Peche Island Erosion And Habitat Protection Work Complete

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Three years of work to provide long-term erosion protection for Peche Island are now complete.

The work was undertaken by the city in collaboration with the Essex Region Conservation Authority and saw the creation of natural barriers, in the form of nine sheltering islands and a 600-metre revetment wall, installed in the water along the north and northeast sides of the island aimed at preventing erosion damage and enhancing fish habitat.

Due to strong river currents and heavy wave action from freighters, Peche Island has decreased in area by nearly 17 acres since 1931. Erosion control measures were taken where over 5,605 tonnes of stone and rock were laid along the northeast shoreline to create a 600-metre-long revetment wall, and over 11,785 tonnes of stone and rock were expertly placed on the north side of Peche Island to construct nine offshore sheltering islands, each measuring 50 metres in length. The primary purpose is for erosion control, where the sheltering islands also provide enhancement of fish habitat, particularly for the species-at-risk Northern Madtom.

The project cost approximately $4.5 million and was paid for by a partnership of City, ERCA, and various funding sources.