated. Some shrubs and low-growing vegetation may need to be removed to accommodate the placement of rock.

The work is expected to be completed using heavy equipment, including rock trucks and an excavator operating from shore. Construction is anticipated to take approximately one to two weeks.