Lincoln, ON – (May 15, 2026) – The Town of Lincoln is taking a major step forward in its long-term strategy to protect residents, infrastructure, and public access along the Lake Ontario shoreline, supported by significant federal investment through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The Government of Canada has committed up to $33.7 million to help advance a phased, future-focused approach to addressing shoreline flooding and erosion.
Building on two Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) studies completed in 2022 and 2023, the Town has identified a series of carefully planned and evidence-based solutions to strengthen shoreline resilience while maintaining safe access for residents and emergency services. The multi-phase initiative spanning close to a decade includes strategic road relocations, shoreline protection works, and critical infrastructure upgrades, with ongoing engagement with area residents continuing to help shape implementation.
Federal funding will support the upgrade of approximately one kilometre of roadway and the relocation of more than three kilometres of roads farther inland, reducing long-term risk from erosion and extreme weather impacts. Nearly three kilometres of shoreline protection measures will also be installed along key roads and parkland, while more than six kilometres of new tree buffer strips will help stabilize vulnerable shoreline areas, reduce erosion, and absorb stormwater runoff.
Together, these investments represent the largest infrastructure investment in Lincoln’s history, but more importantly, this is a deliberate milestone in Lincoln’s broader commitment to building a safer, more resilient waterfront for generations to come.
Quotes
“Lake Ontario is an essential part of the identity, culture and lifestyle of the residents of Lincoln. But climate change is leading to an increased risk of flooding and erosion, threatening to wash away the livelihoods, homes and shoreline that have made up the community for centuries. Through the federal government’s largest investment in Lincoln’s history, we are rebuilding the shoreline so it can provide enduring benefits for years to come.”
~ Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“Ongoing severe weather patterns have posed significant threats to our community, especially in the areas surrounding Lake Ontario. These shoreline protection upgrades will play a crucial role in making Lincoln a safer, more prosperous, and resilient community. By supporting both our natural and built infrastructure, we are not only protecting our environmental assets but also fostering economic development. This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable growth and climate resilience, ensuring a better future for all residents.”
~ Sandra Easton, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln
“This investment reflects a deliberate and forward-looking strategy to protect Lincoln’s shoreline, strengthen critical infrastructure and reduce the long-term risks and costs associated with erosion and extreme weather. By taking a phased and thoughtful approach today, we are helping to minimize future impacts on residents, emergency access and municipal infrastructure. We are pleased to be working in partnership with the federal government to maximize this investment and advance this important work for our community.”
~ Michael Kirkopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Lincoln
Project Background
In 2022 and 2023, The Town of Lincoln completed two Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) studies to develop long-term solutions to address continued flooding and erosion damage along the Lake Ontario shoreline between Thirty Road and Victoria Avenue. High water levels and isolated flooding events since 2017 have eroded the shoreline and damaged the roads along it significantly.
In addition to needing a solution to halt the long-term erosion of the Lake Ontario shoreline, the affected roadways along it provide access to private property as well public viewing areas of the lakefront and as such are critical to maintain to ensure safe access is available for residents, visitors, and emergency services. Together, the EA studies recommended various solutions to remediate areas along the shoreline and either repair or relocate five local roads including Lakeshore Road, Lakeside Drive, Sandy Cove Drive, Thirty Road and Verity Lane.
For more information, visit https://speakuplincoln.ca/LakeshoreShorelineProtection.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230