1st phase of Tuktoyaktuk erosion mitigation project underway

The hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., held a public information meeting this past Monday night to inform residents of upcoming work being done on the community's shoreline as part of an erosion mitigation project.

The project is in its first of two phases.

The first phase aims to protect the shoreline of the community on the Arctic Ocean, and will involve placing rocks along the shore in a strategic manner.

Mayor Erwin Elias says the placement is important to make a long-lasting difference against the waves.

"The intent with that is to armour the shoreline," Elias said. 

Last year, the federal government put more than $53 million toward protecting the community of Tuktoyaktuk from the ongoing effects of climate change and coastal erosion.

Since 1976, there have been efforts to slow down the erosion on the shore from the waves of the Arctic Ocean. The first measures used were called Longard tubes, which were sand-filled synthetic fibre tubes installed along the shore behind the old school.

Sandbags and concrete blocks were also used as part of  the continued efforts to slow down the erosion on the banks of the community.

"In the past they have put rocks in place but they never have by design," said Elias.

Elias said studies have been done and strategic placing of the rocks this time will stand longer than when they were placed before.

Trucks will be hauling the rock from Inuvik for the rest of the winter season, he said. 

"I don't know the exact amount of loads but we are anticipating to have anywhere from ten to 20 trucks hauling the rock from Inuvik right up until the first week of May," he said. 

Phase two of the project will focus on protecting Tuktoyaktuk Island, which protects the harbour alongside the community.

Elias said this will require more rock to be brought to the community next winter.

Elias said Monday's meeting went well, and he was able to answer questions about the work being done this spring on the highway and the shore.

"I think we had a really good turnout; a lot of good questions were brought up. Obviously some concerns like any other project," he said.