Residents evacuate homes along Lake Erie shoreline over potential dike burst
Residents angered over possible financial costs, threaten legal action over road closure
Residents living on Erie Shore Drive have packed their things and are evacuating their homes, ahead of the impending road closure Monday for the foreseeable future over repairs needed to avoid a potential dike burst that could cause widespread flooding.
More than 100 homes and cottages along the dike require repairs, requiring the municipality to close the road for six to eight weeks. Many residents, upset over the financial costs should the road stay closed permanently, are considering legal action.
RELATED: Chatham-Kent council votes to temporarily close part of Erie Shore Drive
Once closed off Monday, residents will not have public access to their property to remove items such as vehicles, but they will be able to reach their homes by water.
The closure, which encompasses from Erieau Road to 18416 Erie Shore Drive, will be shut down until at least April 27. At that time, Chatham-Kent council will be updated with options, which may include a new dike, a new road further back or a complete buyout.
Thumbnail courtesy of Mark Robinson.