The effects of climate change have already been observed in the Acadian Peninsula, as is the case elsewhere in the province and across the country. Winter air temperature and sea levels have been increasing in the past 30 years.
Flooding has occurred in some communities during major storms, particularly in 2000 and in 2010, whereas in other communities, erosion has forced people to move or is currently posing a threat to homes or roads.
The storms of 2000 and 2010 took place during milder than normal winters, with thinner ice cover to lessen the effect of the waves. In fact, the ice tends to form later in the year.
These changes are not unique to the Acadian Peninsula and have been observed all along the east coast of New Brunswick.
Impacts in our area
Communities in the Acadian Peninsula have already experienced flooding and erosion problems, for example :
- On Miscou Island, the road leading to the famous lighthouse has been damaged twice in recent years.
- On Lamèque Island, erosion has been worrying the residents of Sainte-Marie-Saint-Raphael, Cap-Bateau and Pigeon Hill for several years now. Some residents have resigned themselves to moving. Other residents would like to do so but can’t afford to and therefore experience stress every time a storm hits.
- In Le Goulet, flooding is the main concern of citizens in the municipality, who were severely affected by the storms in 2000 and 2010.
- Shippagan and Pointe-Brulée experienced flooding during the 2010 storms. The very popular Sentier Riavage (boardwalk) was partially damaged.
- In Maisonnette, the Chemin des chalets was threatened by erosion and the wooden boardwalk on the maisonette dune was damaged. The Chemin des chalets has to be repaired each year.
- In Grande-Anse, cliff erosion is a source of concern. The situations of the lighthouse, a tourist icon, and the cemetery are a concern.
- A road in the Val Comeau Provincial Park had to be repaired on several occasions at significant cost.
- The wharfs at Val Comeau and Anse-Bleue were also damaged by the storms along with the Bas-Caraquet wharf and marina.
With the rising sea level, the zones at risk of flooding and erosion will expand. See the section “What can be expected” for projections.
