The shores of Pelee Island have seen better days - and residents are calling on the province to help.
Breakwalls, roads, and shorelines were swept away by massive waves during last month's storm that ravaged Essex communities off Lake Erie.
Pelee Island took a hit to the tune of $8-million, according to the Essex Region Conservation Authority and another heavy storm could hit this weekend.
If that storm hits hard enough, already weakened breakwalls and dykes could fail and up to 50% of the island might be swallowed up by Lake Erie.
Deputy Mayor Dave Delellis tells CTV Windsor it's hard to relax with more waves slamming the Island's now fragile shorelines without help on the way.
"When you see an 8-ft. sheer cliff of clay out to the lake 6-inches from the road's ash fault base, it's a little scary," he says. "It's going to get worse before it gets better; we really need to address the situation. We need some help, we know Lake Erie and it's bound to happen again, but hopefully we're prepared for it."
Cal Caywood is taking everything in stride, despite his lake-front home taking a beating.
His deck is half gone, the majority of the rocks from his breakwall are sprinkled throughout his property, and the ground around his well was swept away.
"We have a great family and this is a great place to bring our family and spend quality time together," says Caywood. "If Mother Nature wants to kick you in the butt, Mother Nature can and you can stand and watch and hope that nothing really bad happens."
Long-time resident Clayton Walls is about to open Stonehouse 1891 Restaurant and Entertainment Complex on the Island.
He's staying positive, but is still looking to the future.
"All the indicators show it's going to be a great year for tourism on Pelee Island and we're ready for it," he says. "It's not going to really hurt tourism too much this year but obviously if we don't get some shore protection and some help with the roads, in a few years we're going to have a really big problem."
High water levels and northwesterly winds up to 55km/hr this weekend have the potential to create flood conditions along the west shoreline of Pelee Island, according to ERCA.
A flood watch has been issued.
— with files from CTV Windsor's Rich Garton.