Four years since post-tropical storm Fiona wreaked havoc on Prince Edward Island, the resilience of the province’s dune system is evident. The significant storm hit on Sept. 24, 2022, causing power outages, property damage, and destruction to the Island’s forests and coastlines.
On the same day this year, Parks Canada highlighted the “remarkable recovery unfolding along our coastline” on their social media for the P.E.I. National Park, sharing images from 2021, 2022, and 2026.
Kate MacQuarrie, director of Forests, Fish, and Wildlife, expressed optimism about the evolution of the sand dunes in the past few years, emphasizing their resilience. She described the initial damage post-Fiona as resembling a sharp shearing of the dunes.
MacQuarrie noted the absence of searocket, a vital plant for dune growth, on the province’s North Shore initially. However, she observed a substantial increase in searocket presence the following year, attributing this to the plant’s unique adaptations for regeneration.
Winter storms post-Fiona posed a concern for MacQuarrie due to the reduced protective ice cover. Yet, the absence of major storms has allowed for a robust recovery process. She emphasized Islanders’ increased respect for the dunes post-storm and highlighted the significant recovery in many areas, though some regions on the South Shore require more time for restoration.
Overall, MacQuarrie remains positive about the dunes’ future, stating, “We’re going to be OK — 100 per cent, we’re going to be OK.”