The Changed by Fiona series looked at how the storm changed the island, from the landscape to the farmers
P.E.I. changed for good on September 24, 2022.
Post-tropical storm Fiona, one of the strongest hurricanes in Canadian history, tore through Atlantic Canada, destroying homes and other buildings, cutting power to thousands of people for days, and destroying whole forests and coastlines. Everything changed on PEI because of the storm.
In a four-part series, Nicola MacLeod of the CBC looked at how Fiona affected the island and its people.Changed by Fiona.
Watch the videos made for the series and read the articles that went with them.
1. How Fiona changed the look of the islan
With the start of spring, scientists and biologists are going outside again to look at the damage caused by the post-tropical storm and figure out what will happen next.
As soon as the storm was over, the province focused on making sure the land it managed was safe. They got rid of piles of trash that were in the wrong place and cut down trees that could hurt people before winter came.
Officials are just now starting to turn their attention to planning for the future.
2. How farmers on islands are getting back on their feet better than befor
Almost every part of the island’s farming industry was affected by the storm. Buildings and crops were damaged, land was flooded, and large chunks of coastal farmland were washed away.
Even though it may be hard to find a bright side, farmers and business leaders agree that Fiona taught people how powerful natural disasters can be and how being ready can make a difference.
And the business will never be the same as it was before.
3. Visitors will see a very different side of PEI
The people who run shops, restaurants, hotels, and other tourist spots on Prince Edward Island have worked hard to get ready for the 2023 season. But the landscape has changed since the last time people came.
The storm’s effects, like almost-bare fields where trees used to be and almost-gone dune systems, can’t be hidden from visitors or fixed by painting.
The P.E.I. Tourism Industry Association says that climate and environmental awareness will become big topics for the sector in the future.
4. How Fiona made Islanders differen
The emotional damage caused by Fiona may not be as obvious as the damage to buildings and landscape, but for many people who lived through the storm and the days after it, the emotional toll is still very real.
Some Islanders were without power for weeks, and they also had to deal with unplanned financial burdens, insurance claims for property damage, trouble getting help, and bad cell phone coverage.
Panic when the power goes out, a shiver at the sound of howling wind, and a wave of sadness when a familiar place changes in a way that can’t be fixed These are just a few of the scars Fiona left behind.