Photo Credit:Con Desplanque, Dr. Danika van Proosdij Dept. of Geography MCCAP workshop Feb 2013

Adaptation Options ProtectAccommodateRetreat Assessment & Engineering Crest elevations & slope Erosion & foreshore marsh Marsh body boundaries Factors affecting Vulnerability Subsidence Stormwater drainage (aboiteaux) Existing Legislation Introduction Geographical Setting Climate Change in Fundy Strategic Importance for CC Adaptation

Extensive low lying intertidal environments Dyking history & subsidence Truro Moncton Sackville Amherst Wolfville Windsor Freshwater flooding Other areas: Annapolis valley

predicted relative sea level rise 1.2 – 1.93 m by 2100 (includes increase in tidal amplitude) (Greenberg et al., 2012; Daigle 2011) predicted relative sea level rise 1.2 – 1.93 m by 2100 (includes increase in tidal amplitude) (Greenberg et al., 2012; Daigle 2011) Increased frequency & intensity of storm activity Increased frequency & intensity of storm activity damage to coastal infrastructure damage to coastal infrastructure increased property loss increased property loss increased flood risks & potential loss of life increased flood risks & potential loss of life coastal erosion coastal erosion freshwater flooding & dam failure freshwater flooding & dam failure

Greenburg et al., 2012 RSLR~0.41 – 0.79 m by 2055 Risk of storm surge is therefore predicted to increase

impact depends on tide level water level determines duration cause floods & are destructive SLR will increase storm surge effects dykes have either overtopped or breached on numerous occasions

Source: Webster et al., 2011 Dykes are the second line of defense after coastal wetlands & no longer simply protect agricultural land Over time residential, public and commercial development has taken place on adjacent lands which are now vulnerable to dyke overtopping or breaching. Perceived perception of safety It is estimated that temporary delays caused by flooding on the TransCanada Hwy between NS and NB will halt more than $50M/day of trade ( Webster et al. 2012).

Isolated from tidal flow and new sediment input, the agricultural soils behind the dyke will compact and subside over time. Foreshore marsh however continues to receive sediment & increases in elevation Results in significant difference in elevation in front & behind dyke Net effect = ponding of salt or freshwater flooding & potential blockage (siltation) of aboiteaux structures

one way one way cannot open at high tide cannot open at high tide delay FW drainage delay FW drainage

Truro, NS, March 31, 2003 (Photo Claude Barbeau;