The protection of the Chignecto Isthmus is on track for completion in 2035. That’s right around the same time that an astronomical tidal cycle hits its peak, increasing the chance a storm surge will cause flooding in the valuable corridor and neighbouring communities.
Astronomical cycle means higher high tides expected until mid-2030s
Erica Butler · CBC News
· Posted: Oct 20, 2025 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago
Retired emergency management co-ordinator Mike Johnson recalls Bay of Fundy waves lapping the railway tracks at Aulac in October 2015. (Erica Butler/CBC)
Governments have long known the low-lying Chignecto Isthmus is under threat from climate change.
Officials say the protection of the critical corridor is now underway, scheduled for completion in 10 years.
But during that time, an astronomical cycle is playing out, creating bigger tides in the Bay of Fundy and increasing the vulnerability of the infrastructure and communities on the isthmus.
The 18.6-year-long lunar nodal cycle is one of the many patterns tracked by warning preparedness meteorologist Bob Robichaud, with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
“At any given time, at a high tide in the Bay of Fundy system, there could be some flooding if there is a significant storm creating a storm surge,” says Robichaud. “The vulnerability increases when we reach the peak of that 18-year cycle.”
WATCH | Timing is everything,
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