Many honest and hard working people are associated with the project at Point Deroche. They are often confronted with misinformed criticism about the project. The majority of the criticism is based on false information about the new rock-slope shore protection and house construction project. The aim of this website is to provide factual information to the public.

The view, held among a vocal minority, that public access has been obstructed, is a serious charge. The developers of the property agree that the public has a right to be outraged at the blockage of a public beach, even if not many people routinely venture to the area in question (the house at Point Deroche is remote, requiring a round trip walk of 7km from Blooming Point).

We do not like to see people misled. We believe that if the public has an opportunity to review the facts, they will be empowered to make their own independent judgement on the principle accusation: have the new owners at Point Deroche blocked the beach?

We Admire the Spirit of the Grassroots Campaign

While we disagree with many of the incorrect claims, we do admire the well co-ordinated publicity campaign. The campaign shows great civic pride and commitment to environmental ideals, many of which should be widely held views by all those who love Prince Edward Island. It is regrettable that much of the focus of this grassroots movement is expended on the false notion that beach access has been newly blocked. Nevertheless, concerned citizens have proven that a small but committed group can exercise a form of “minority rule” by having their opinions dominate the mainstream view, and thusly, influence public policy.

We do not believe that protecting one’s property and protecting the environment are incompatible. We love the shorelines of PEI just as you do, and we want to protect the property, just as most people would if they owned an oceanfront property threatened by erosion. In our case, we did not have to make the difficult initial decision to build shoreline protection as there was already a seawall in this location for decades - we have replaced the old seawall built by the original property owner with better engineered, natural rock-slope shore protection. Had the neighbouring land owners also chosen to protect their shoreline at the same time in the 1990s, the shoreline would be more uniform in appearance in this area. Cooperation among neighbouring property owners installing shoreline protection may be an important factor to optimally manage erosion in oceanfront communities going forwards.

We do not know if the current regulations on shorefront development and protection are sufficient to strike the correct balance between environmental concerns and the rights of property owners. But if this campaign can help facilitate a conversation among all stakeholders on the best path forward for PEI, that would be a positive outcome. If it is the will of the islanders, I expect they will see some of the principle ideas of this movement reflected in future legislation.

What Troubles us about the Grassroots Campaign

Respectful discourse is a hallmark of functioning society. We have received some letters and emails of complaint. All of these communications centre around the accusation that we have blocked the beach. We greatly respect the majority of citizens who, while we believe incorrect in their view that we have blocked the beach, shared their objections in a civilized manner.

Unfortunately, we have also received threats against the property and suggestions of worse. While these threatening communications are in the minority, they are concerning. As a result, security systems have been installed.

There has been numerous cases of trespass on the private laneway to the site. We kindly ask that our privacy be respected.

Thank You

We would like to acknowledge the individuals who recognize the seaward footprint of the new rock-slope shore protection is no larger than the old, and have quietly expressed their indignation at the spread of misinformation to the contrary.

Parting Thoughts

Social media can play a dangerous role amplifying false information. We know it is hard for people to accept new information that contradicts strongly held prior opinions, even when the new information is credible and may invalidate previously held assumptions.

The original Islander-resident owner built a large seawall to protect this property around 30 years ago. The seawall protected the property from the erosion that has gradually taken a toll on the shoreline of the neighbouring properties. As a result of erosion on the adjacent properties, beach access has been increasingly compromised in this location for decades. There was no apparent outrage in years past.

We leave it to the reader to decide if the new property owners have “blocked the beach” or, rather, have made passage safer, and more accessible, relative to the old seawall that existed before for decades.

FAQ