Causeway has 80 years before erosion threat analysis finds

Last week, the P.E.I. government held a meeting with residents and local stakeholders to share the findings.

While the analysis notes the causeway is not under immediate threat, it found that two provincially owned properties near the structure are losing about two to three feet of shoreline each year.

The assessment also noted that “hard armouring” — placing rocks or other protective structures along the shoreline — would be the most effective way to mitigate land erosion in the area.

Mayor of Victoria Martin Reuben said he expressed concerns to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure early last year on whether the properties along the road are going to be subject to future issues.

But he worries the province is not moving quickly enough.

"We’re very concerned about that 80-year projection," Reuben said. "It sounded like the province may not be prepared to act too quickly on any kind of coastline mitigation… until much later.

"We should be trying to protect as much of the land between the sea and the road as possible and that would mean, you know, not waiting."

He added that residents shared similar worries and want to see work begin sooner rather than later.

"We really don't want to be waiting until you know, the sea is looking up against the road to be taking action," Reuben said.