YORK FACTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA ...

Presumably, erosion in front of the Depot advanced again once the stabilization
works were not maintained in the declining years of York Factory.
At left, “Ballast Point”, a section of
shore that still has a concentration of
intentionally placed rocks. At bottom
left, erosion upstream of “Ballast
Point”. At bottom right, the
indication of a stabilized bank
immediately downriver of “Ballast
Point”. (K. Skaftfeld)
Considering these past practices, Parks Canada will investigate the feasibility of
reducing the risk to resources by stopping or slowing down erosion along the bank
of the Hayes River in front of York Factory NHSC for at least 25 years. Stopping or
slowing down erosion must achieve the objective of protecting cultural resources
near to the riverbank, provide a net benefit to site commemorative integrity, and be
environmentally acceptable. A risk-based design approach to riverbank stabilization
is suggested, where the bank would be protected:
• entirely from typical (“sunny day”) erosion processes of wind, wave, tide or
current;
• partially from annual spring thaw and ice jam event; and
• minimally from significant damage that may occur from sporadic extreme
spring thaw and ice jam events.
With bank stabilization, “sunny day” and typical spring thaw erosion should be
negligible. Annual spring thaw events would probably damage the stabilization
works and necessitate annual monitoring and maintenance. Periodic extreme spring
events (reportedly 1-in-15 to 1-in-25 years) would likely cause significant damage
that would necessitate major maintenance or replacement of the stabilization works.
Preferably, stabilization, if feasible, would involve locally available material and
labour rather than massive toe-to-top of slope armouring requiring heavy
equipment and imported materials.
York Factory NHSC Management Plan Page 24