Baird has designed an innovative nearshore reef to control shoreline erosion at Gibraltar Point on the Toronto Islands. In addition to long-term stability and low maintenance, the design supports the ecological health of nearshore environment and enhances aquatic habitat.

Project Highlights

Gibraltar Point has been eroding for decades at an average rate of about 4 m/year. Baird developed a design for the Gibraltar Point to control its erosion and to prevent further loss of recreational areas and unique habitats. The design involved comprehensive desktop and numerical modelling analysis to understand key erosion and sediment transport processes at Gibraltar Point. Baird evaluated over ten design alternatives involving various coastal structures and sand management approaches to control the erosion at the project site.

Extensive consultations with stakeholders and subsequent cost-benefit and risk analysis resulted in selection of an innovative natural-looking coastal structure, together with sand management that would control erosion of the point and mitigate downdrift shoreline impacts.  The final design includes a nearshore reef that provides wave energy dissipation, mitigates shoreline erosion, and at the same time greatly enhances the fish habitat at Gibraltar Point.