Adapting Transportation Infrastructure for Climate Resilience

Safeguarding public infrastructure from erosion and flooding

PEI’s highways, causeways, and provincial parks are vital parts of our communities. We are working to protect this public infrastructure from shoreline erosion and the impacts of climate change. Reinforcing coastlines with sustainable solutions reduces erosion and keeps communities safe. We’re also building bridges higher in anticipation of rising water levels. Strong roads mean reliable travel, and resilient parks are where we gather, explore, and connect with nature. Protecting them means protecting our way of life.

All public infrastructure is assessed for ongoing impacts from erosion and flooding. Continuous monitoring ensures decisions are guided by data and focused on the greatest needs. Completed adaptation projects are also regularly reviewed to confirm that the systems in place remain effective.

By planning ahead, we’re preparing infrastructure to withstand rising seas and changing weather patterns. Resilience is a team effort. We partner with residents, local groups, and other governments to make lasting changes. Our long‑term goal is to build infrastructure that balances safety, sustainability, and enjoyment for generations.

Working with nature on solutions

Shoreline protection and adaptation designs can use nature‑based systems such as rebuilding wetlands, beaches, and sand dunes, along with re-vegetation. They can also include engineering structures like offshore rock reefs and groynes. Restoring natural environments such as beaches and wetlands not only strengthens our coasts but also helps protect vulnerable species including piping plovers, bank swallows, and fish.

Adaption projects completed 

Souris Causeway  

• Four offshore reefs
• Groyne structures
• Re vegetation using marram grass
• Langley wall structure

Panmure Island Causeway  

• Dune restoration including buried stone core
• Marram grass planting
• Sand fencing
• Beach nourishment
• Armour stone installations 

Crowbush Provincial Golf Course  

• Dune restoration including buried stone core
• Marram grass planting
• Sand fencing
• Armour stone installations

Jacques Cartier Provincial Park

• Armour stone installations
• Langley wall structure

Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and West Point Lighthouse

• Eight offshore reefs
• Groyne structure
• Re‑vegetation using marram grass
• Langley wall structure
• Armour stone installations

Basin Head Provincial Park

• Two ‘directional’ groyne structures
• Dune restoration including buried stone core
• Re‑vegetation using marram grass
• Sand fencing

Increasing resiliency of public infrastructure aligns with the State of the Coast Report 2023 policy recommendations and the provincial Climate Adaptation Plan. 

Following the State of the Coast Report’s recommendations, PEI has installed 40 coastal hazard and flood warning signs at 15 locations. French signage will be introduced in spring 2026. The report also recommends nature-based solutions, which are integrated into adaptation projects whenever possible. 

For more information

Email: Kelli.McRae@gov.pe.ca

Phone: 902 368-5221