In the fall of 2023, organizations across the north shore of Lake Erie concerned about flooding and erosion, threats to coastal infrastructure, and eroding coastal wetlands started organizing regular meetings to share experiences and consider options to address these challenges. The term ‘Working Group’ was adopted in December 2023 to recognize the growing collaboration.

In February 2024 the Long Point Biosphere Region submitted an application to the Canada Water Agency’s Restoring and Protecting Coastal Areas stream of their Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative on behalf of the Working Group. The application was accepted for funding and the work to develop a North Shore Resilience Action Plan commenced in October 2024. The project embraces the inter-connected nature of the four dimensions of the coast, including social, economic, ecological and physical. Public engagement and consultation will occur continuously throughout the project.

The Working Group includes the following member organizations:

• Municipality of Bayham
• Birds Canada
• Canada Water Agency
• Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Integrated Planning Unit
• Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich
• Kettle Creek Conservation Authority
• Long Point Biosphere Region
• Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
• Township of Malahide
• Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
• Nature Conservancy of Canada
• Norfolk County
• Township of Southwold
• Municipality of West Elgin

The following organizations are observers to the Working Group:

• Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours
• Ministry of Natural Resources
• Ontario Parks, Turkey Point Cluster