Work underway to protect Souris causeway from erosion

Work is being done to prevent erosion and improve shoreline protection along the Souris causeway.

The causeway, which connects Souris West and Souris, is an important route for the area. But erosion on the ocean side has become a serious concern, said Mayor Jo-Anne Dunphy.

"On that side, our sand dunes are disappearing. So that's why it's very important that this work gets done. It's protecting our gateway park. It's protecting the causeway itself coming into Souris. So it's very important work that's being done by the province," she told CBC News.

Dunphy said the province installed two offshore rock reefs a few years ago in the area, which have already made a noticeable difference.

"You can see the difference where the sand is staying. It's not disappearing … The rock formations are definitely saving that part of the beach," she said.

The current project involves adding two armour stone groynes, which are rock structures extending from the shore into the sea to trap sand and prevent erosion. The plan also includes a sandstone rock sill and two sandstone reefs.

"Offshore rock reefs were selected for this project as they work well for the wave action and coastal environment in Souris. These reefs take the energy out of strong waves before they reach the shore, helping to reduce shoreline erosion," the province said in a news release.

The beach and parking lot will be closed during construction, with barricades in place to notify the public. Increased truck traffic is expected, and motorists are advised to use caution in the area.

The work is expected to be completed by March.

Dunphy said the town has been pushing for this work for years, often reaching out to the province with photos and updates about the worsening erosion.

"It's a big relief to have this work done, because we need to save our gateway park. We've invested a lot of money into our gateway park, and the beach itself is, I mean, a huge tourist attraction."

Dunphy said she's seen significant changes in the area over the past decade, with lots of the sand dunes now gone. Efforts were made in the past, like planting marram grass and installing fences, but the erosion continues.

"The beach area is getting really hit hard every time we have a big storm," she said.

The situation has also put the causeway at risk.