A spokesperson for the Maitland Trail Association has asked Huron County council for moral support in addressing some erosion problems along the shore of the Maitland River.
Mike Dawson said the flow in a small channel on the north banks has changed direction slightly.
"There's always been a small channel on the north bank, but over the last number of years, a lot more flow is going through that bank," he said. "As that's establishing a curve there, it just speeds up the flow, increases the erosion and that bank, it's very susceptible to erosion."
Dawson said a consultant has estimated the cost of shielding the entire 250 metres at close to $300,000. But he added the situation is only going to get worse, so it will cost even more to address the problem five or 10 years from now.
Mike Dawson – Maitland Trail Association (photo by Bob Montgomery)
Dawson said they want to spearhead a committee.
"We're just in the early stage of forming a committee of the trail groups, local governments to just see what resources can be brought together, can we apply for grants, what can be done to get working on this in the next year or two, rather than waiting for something nastier to happen," he said.
He asked the county to nominate a councillor or a staff person, or both, to sit on their committee.
County council passed a motion asking that staff prepare a report on the request.
