Prince Edward Island's oldest cemeteries, some dating back over two centuries, are increasingly at risk due to coastal erosion.Provincial archaeologist Christian Thériault highlighted sites like Panmure Island and St.Andrew’s Point, where landforms have retreated by 30 metres since the 1930s.These cemeteries, established by Scottish settlers in the 1800s, face erosion from storms and rising sea levels.

While measures like 'living shorelines' and sandstone walls have been implemented, officials acknowledge they are only delaying the inevitable.Thériault noted that climate change and extreme weather events like Hurricane Fiona are accelerating erosion, making long-term solutions challenging.Over 300 archaeological sites across the island are affected, with some requiring relocation of remains due to the risk of complete loss.The province urges residents to report findings of bones or artifacts after storms to aid preservation efforts.

This crisis underscores the broader environmental challenges facing coastal communities and the need for adaptive strategies to protect both cultural heritage and infrastructure.