A markedly dismal atmosphere engulfed the Maritimes on Wednesday as the region grappled with yet another day devoid of the summer sun. This continued absence of beach-perfect weather marked a disappointing trend in a season that has been significantly blighted by subpar weather conditions.
“I’d say we’ve had our fill of the unending showers. Our summer season has unquestionably suffered,” remarked Terry Smith, the man at the helm of Destination Cape Breton. The disheartening summer season has proven an uphill battle for several practitioners within the tourism trade. Smith attributes this hardship to an unfortunate trifecta of wildfires, flooding, and inflation. However, a glimmer of optimism comes as these business operators set their sights on a potentially prosperous shoulder season.
“There is a tangible sense of anticipation among operators for a robust autumnal season,” Smith observed, “given the two-year blight of the pandemic, they could certainly use all the assistance out there. Our current attention is unwaveringly focused on this prospect.”
Wednesday’s weather phenomena stamped its looming presence over our region with ample rain and extensive thunderstorms, inciting significant flooding along Prospect Road in New Minas, N.S. Concurrently, Greenwich found itself grappling with an inundated Hennigar’s Farm Market and surrounding properties, while nearby, the verges of Sunnyside Road succumbed to water erosion.
The impact of this relentless downpour had palpable ramifications on the operational aspects of Marine Atlantic, forcing the company to modify their maritime timetable significantly. “The most pressing concern which we foresee pertains to the Argentia sailing departing North Sydney” said spokesperson Darrell Mercer, “Given the trajectory of the storm, it seems that it will persist along the Newfoundland coast a while longer.”
Memories of a treacherous past were dredged up for Sydney’s Walter Doue, who endured substantial damage to his home during the Sydney Thanksgiving flood of October 2016. The recent spate of showers served as an unwelcome reminder of these events. Nonetheless, Doue maintains that the city’s efforts in flood mitigation have proven beneficial in helping many individuals to weather the storm. “The addition of berms along the trails has been very fruitful thus far,” he stated.
