Construction Set to Begin on Major Hillman Marsh Restoration Project
Leamington - The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and partners including Caldwell First Nation, Canada Water Agency, Province of Ontario, Municipality of Leamington and others are moving forward with Phase 1A construction of the Hillman Marsh Restoration Project, a major climate-adaptation initiative designed to restore the barrier beach and protect one of Ontario’s most significant coastal wetlands from Lake Erie waves, storms and future climate extremes.
Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Leamington is recognized as an Environmentally Significant Area, a Provincially Significant Wetland and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. Its barrier beach was breached in 2020 following record-high water levels, low ice cover, repeated storm impacts, erosion and an interrupted sediment supply. Since then, the open marsh has faced impaired water quality, harsh wave conditions and the loss of much of its submerged aquatic vegetation, tree cover and woody vegetation.
“Hillman Marsh is more than an important wetland. It is part of the lands and waters of Caldwell First Nation’s traditional territory, and its health is deeply connected to the health of our community and future generations,” said Chief Nikki van Oirschot of the Caldwell First Nation. “We have a responsibility to actively steward these lands and waters and to ensure that restoration efforts reflect both the best available science and the traditional knowledge and responsibilities stemming from our relationship with this place. The restoration of the barrier beach is an important step toward protecting this extraordinary ecosystem and all of the species that depend on it. Caldwell is proud to be part of this work and grateful for the collaboration of the many partners who have come together to move this project forward. We look forward to continuing to build on that relationship and to ensuring that Hillman Marsh remains a healthy, resilient place for generations to come.”
Phase 1A will construct the southern half of a barrier rock core, providing immediate shelter to the portion of the marsh most directly affected by the breach. After an anticipated 8-to-12-month settlement period, the core will be covered with sand and supported by future beach planting. Construction will also include a jetty, spur and offshore reefs designed to improve beach stability under climate-informed future conditions if funding becomes available.
The project has been informed by years of research, monitoring and consultation, including guidance from a steering committee of nearly 20 stakeholders and rights holders. Sophisticated modelling tested the proposed design under a wide range of wave and water-level conditions to optimize the design concepts and reduce the estimated construction cost by approximately $3 million.
The barrier work complements wetland restoration underway since 2024. Thousands of plants representing more than 70 native species have already been planted. Together, these efforts are intended to restore aquatic vegetation cover and diversity, improve water quality and wave attenuation, and provide spawning, nursery, feeding and refuge habitat for wildlife.
“This project is an important step toward restoring Hillman Marsh as a healthy, resilient coastal wetland,” said Molly Allaire, Chair, Essex Region Conservation Authority. “Phase 1A will provide immediate protection to the most vulnerable part of the marsh while laying the foundation for long-term restoration.”
The current construction budget is approximately $4 million, and will be implemented over 2 years. ERCA gratefully acknowledges support from the Government of Canada through the Canada Water Agency and from the Province of Ontario.
“Hillman Marsh is such an important part of Leamington and our Lake Erie shoreline,” said Hilda MacDonald, Mayor of Leamington and Warden of Essex County. “We’re incredibly proud to see a restoration project of this significance moving forward right here in our community. This work will help protect this special place, restore important habitat and ensure Hillman Marsh remains resilient for generations to come.”
Subject to future funding, Phase 1B will complete the northern half of the barrier and implement nature-based solutions to slow the retreat of the remaining original barrier beach. A future Phase 2 would add offshore reefs to further dissipate waves and protect the northern half of the restored barrier. The initiative has been identified as one of the largest coastal wetland rehabilitation projects of its kind in Canada.
“Hillman Marsh is a model for the Great Lakes and beyond,” said Veronique Hiriart-Baer, Director General, Freshwater Management Directorate, Canada Water Agency. “This project brings together Indigenous knowledge, science, modelling, engineering and nature-based solutions to create a more resilient marsh – one that can withstand changing lake conditions while supporting healthy wetland habitat.”
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario and governed by local municipalities. Since 1973, it has provided the organization and delivery of local programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.
