Erie Shore Drive residents are getting a bit of a break from the high water levels that have heavily damaged shoreline roads and homes.
Average daily water levels on Lake Erie at the beginning of October were around 174.4 metres, which is down about 47 centimetres from last year's daily peak average record.
However, water levels are still 31 centimetres above what would be considered normal for October, according to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA).
"Water levels on Lake Erie peaked in June and are now well into their seasonal decline," said LTVCA Manager of Watershed and Information Services Jason Wintermute. "Forecasts suggest water levels could drop around 13 centimetres by the beginning of November."
On Monday, council passed a staff recommendation to remove the concrete blocks from Erie Shore Drive at an estimated cost of $100,000 for internal labour and rented equipment.
"With lower water levels, the risk of shoreline flooding has decreased," said Wintermute. "With the drop in water levels, near gale force or stronger winds are now required to create the waves that cause flooding along much of the LTVCA shoreline."
However, substantial wind speeds could still create waves that cause flooding, erosion, and shoreline damage in the Erie Shore Drive area.
"While significant flooding has not been seen for several months now down on Erie Shore Drive, this may have more to do with the lighter winds seen over the last few months," said Wintermute. " Flooding along Erie Shore Drive could still occur with sustained winds over 35 kilometres per hour from a southerly direction."
The work along Erie Shore Drive is expected to take place over a two-week period later this month.
The road will return to its previously posted speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour.
