The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority's Water and Planning Manager told Bluewater councillors last night there are a significant number of buildings situated within what is considered an unstable area at the top of the bluffs.
Alec Scott explains they're talking about an area from Grand Bend north to about half way between Bayfield and Goderich where the bluffs drop off significantly.
Scott says they looked at buildings within five, ten and fifteen metres of the top of the bank and found that within fifteen metres there are 380 dwelling units and 205 accessory buildings.
Scott adds some of those are in areas where the erosion rate is very low but also points out because of higher lake levels the rate of erosion generally is increasing.
The Conservation Authority recommended conducting a study to see how great the risk might be and in what areas and advising shoreline property owners of the risks and what can be done to mitigate those risks.
Scott suggests things like encouraging vegetation along the top of the bluffs and leaving existing trees where they are.
Council decided most property owners along the shoreline are already aware of the risks and there was no need to do anything at this time.
