What is the shoreline ?

The shoreline, or bank, is a transition zone between the terrestrial and the aquatic environments. This ribbon of life should ideally be composed of native plants, trees and shrubs. A minimum width of shoreline has been established under the ‘’Politique de protection des rives, du littoral et des plaines inondables’’ of the Québec government: the shoreline must have a width of 10 to 15 meters (depending on the slope), starting at the high water line, going inland. 

The shoreline plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of our waters and providing a healthy natural  habitat for many species, both on land and in the water:

• Elimination of pollutants: The shoreline is an effective barrier against pollution! It forms a vegetation ribbon capable of filtering and purifying the waters that may have been polluted by sediments, fertilizers and pesticides;

• Protection against erosion: The roots of the native vegetation stabilize the soil and intercept surface runoff into the water, preventing erosion problems;

• Protection against water warming:  The shade created by the native vegetation protects against the sun’s warming effects.  It controls the water temperature, thus limiting the proliferation of undesirable aquatic plants and halting the decline of fish sensitive to warmer temperatures;   

• Habitat to a rich and diversified wildlife and vegetation: The shoreline forms a unique ecosystem where life is abundant! It is vital to many living species and organisms who must feed, reproduce, seek shelter…;

The shoreline has a minimum width of 10 metres:

When the slope is inferior to 30 % or ;

When the slope is superior to 30 % and offers an embankment of less than 5 metres. 

The shoreline has a minimum width of 15 metres:

When the slope is continuous and superior to 30% or ;

When the slope is superior to 30 % and offers an embankment of more than 5 metres.