VIEW OF RICHMOND

It has been an interesting week in Richmond dealing with Hurricane Earl and its aftermath. In the days leading up to Hurricane Earl, the Visitor Information Center in St. Peter’s had a steady flow of visitors coming to inquire where the storm would hit and what areas should they avoid due to the storm. We gave the information we had from The Weather Network and tried to alleviate their concerns as we helped them decide what direction they could take to be out of the worst of the storm. We were busy answering question from visitors on flight and ferry delays and what parks and attractions would be open to see to make the best out of their time here. During the later part of Saturday, the VIC in St. Peter’s had to close due to Earl.

In the aftermath of the storm, we were busy with many of the same questions visitors had before the storm. Visitors who were camping asked what was the situation with the Provincial Parks, were they open or when would they be open, and where were the ones that were open and were there any private campgrounds in the area that they could use instead. Battery Park closed as Hurricane Earl approached and remained closed through Monday due to downed trees and lack of power. The park was still closed on Tuesday with a power outage due to a tree laying on the wires in the park and with no assurance that service would be up and running for Wednesday, campers in the area had to leave much sooner than expected.

We were not the only area suffering problems due to Earl. Parks Canada sent out updates on Monday and Tuesday on services being offered at Fortress Louisbourg, due to a power outage caused by the effects of Earl. As a result of the lack of power, there was a reduction in services at the site on both days, with the site being open to visitors to tour the grounds, the Chapel and the Museum only. The animators were reduced and the restaurants on site were not open. Entrance fees to the Fortress were waved due to the reduction of service for those days. For photos of the effects of Earl in the St. Peter’s area check out my blog at www.tourismspotlight.blogspot.com